Biomechanical properties of the discus throw: analytical case study of the Paralympic record holder in the F33 category

Heliyon. 2022 Nov 26;8(12):e11926. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11926. eCollection 2022 Dec.

Abstract

Purpose: The study aims to determine the kinematic and kinetic characteristics of the discus throwing competition for the Paralympic record holder in the F33 category, the champion Hani Al-Nakhli, silver medalist in the London 2012 Paralympic and the World Champion in the discus throw (height: 1.71 m, weight: 96 kg, age: 35 years, training age: 14 years).

Methods: The player's performance was photographed during a training session in the middle of the competitive phase of the 2021/2022 season using three GoPro Hero 6 cameras, each set at a frame rate of 60fps. A video-based motion and skill analysis tool for Windows was used to choose the best approach for creating a 3D biomechanical analysis.

Results: The values of the Paralympic champion were presented and discussed, and the researchers improved the player's ability to work-increasing the acceleration distance of the disc by up to 1.85 m with an acceleration within a period of 0.40 s. Thus, high-speed rates of up to 16.77 m s-1 was achieved during the launch, with the disposal of the disc at an angle of clearance of 37° and a starting height of 1.36 m, resulting in 27 m. The values of the kinetic analysis represented the need to increase the tangential potential energy of the body by 1884 J during disposal while increasing the tangential kinetic energy of the body by a value of 9.93 J. This is achieved by increasing the rotational kinetic energy of the body of the player to reach high achievement distances for class F33. It is recommended to use the results of the variables in the training process to prepare champions for the discus throwing competition.

Keywords: Biomechanical analysis; Discus throw; F33; Kinematic; Kinetic; Paralympic; Saudi Arabia.