Parameter determination for a computer simulation model of a diver and a springboard

J Appl Biomech. 2006 Aug;22(3):167-76. doi: 10.1123/jab.22.3.167.

Abstract

This study used kinematic data on springboard diving performances to estimate viscoelastic parameters of a planar model of a springboard and diver with wobbling masses in the trunk, thigh, and calf segments and spring dampers acting at the heel, ball, and toe of the foot segment. A subject-specific angle-driven eight-segment model was used with an optimization algorithm to determine viscoelastic parameter values by matching simulations to four diving performances. Using the parameters determined from the matching of a single dive in a simulation of another dive resulted in up to 31% difference between simulation and performance, indicating the danger of using too small a set of kinematic data. However, using four dives in a combined matching process to obtain a common set of parameters resulted in a mean difference of 8.6%. Because these four dives included very different rotational requirements, it is anticipated that the combined parameter set can be used with other dives from these two groups.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acceleration
  • Adult
  • Anthropometry / methods*
  • Biomechanical Phenomena / methods*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Diving / physiology*
  • Elasticity
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological*
  • Movement / physiology*
  • Sports Equipment*
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Viscosity