Kinematic Characteristics of the Non-Throwing Arm During the Completion Phase of the Glide Shot Put in Elite Female Athletes: A Case Study

Abstract

Background: This study analyzes the biomechanical contributions of the non-throwing arm during the completion phase of the glide shot put technique, focusing on its roles in performance optimization. Methods: Data from a Chinese elite female shot-putter were collected during a national championship, with three-dimensional kinematic analyses and Spearman correlation to assess joint displacement, velocity, and angular changes. Results: Distal joints of the non-throwing arm exhibited greater displacement but lower peak velocity than proximal joints. Angular changes showed a flexion trend in the elbow and shoulder, with brief extension phases in the elbow. During the completion phase, the shoulder velocity of the non-throwing arm positively correlated with shot put velocity (rs = 0.72, p < 0.05) but negatively correlated with the velocity of the elbow (rs = −0.46, p < 0.05), wrist (rs = −0.41, p < 0.05), and center of mass (rs = −0.66, p < 0.05). The elbow velocity positively correlated with shot put velocity (rs = 0.56, p < 0.05) but negatively correlated with velocities of the shoulder (rs = −0.59, p < 0.05), wrist (rs = −0.79, p < 0.05), and center of mass (rs = −0.91, p < 0.05). Wrist velocity exhibited similar correlations. Conclusions: These findings underscore the active role of the non-throwing arm in enhancing shot put performance by influencing the center of mass movement, rotational mechanics, and energy transfer, providing actionable guidance for elite training optimization.