The paradigm of the manifestation level of proprioception in triple jumpers-case studies

Abstract

The triple jump is one of the most demanding and complex events in athletics due to its physical and technical requirements. The successful practice of the triple jump event does not only involve the development of the main determinant motor qualities in the performance equation and the continuous improvement of the specific technique, but also the education/development of some perceptual-cognitive components, which isn`t explored enough in the specialized studies. Proprioceptive information plays a very important role in cognitive actions, body image, control of body movements and its segments, balance and coordination, helping into increasing performance. The aim of the research is to determine the paradigm of the level of manifestation of proprioception, that includes balance and agility, in the top national athletes in the triple jump. For this reaserch we performed a series of tests such as Agility test, Static Balance test, Dynamic Vertical Balance test, March in place with open eyes 20 seconds test, March in place with closed eyes 20 seconds test, on a number of eight national top athletes, 1 woman and 7 men, from 16 to 33 years old, specialized in the triple jump event. The results collected can provide a diagnosis of the level at which these skills are manifested in the case of the athletes specialized in triple jump, and an objective premise in the methodological direction of their training, by highlighting the positive and negative aspects, of each, and the differences between them in the lower and upper limbs, aspects that play an important role in individualizing their preparation for better performance in this complex athletic event both technically and physically. For this research we used measuring and evaluation equipment from the laboratory of the Research Center for Human Performance, University of Pitesti, logistics that provides objective information in the direction of our research: Sensamove Mini Board balance platform, Optojump Next motion analysis system and system Witty Sem.