Biomechanical Exercises and the Kinematics of the Take-off Phase in High Jump

Abstract

           The present study aimed to investigate the effect of biomechanically based specialized exercises on the development of selected kinematic variables during the take-off phase and their relationship to high jump performance among first-year students at the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Wasit University. The researcher employed an experimental approach utilizing equivalent experimental and control groups with pre- and post-testing procedures. A sport-specific training program grounded in contemporary biomechanical principles was implemented to enhance movement efficiency and technical execution during the take-off phase. The study sample consisted of (30) students selected purposively. Motion analysis techniques and video-based biomechanical assessment were utilized to extract the kinematic variables associated with technical performance, including approach velocity, take-off angle, lower-limb joint angles, and center of mass trajectory. The findings revealed statistically significant differences in favor of the experimental group across most kinematic variables and high jump performance outcomes. Furthermore, significant correlational relationships were identified between the efficiency of kinematic variables and improvements in technical performance. The study concluded that specialized biomechanical exercises play a significant role in optimizing take-off mechanics and enhancing performance achievement in the high jump event.