The application of modern methods of biomechanics to the evaluation of jumping performance in ancient Greece.
Modern methods of biomechanics are applied to examine some of the outstanding feats of jumping that have been reported in the literature from classical times. It is concluded that these feats could not have been achieved using the current long-jump prescription, with the take-off and landing areas in the same horizontal plane. A possible explanation is that the landing area was some 5.5 m or more below the take-off area. Alternatively, and more plausibly, the jump could have been similar to the modern triple jump.
Ward-Smith
A J
AJ
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UK.
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006115:Greece; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012016:Reference Values; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014142:Track and Field