Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-2025
Publisher
Frontiers Media S.A.
Source Publication
Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
Source ISSN
2624-9367
Abstract
Introduction: To enhance release velocity during competition, javelin throwers incorporate implements of varying mass into their training regimens. Previous research has demonstrated that, although velocity contributes quadratically to the computation of kinetic energy, heavier implements generate substantially greater kinetic energy at the moment of release, despite markedly lower release velocities. The primary objective of the present investigation was to analyze energy transfer within the throwing arm to gain deeper insight into the biomechanical mechanisms underlying the use of implements with different masses.
Methods: The three-dimensional coordinates of 16 reflective markers were recorded for 6 athletes during throws using 6 different implement masses, using 12 infrared cameras. Based on this kinematic data, segmental energy transfer was estimated via inverse dynamics using a multi-body modeling approach. Subsequent comparisons were conducted using nonlinear temporal registration and statistical non-parametric mapping.
Results: The results indicate that energy flow at the shoulder joint remains largely consistent across implements of varying mass. However, significant differences in energy transfer were observed at the more distal joints.
Discussion: The findings suggest that the increased kinetic energy observed with heavier implements arises from an internal redistribution of energy within the throwing arm, rather than from greater overall energy input. Consequently, improvements in release velocity associated with lighter or heavier implements are likely attributable to mechanisms other than modifications in energy flow dynamics.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Köhler, Hans-Peter; Kipp, Kristof; Prvulović, Nikola; and Witt, Maren, "Energy Flow Differences in Throwing Arm Joints Between Javelin and Weighted Balls in Male Javelin Throwers" (2025). Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications. 248.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/exsci_fac/248
ADA Accessible Version
Comments
Published version.
Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, Vol. 7 (2025): 1650684. DOI. This article is © 2025 Köhler, Kipp, Prvulović and Witt. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.