Ground reaction forces and electromyography in a parkour obstacle course : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Sport and Exercise Science at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
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Date
2019
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Massey University
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Abstract
Parkour is a physical discipline that involves athletes, also known as traceurs, using specific skills and
movements to overcome obstacles in an urban environment. A typical parkour landing involves an
ever-changing combination of variables such as speed, agility, and multiple movement skills that in
turn may affect the forces placed on the body. The purpose of the present study was to design a field-
based protocol that measured and compared the forces athletes are exposed to in their natural
training environment. Methods: A parkour specific obstacle course was designed and five experienced
traceurs completed the series of obstacles in succession. Between obstacle comparisons were made
for ground reaction force (GRF), time to maximal ground reaction force (TTP), and rate of force
development (RFD). Additionally, electromyography was assessed to help better describe underlying
mechanisms associated with differences in landing forces. Electrodes were placed bilaterally on the
vastus lateralis (VL), gastrocnemius (GM), and the tibialis anterior (TA) and area (%MVIC) was used to
represent muscle activation. Results: GRF was highest in obstacles with larger drop heights as well as
increased momentum from previous obstacles which includes obstacles 2a-floor, 4-floor, and 2c-floor.
The lowest TTP values were associated with obstacles involving short landing contact time due to
limited space which includes obstacles 3-4, 2c-floor, and 1-floor. RFD was greatest in obstacles 2a-
floor, 3-4, 4-floor, 9-floor, and 2c-floor which all required explosive power upon landing in order to
complete subsequent obstacles. EMG data showed that the GM and VL had greater activation on
obstacles requiring either a change in direction such as 6b-7 and/or a rapid descent such as obstacles
7-8 and 8-floor. TA showed higher activations on obstacle 9-floor and 2b-2c, but activations were
similar across most obstacles. The activation of the TA may be due to its role in eccentrically
contracting during initial foot strike during landing. Conclusion: Due to the dynamic nature of parkour,
athletes are often exposed to a variety of landings which would produce diverse kinetic demands. By
using a parkour specific course, this study provided force data that was a close representation of the
forces traceurs are exposed to in a typical parkour run.
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Keywords
Parkour, Physiological aspects, Ground reaction force (Biomechanics), Electromyography