Kinetics Study in Parachute Landing Fall Technique by Comparing Professional and Amateur Malaysian Army Parachutists Using Kane’s Method

Abstract

This paper discusses the torque data during Parachute Landing Fall (PLF) activity on the sagittal plane by applying Kane’s method. The value of torque is determined in order to identify the movement of extension and flexion at every joint-segment on the parachutist during landing. Data were obtained from three professional and eighteen amateur parachutists, each with three consecutive landings. Quintic Biomechanics Software v26 was selected to capture motion analysis. The mathematical model for the PLF technique was presented based on a two-link kinematics open chain in a two-dimensional space using Kane’s method. The t-test result showed the p-value of torque at each joint between professionals and amateurs (p ≤ 0.05). According to the torque result, the professional parachutists extended their arm then flexion their elbow, shoulder, hip, knee and the ankle plantar flexion during the foot strike phase. The professional demonstrated a perfect PLF technique by identifying the flexion and extension on each joint segment that was involved during landing activity. The value of torque at each joint segment from professional parachutists may be used as a guideline for amateurs to perform optimal landing and minimise the injury.