F. Quaine et al., 3-DIMENSIONAL JOINT MOMENTS ANALYSIS IN A VERTICAL QUADRUPEDAL POSTURE ASSOCIATED WITH A LEG RELEASE, Archives of physiology and biochemistry, 105(2), 1997, pp. 136-143
This study reports on rock climbers biomechanical adjustments followin
g a leg release from a quadrupedal vertical initial stance. Six climbe
rs of international level have been studied. They were asked to mainta
in a quadrupedal posture on artificial holds equipped with strain gaug
es and then to release their right foot. The results show that all the
rock climbers adjust differently the vertical forces and the horizont
al forces on the holds. They distribute the vertical forces over the t
hree remaining holds and the horizontal forces over the controlateral
holds. A quasi-static three-dimensional multi-segment model was used t
o produce the net reaction forces and joint moments at each joint. Mom
ent results enhance the role of the controlateral limbs, particularly
the left leg. The gravity seems to be counteracted at the left knee jo
int, while body balance seems to be managed at the left hip and ankle
joints.