Analysis of lower hand wrist flexion and twist of the mallet head in a croquet shot

Type of content
Journal Article
Thesis discipline
Degree name
Publisher
MDPI AG
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Language
Date
2020
Authors
Clarke, Jenny
Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between wrist flexion and the dynamics of the swing of a croquet mallet. Twenty-seven subjects participated in a study which used 3D motion capture equipment along with high-speed and high-definition video to determine if there is a correlation between the lateral twist of a croquet player's swing and the flexion of the wrist during that swing. The study found a significant correlation between the amount of flexion of the wrist from the start of the stroke to the top of the backswing and the twist of the mallet head at the top of the backswing (r = 0.330; p < 0.01). The methodology and findings are relevant to all sports where minimising wrist flexion is favourable for improving the consistency of stroke-making (e.g., golf putting, darts and snooker). Additionally, reducing wrist motion in stroke-making may reduce the incidence of wrist pain and injury in croquet. This second point provides further encouragement for attempting to reduce the amount of wrist flexion during croquet swings.

Description
Citation
Clarke J (2020). Analysis of lower hand wrist flexion and twist of the mallet head in a croquet shot. Applied Sciences. 10(10 Special Issue: Biomechanical Spectrum of Human Sport Performance Ⅱ). 4192-4192.
Keywords
wrist injury, motion capture, croquet, technique analysis, overuse
Ngā upoko tukutuku/Māori subject headings
ANZSRC fields of research
Fields of Research::42 - Health sciences::4207 - Sports science and exercise
Rights
All rights reserved unless otherwise stated