Joint kinematics and work adjustments in adults when learning the kettlebell swing without coaching

Joint kinematics and work adjustments in adults when learning the kettlebell swing without coaching

Presenter(s)

Cian J. Callahan

Description

The Kettlebell swing is a complex, full-body exercise and can be difficult to perform correctly without coaching. This study aimed to assess the ankle, knee, and hip kinematic and kinetic adjustments with short-term practice, as evaluated by joint angles and joint work, in young adults when practicing the kettlebell swing without individualized external feedback. This evaluation would assist the development of effective and safe video instruction tools.Our experiment was conducted by having twelve young adults (7F/5M, 22.62 (2.04) years), with no prior practice of the exercise, perform three sets of 20 repetitions of the kettlebell swing. Their only instruction was from a freely available online video of a skilled individual performing the kettlebell swing and providing verbal instructions. Subjects then performed three sets of 20 repetitions each day for the following three days. On the fifth day, they were retested. Joint flexion and extension data was collected using a motion capture system by placing markers on the hips, thighs, knees, calves, and feet. The force acting on the body was assessed using a force plate.The results showed young adults made minimal adjustments of the ankle, knee, and hips joints from no practice to short term practice. At the start position, the knee and hip joints were less flexed during the short-term session compared to the no practice session. Furthermore, total lower body work and hip joint work decreased between sessions. Our results highlight the general tendencies of young adults to reduce lower body flexion and work less when learning the kettlebell swing through self-directed methods. These findings provide guidance to improve the potential effectiveness of instructional videos by highlighting the need for coaching cues focused on further flexing the hip joint at the start position and thrusting the hips forward throughout the upward swing.

Publication Date

4-22-2021

Project Designation

Independent Research

Primary Advisor

Joaquin A. Barrios, Matthew J. Beerse, Gerry J. Gallo

Primary Advisor's Department

Health and Sport Science

Keywords

Stander Symposium project, School of Education and Health Sciences

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Good Health and Well-Being

Joint kinematics and work adjustments in adults when learning the kettlebell swing without coaching

Share

COinS