Thesis (Ed.M.)--Boston University / PLEASE NOTE: Boston University Libraries did not receive an Authorization To Manage form for this thesis or dissertation. It is therefore not openly accessible, though it may be available by request. If you are the author or principal advisor of this work and would like to request open access for it, please contact us at open-help@bu.edu. Thank you. / 2031-01-01

Thesis (MPhysio)--University of South Australia, 1998

Thesis (D.PT.)--Sage Colleges, 2009. / "May 2009." "A Capstone project for PTY 768 presented to the Faculty of the Department of Physical Therapy Sage Graduate School in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Physical Therapy." Includes bibliographical references.

The performance of dynamic jumps is the result of complex interactions between many factors, including preflight characteristics, muscle strength and activation timings, and the elastic properties of external contact surfaces. The aim of this study was to determine the contributions of these factors to the performance of dynamic jumps and to gain a greater understanding of the underlying mechanics. Theoretical computer simulation models were developed incorporating muscle representations and elastic interfaces between the model and the external contact surfaces for vaulting and tumbling takeoffs in gymnastics. The simulation models were customised to represent the elite male gymnast analysed in this study by calculating subject specific inertia and muscle parameters from experimental testing with the gymnast. The simulation models were evaluated by comparing simulations of each movement with actual vaulting and tumbling performances by the elite male gymnast and then used to quantify the contributions to vaulting and tumbling performance. The characteristics of the preflight were found to have a major influence on both vaulting and tumbling performance, In addition, for tumbling, the takeoff strategy (activation timings of the muscles) was also crucial, with it being possible to produce a range of postflight performances by just changing the strategy used during the takeoff. Vaulting and tumbling performances were found to be relatively insensitive to changes (within realistic limits) in the elastic nature of the contact surfaces and for vaulting the elasticity of the shoulder joint had a considerable effect on performance. In addition the use of the hand/foot was found to prolong the duration of contact with an external surface.

A computer simulation model of the table contact phase of gymnastics vaulting was developed to gain an understanding of the mechanics of this phase of the vault. The model incorporated a gymnast and a vaulting table, and used a novel two-state contact phase representation to simulate the interaction between these two bodies during the table contact phase. The gymnast was modelled in planar form using seven segments, with torque generators acting at the wrist, shoulder, hip and knee joints. The model also allowed for shoulder retraction and protraction, displacement of the glenohumeral joint centre and flexion/extension of the fingers. The table was modelled as a single rigid body that could rotate. The model was personalised to an elite gymnast so that simulation outputs could be compared with the gymnast's performance. Kinematic data of vaulting performances were obtained using a optoelectronic motion capture system. Maximal voluntary joint torques were also measured using an isovelocity dynamometer, and a torque - angle - angular velocity relationship was used to relate joint torques to joint angles and angular velocities. A set of model system parameters was determined using a gymnast-specific angle-driven model by matching four simulations to their respective performances concurrently. The resulting parameters were evaluated using two independent trials, and found to be applicable to handspring entry vaults. The torque-driven model was successfully evaluated, and shown to produce realistic movements, with mean overall differences between simulations and recorded performances of 2.5% and 8.6% for two different handspring entry vaults. The model was applied to further understanding of the mechanics of the table contact phase of gymnastics vaulting. Optimisation showed that there was limited potential (1.3%) for the gymnast to improve performance through technique changes during the table contact phase. However, with additional changes in configuration at table contact post-flight rotation could be increased by 9.8% and post-flight height could be increased by 0.14m. Angular momentum was found to always decrease during the table contact phase of the vault, although the reductions were less when maximising post-flight rotation.

The pole vault is an event performed in track and field athletics wherein the athlete, with the aid of a pole 14 and 15 feet in length, attempts to clear a crossbar resting on two pegs supported by two standards. The standards, or uprights, are placed not less than 12 feet nor more than 13 feet apart. The vaulter cushions his fall in a pit filled with shavings. The object of the event is to vault higher than your competitors. The purpose of this study is to trace the progress made in the pole vault since man first learned to propel himself upward with the aid of a pole; and to give a year by year account of the best vaults made since the first years of competition. This study will also present the evolution of techniques employed in pole vaulting, the equipment changes, and the extent of their influence on the progress made in the records of this sport.

This thesis uses the lens of building technology to examine cultural exchange and its relationship to the building crafts. By focusing on masonry vaulting in India, my research brings together two worlds – one that shines light on the variety of innovative masonry shell construction techniques that exist in the county and another that seeks to evaluate the scope of tile vaulting, an over 600-year old Mediterranean building technique, within India’s evolving building crafts culture. This thesis is organized in three parts: PART ONE Tile Vaulting and Relevance Today | A Brief History of Masonry Shells in India Part one introduces tile vaulting’s unique principles compared to other vaulting traditions while contextualizing its relevance to present day India. A survey of varied masonry vaulting techniques and modules, endemic and imported, practiced across India is presented against the backdrop of what is a predominantly reinforced concrete-based construction industry. PART TWO Modules, Methods and Motivations The second part of this research comprises case studies that include some of India’s most iconic buildings such as the Villa Sarabhai by Le Corbusier, the National Institute of Design by Gautam Sarabhai and Sangath by B.V. Doshi, each of which employed innovative construction techniques for its vaults. The production and use of the enigmatic ceramic fuses in India is examined for the first time alongside their indigenous cousins: burnt clay tubes. Together with Muzaffarnagar vaulting, the case studies reveal cultural motivations for architectural expression and production in postcolonial India. PART THREE Prototypes | Comparatives | Limitations & Extension of Research Part three presents five tile vaulting prototypes in India constructed with local artisans to gain understanding of its cultural reception, assess effective transfer of skills and potential internalisation. Recommendations for tile vaulting’s potential uptake into mainstream architectural production is evaluated by comparing findings against prevalent building methods and by contextualizing current architectural trends and social policy. Limitations and scope for extension of research are also discussed.