Surface measured accelerations during cricket fast-bowling

Abstract

The aim of this research was to quantify the magnitude and timing of surface measured accelerations during the fast-bowling action. Eleven males performed 6 maximum velocity deliveries with accelerometers positioned over: both ankles; knees; hips; L5; L1; and the C7 vertebrae. Accelerometer signals exhibited decreased peak and increased time to peak acceleration from the ankle to the C7 sensor. Even when distal accelerations were largest at front foot contact, the body was still able to dissipate more than 90% of the acceleration. Active and passive mechanisms such as joint compliance and spinal compression within the body therefore likely contribute to the progressive attenuation of accelerations. The effects of such compliance on investigations of the intersegmental forces and moments during cricket fast-bowling via inverse dynamics warrants further investigation.