Version 1
: Received: 25 June 2024 / Approved: 25 June 2024 / Online: 26 June 2024 (08:04:14 CEST)
How to cite:
Bourantanis, A.; Nomikos, N.; Wang, W. Biomechanical Insights and Strategic Applications in Ancient Combat Sports: Optimizing Stability, Power and Tactical Advantage. Preprints2024, 2024061796. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202406.1796.v1
Bourantanis, A.; Nomikos, N.; Wang, W. Biomechanical Insights and Strategic Applications in Ancient Combat Sports: Optimizing Stability, Power and Tactical Advantage. Preprints 2024, 2024061796. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202406.1796.v1
Bourantanis, A.; Nomikos, N.; Wang, W. Biomechanical Insights and Strategic Applications in Ancient Combat Sports: Optimizing Stability, Power and Tactical Advantage. Preprints2024, 2024061796. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202406.1796.v1
APA Style
Bourantanis, A., Nomikos, N., & Wang, W. (2024). Biomechanical Insights and Strategic Applications in Ancient Combat Sports: Optimizing Stability, Power and Tactical Advantage. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202406.1796.v1
Chicago/Turabian Style
Bourantanis, A., Nikitas Nomikos and Weijie Wang. 2024 "Biomechanical Insights and Strategic Applications in Ancient Combat Sports: Optimizing Stability, Power and Tactical Advantage" Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202406.1796.v1
Abstract
Background: Though ancient Greece preserves many pictures of combat sports, there is research in terms of biomechanics on the principles of human motion. This research aimed to investigate Pankration postures of ancient Greek athletics, expecting to bridge the gap between historical sports practices and contemporary biomechanical applications. Methods: This study employed computational tools to analyze two images from ancient Greek Pankration, constructing a static multi-segmental model. Anthropometric models simulated postures analogous to those in historical depictions. Analysis estimated joint forces and moments, along with weight distribution and ground reaction forces for these postures. Implications for training and strength development were deduced through integration with modern scientific insights. Moreover, strategic elements of these postures were assessed using game theory to explore their correspondence with contemporary theoretical constructs. Results: The findings indicated that static postures facilitate the development of tendon stiffness, joint stability, and neuromuscular control. In the "readiness" posture, 68% of the athlete's centre of gravity (CoG) was distributed to the hind leg, enhancing stability and power generation, while the front leg promoted agility. Analysis of the kick posture revealed delivery with a dorsiflexed ankle and pronounced heel protrusion.Conclusion: The application of the proposed model suggests that ancient athletes optimized their performance using biomechanical principles, thereby gaining a competitive advantage. This study highlights the value of integrating ancient biomechanical strategies with contemporary athletic training and injury prevention, advocating for a synthesis of historical practices and modern biomechanical analysis in combat sports.
Keywords
: Pankration, Ancient Athletics, Combat Sports, Sports Biomechanics, Static Analysis
Subject
Biology and Life Sciences, Other
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
