Influence of long-term movement specialization in hurdling on the biokinematic parameters of normal statics of the locomotor system

Aim. The aim of this study is to define the influence of movement specialization in hurdling on the biokinematic parameters of the locomotor system. Materials and Methods. 12 hurdlers of high and highest qualification participated in the study on the condition of voluntary consent. The control group consisted of 30 first year Master's degree students not involved in professional sports. The average age of students is 22.8 ± 0.25 years. The assessment of the biokinematic parameters of the spine, shoulder and pelvic girdles was performed with the help of the mechanized complex 3D-Scanner (Russia). Results. We found out that the hurdlers of the highest qualification are subject to a moderate flatness of the thoracic kyphosis (р ≤ 0.05) and insignificant hypermobility of hip bones (р ≤ 0.05) in the period of basic and special trainings; to the increase in maximum mobility of the bones of the axis over the shoulder at the stages of special training (р ≤ 0.05); to unilateral shortening of m. trapecius, m. levator scapulae, m. quadratus lumborum (р ≤ 0.05 - p ≤ 0.001); to relaxation of m. latissimus dorsi from one side against its tetanic contraction from the other side (р ≤ 0.05); to unilateral shortening of m. obliguus abdommis intemus & m. abdommis eksternus (p ≤ 0.01). Conclusion. Biokinematic data received from hurdlers during the key stages of the preparation based on trainings and competitions allow determining key peculiarities in the functioning of spine structures and passive part of the locomotor system without radiation exposure. It helps to take corrective actions in time in order to save the functional activity of the locomotor system and to maximize hurdlers' potential in the conditions of specific training and competition environment.