The interaction between the seated shot-putter and their throwing frame

Seated shot-put is an integral part of the Para Athletics programme. Some ambulant and wheelchair athletes can participate in the seated shot-put event, according to their classification. Seated shot-putters throw from a specialist piece of equipment known as a throwing frame. Athletes are required to remain seated at all times throughout the throwing movement.
Currently, the performance of seated shot-putters depends on the throwing technique whilst using a throwing frame. The comprehensive literature review presented in Chapter 3 investigating 26 articles (1999 – 2020) indicated that the development of the throwing technique could only be partially guided by a limited number of articles focusing on kinematic parameters of upper body segments and the shot-put at release. Unfortunately, most of these studies were conducted before fundamental changes of the seated shot-put rules in 2014 decreasing noticeably their relevance in the current context. Consequently, a better understanding of the interaction between the seated athlete and their throwing frame for performance improvement under the current rules is needed.
The overall aim of this research, through three inter-linked studies (Chapters 4, 5 and 6), was to further explore how some technical-related elements of seated shot-put could influence performance. Release variables along with upper body linear kinematics of elite level athletes were explored to determine which variables were most impactful to performance. The purpose was to provide novel and unique biomechanical evidence showing the impact of various seating configurations (e.g. sitting direction and use of holding pole) on performance.
Critical new insights making contextual links between movement theory and practice for seated shot-putters and their coaches were provided. This work created a milestone advancing evidence-based throwing technique regarding seated configuration valuable to athletes and coaches.