Apostolos Theodorou

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• PhD
• Professor (Associate) at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

Abstract We examine the presence of visually regulated control in young, novice long jumpers as they approach the takeoff board. The approach run of 27 novice jumpers (age 12-13 years) practising jump training for a short period was video-recorded during competition. Findings revealed that young, novice participants adjust the length of the final s...

The purpose of the study was to investigate possible changes at step pattern and technical performance of the long jump approach run in seven young long jumpers by modifying the performance environment (long jump runway vs track lane) and the nested actions (run through with takeoff vs complete long jump). Our findings suggest that the step pattern...

The aim of this study was to investigate the relative influence of step length (SL) and step frequency (SF) on step velocity (SV) during the approach run of high-level long jumpers and to quantify the asymmetry of these step characteristics. Spatiotemporal data of the approach run were collected during national competition from 10 long jumpers (age...

The purpose of the study was to examine gender differences of approach run kinematics and step parameters asymmetry. The attempts of 24 pole vaulters (11 males, 13 females) during a major indoor competition were examined. Step length, frequency and average velocity of the last eight steps were calculated using spa-tiotemporal data acquired with pan...

The aim of this study was to investigate if a visible target for the hurdle take-off would influence the onset of visual regulation and hurdle kinematics during the approach run. Ten elite male gymnasts (age 23.4 ± 4.9 years, height 1.68 ± 0.06 m, mass 63.3 ± 6.2 kg) performed six handspring vaults with a full approach run under two controlled cond...

The approach run is a fundamental precondition for successful vault performance, as it enables the gymnast to develop maximum controlled horizontal velocity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the length, frequency, and velocity of steps during the run-up phase (approach run) in the execution of the handspring vault on the vaulting table....

Citation: García-Fresneda, A.; Panoutsakopoulos, V.; Kotzamanidou, M.C.; Padullés Riu, J.-M.; Torralba Jordán, M.A.; López-del Amo, J.L.; Padullés, X.; Athanasakis, P.; Exell, T.A.; Theodorou, A.S. Triple Jump Abstract: Background/Objectives: The triple jump is included in the Paralympic Athletics competition. The aim of the research was to examine...

Recently, a variety of technical approaches in world-class pole-vaulters’ behaviour have been observed. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of subgroups using different technical approaches and to compare biomechanical performance differences. Biomechanical analysis of performances over 5.00 metres from 99 athletes were clustered...

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inter-limb asymmetry in the kinematic parameters of the approach run in elite-level female Class T63/T64 long jumpers and its relationship to performance. Three Class T63 and nine Class T64 female long jumpers were examined during a competition. The temporal and kinematic parameters of their approach st...

Bilateral asymmetry has been the focus of attention for its part in the biomechanics of sprint running. Research (Theodorou et al., 2017, Journal of Sport Sciences, 35, 346-354) has reported individual asymmetry profiles for step length (SL) and step frequency (SF) in long jumpers favouring a different limb for each step variable, but eventually re...

This literature review focuses on the role of ecological dynamics as the theoretical background for analyzing athletic performance. Ecological dynamics derive from the synthesis of the theories of ecological psychology, dynamic systems, and complexity sciences. In an ecological psychology framework, the regulation of human behavior is based on the...

Aim of the study was to examine the possible differences kinematic parameters of the foot placement and takeoff technique between successful and failed attempts in the frontal plane. Eleven top level European pole vaulters (age: 26.1 ± 3.9 yrs, height: 1.84 ± 0.05 m, mass: 77.5 ± 8.2 kg, personal best: 5.90 ± 0.10 m) were recorded with a high-speed...

The purpose of the study was to identify the interaction of step characteristics, along with the direction and magnitude of their asymmetry of elite male and female pole vaulters between successful and failed attempts. It was hypothesized that step characteristics and the magnitude of asymmetry between the two legs would interact with the outcome o...

Background: this study aimed to develop an observational tool for analyzing wheelchair basketball (WB) actions based on the sport’s functional classification, while also assessing its validity and reliability psychometric properties. Methods: utilizing observational methodology, an ad hoc observation instrument (SOCTOD-BSR) was created by observing...

87-Retos, número 49, 2023 (3º trimestre) Elaboración, validez de contenido y fiabilidad del instrumento de observación SOCTOD-BSR para el análisis de acciones en baloncesto en silla de ruedas Development, content validity and reliability of the SOCTOD-BSR observation instrument for analysing actions in wheelchair basketball Resumen. Antecedentes: e...

The study assessed the manifestation of a regulated locomotion pattern while clearing the first two hurdles during running. In addition, the effect of a hurdles’ learning design, using specific activities and manipulated task constraints, on regulation strategies and kinematic reorganization was examined. Pre- and post-tests were conducted. Twenty-...

The purpose of this study was to investigate the competitive state anxiety and self-confidence on artistic gymnasts participating in the Greek national competition. 84 gymnasts, aged 9 – 11 years, completed the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2, one hour before the competition. The gymnasts, based on the total score they have received in all-ar...

Jumping ability in basketball is usually assessed using standardized vertical jump tests. However, they lack specificity and do not consider the player’s basketball skills. Several studies have suggested performing specific jump tests, which are tailored to the movement patterns and requirements of a basketball game. The pivot step jump test (PSJT)...

Long jump has been extensively used in the investigation of perception-action coupling. The restraints imposed by the tasks nested at the take-off board compel skilled long jumpers to adjust the length of the final 4-5 steps of the run-up based on visual input informing about time-to-arrival. This exploratory study examined the visual regulation pa...

Purpose Performing effective actions requires the basketball player to balance factors such as motor variability, error minimalization and a complex sequence of coordination to determine the best action. Aim of study. The aim of the study was to differentiate the strength of the muscles of the index and middle fingers when performing a basketball s...

The study examined to what extent the manipulation of hurdle height (0.76-m hurdle, low hurdle 0.50 m, and white stripe) would affect visual regulation strategies and kinematic reorganization when approaching the first hurdle. In addition, the impact of constraints as a training tool in terms of creating movement patterns functional for and represe...

Step regulation is a process that allows athletes to successfully negotiate dynamic interceptive actions in target directed locomotion like the pole vault, where athletes need to accurately plant the pole and place the take-off foot with the highest manageable velocity. The purpose of the study was to investigate the presence of visual regulation i...

Introduction and Purpose: Gender differences are present in performance (SEFF), approach-run speed (VAPP) and accuracy (TTB) of elite able-bodied long jumpers. The purpose of the study was to examine if the same differences apply between male and female long jumpers with lower extremity amputation. Material and Methods: The approach run of the long...

Introduction and Purpose: Gender differences are present in performance (SEFF), approach-run speed (VAPP) and accuracy (TTB) of elite able-bodied long jumpers. The purpose of the study was to examine if the same differences apply between male and female long jumpers with lower extremity amputation. Material and Methods: The approach run of the long...

Purpose Performing effective actions requires the basketball player to balance factors such as motor variability, error minimalization and a complex sequence of coordination to determine the best action. Aim of study. The aim of the study was to differentiate the strength of the muscles of the index and middle fingers when performing a basketball s...

The purpose of this study was to examine the approach speed (VAPP), the characteristics of the last three steps and the accuracy of foot placement at the take-off board (TTB) in T36 Paralympic long jumpers. Nine male finalists in the Class T36 long jump event in the 2012 London Paralympics were analyzed using high speed video cameras and a speed ra...

The purpose of this study was to examine the approach speed (VAPP), the characteristics of the last three steps and the accuracy of foot placement at the takeoff board (TTB) in T36 Paralympic long jumpers. Nine male finalists in the T36 Class long jump event who competed at the 2012 London Paralympics were analyzed using high speed video cameras an...

Sprinting and dribbling a ball are considered essential for success in team sports, such as soccer. The purpose of the present study was to examine straight line (SL) and changes of direction (COD) sprinting and dribbling abilities after a standing and a flying starting position. Twelve amateur U12 male soccer players participated in the study. The...

The purpose of the present study was to assess hurdle kinematics of young athletes when clearing the first two hurdles (0.76 m height) of a simulated hurdle race. Participants run the distance from the starting line to the 2 nd hurdle. All trials were video recorded in order to evaluate specific kinematic variables related to hurdle clearance motio...

This study aimed to investigate approach run kinematics using an upper limb prosthesis. A European Τ47 long-and triple-jump champion with right upper-limb congenital deficiency was analyzed in simulated approach run-ups wearing prosthesis (PW) or not (NP). Two attempts in each condition were recorded (300 fps). Step characteristics and kinematic pa...

The purpose of the present study was to present a report of the biomechanical analysis of the winner of the Women's Long Jump in the 2017 European Indoor Championships held in Belgrade, Serbia. All attempts of the examined jumper (age: 26.8 years; height: 1.76 m; mass: 65 kg), who won the competition with an official distance of 7.24 m, were record...

Despite the asymmetrical explosive movement of the take-offs, few occurrences of significant asymmetry in step kinematics have been reported during the approach phase of the track and field jumps. The purpose of the present study was to examine if the asymmetrical demands of the triple jump lead to possible asymmetry in the approach run. National l...

The 60 m hurdles (60 mH) is an indoor track and field event that is also a discipline of the men’s heptathlon (HEPTm) and women’s pentathlon (PENTw) indoor combined events (CBE). The aim of the study was to investigate possible gender, event-specific and hurdle unit differences using time analysis data of elite-level competitors. The athletes compe...

The purpose of this study was to define the variables typifying the long jump approach run phase in paralympic-level male amputees. The sample comprised of the eleven (4 transtibial, 5 transfemoral and 2 single below-the-knee amputees). The parameters analysed were: official distance, toe-to-board distance, effective distance, stride contact time,...

This study investigated biomechanical differences between successful and unsuccessful jumps during a pole vault competition. Two hundred and seven pairs of successful and unsuccessful jumps at the same height were analysed. Participants included male and female athletes of three different age groups with bar height clearances ranging from 2.81 to 5...

As the effect of performance level on sprinting mechanics has not been fully studied, we examined mechanical differences at maximal running speed (MRS) over a straight-line 35 m sprint amongst sprinters of different performance levels. Fifty male track and field sprinters, divided in Slow, Medium and Fast groups (MRS: 7.67 ± 0.27 m∙s⁻¹, 8.44 ± 0.22...

60m hurdles race (60mH) is an athletics event held in indoor track and field events. In addition, it is an event included in the combined events of indoor athletics (heptathlon, pentathlon). The time analysis of the separate segments of the event provides information about the technical execution and the speed development during the race. It has be...

Rowing ergometers are considered to simulate the rowing movement and are a widely used mode of training in rowing. Pacing strategies have significant effects on performance and it is suggested that variations in pace may be detrimental to performance (Garland, 2005, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 39, 39–42). Previous research suggested that bi...

Hurdle step is the transitional phase between the gymnasts’ run-up and the springboard, with the constraint of adjusting sprinting body position to one from which they can initiate takeoff without losses in velocity (Hay, J.G., 1978, The biomechanics of sports techniques (second edition) (pp. 279–329). Englewood Cliffs NJ: Prentice-Hall). The purpo...

Lower-extremity strength ratios of professional Greek soccer players A follow-up study during in-season OBJECTIVE Assessment of the differences in isokinetic concentric strength of the knee extensors and flexors in soccer players measured before the end of the season (April) in the years 2013 and 2014. METHOD Measurements were made in the April of...

OBJECTIVE Assessment of the differences in isokinetic concentric strength of the knee extensors and flexors in soccer players measured before the end of the season (April) in the years 2013 and 2014. METHOD Measurements were made in the April of 2013 and 2014 in 13 professional soccer players of hamstring (H) and quadriceps (Q) peak torque-ratio (P...

The purpose of this study was to investigate step characteristics of high level pole vaulters during failed and successful jumps in terms of: a) the direction and magnitude of asymmetry between the pole carrying (PC) and non-pole carrying (NPC) foot and b) the reliance of step velocity (SV) on either step frequency (SF) or step length (SL). Eight m...

Background: Research on gender differences of elite long jumpers in competition, although limited, provides useful information concerning the execution of the technique elements of the event. Objective: The purpose of the study was to explore possible gender differences of the spatiotemporal parameters and their development during the last steps o...

Hurdle time analysis provides information regarding the technical effectiveness and the speed development through the event (Tsiokanos et al., 2002). The specification of the hurdle clearance technique was suggested to differentiate performance between hurdlers and decathletes (Kuitunen et al., 2007). The purpose of the present study was to compare...

Because of the complex and strenuous nature of the event, it is of interest to examine the gender differences of triple jump biomechanics. However, only a limited number of researchers have looked at such differences in most determinants of performance. In this study of the male and female competitors at the 2017 European Athletics Indoor champions...

The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of creatine (Cr) supplementation on anaerobic performance when ingesting creatine and carbohydrates (CHO) together. Twenty male physical education students comprised the two experimental (CR and CRCHO) and one control (CON) groups of the study. All groups performed three 30 s anaerobic Wingate test...

Factors defining pole vault performance are the kinematics of the swinging limbs, the ability to utilize the elastic energy of the pole through its constant interaction with the jumper and the sequencing of events at the "pole-plant and take-off" phase. The purpose of the present study was to examine the biomechanical parameters of the "pole-plant...

The pole is an essential tool in pole vault performance; however, its carriage can influence the posture of the vaulter whilst running. During the approach run, step frequency (SF) and step length (SL) have a considerable influence on step velocity (SV). Pole carriage during this phase restricts arm swing and adds gravitational torque, which lead t...

Introduction: Repetitive vertical jump tests (RVJ) are suggested to be valid to evaluate anaerobic power. Power production capability is suggested to be a determinant for achieving high levels of performance in team sports. Nevertheless, studies indicate that track and field athletes are superior in power production when executing vertical jump tes...

Background: Female triple jumping is a relatively new athletics event. A limited number of researchers have focused on comparing male and female jumpers competing in international events, resulting in scarce findings in the literature regarding gender differences of the determinants of triple jump performance. Objective: The aim of the study was to...

This study's aim was to investigate step characteristic reliance and asymmetry during the long jump approach. Spatiotemporal data of the approach run were collected in national and international athletic competitions of 10 males (age 26.2 ± 4.1 yrs, height 1.84 ± 0.06 m, mass 72.77 ± 3.23 kg, PB 7.96 ± 0.30 m) and 9 females (26.3 ± 2.19 yrs, 1.73 ±...

Gender differences concerining the mechanical energetic process (as defined by Arampatzis & Bruggemann, 1999; New Studies in Athletics, 14(4):37-44 & Lees, Fowler & Derby, 1993; Journal of Sports Sciences, 11(4):303-311) in top Greek long jumpers

Background The use of a proper arm swing technique when triple jumping is considered to be beneficial for maintaining balance, power and horizontal speed throughout the jump, and thus being a defining element of the event. Therefore, T46/47 Paralympic triple jumpers are confronting an absolute disadvantage for optimizing their performance. Objectiv...

Lower limb muscle fatigue may impair the proprioceptive and kinesthetic properties of joints altering conscious joint awareness. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of plantar flexor muscle fatigue on postural control. Twenty-two female physical education students 21.00 ± 4.36 years old, with no history of injury in the last 6 month...

ΔΙΑΦΟΡΟΠΟΙΗΣΗ ΤΩΝ ΠΑΡΑΜΕΤΡΩΝ ΤΟΥ ΑΛΜΑΤΟΣ ΣΕ ΜΗΚΟΣ ΕΞΑΙΤΙΑΣ ΧΡΗΣΗΣ ΔΙΑΦΟΡΕΤΙΚΩΝ ΤΥΠΩΝ ΠΡΟΘΕΣΗΣ ΑΝΩ ΑΚΡΟΥ: ΠΕΡΙΠΤΩΣΙΟΛΟΓΙΚΗ ΜΕΛΕΤΗ Βασίλειος Πανουτσακόπουλος, Απόστολος Θεοδώρου, Μαριάνα Κοτζαμανίδου, Ελευθέριος Στέφας, Ηρακλής Α. Κόλλιας Εισαγωγή: Στα αγωνίσματα του κλασικού αθλητισμού σε Παραολυμπιακές διοργανώσεις συμμετέχουν και αθλητές/τριες που...

Introduction Scarce evidence exists in the literature concerning triple jump technique and performance for athletes with visual impairment. The purpose of the present study was to indicate the biomechanical parameters associated with performance in class F11 triple jumping. Method Thirteen legal attempts executed by the three participants of the 20...

The purpose of the study was to investigate how visually impaired long jumpers regulate their strides during the approach and adjust the technique of the final strides to prepare for the take-off. The attempts of 35 visually impaired class F11, F12 and F13 long jumpers at the 2009 International Blind Sports Association European Championships in Rho...

INTRODUCTION: Movement consists an invaluable tool in the pursuit of knowledge and mastery of space around us. More specifically, in persons with disabilities, movement allows their integration into our society and therefore in sports, facilitating an improved physiological development, self-confidence, aspiration for self-improvement, integration...

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a plyometric protocol on round kick force and lower limbs’ jumping performance in elite karate athletes and to examine whether this plyometric protocol could be used over repeated trials in competitive warm up conditions. Ten elite level karate athletes (5 males and 5 females) were randomly a...

Biomechanical analysis from the 2009 Greek National Championships men's high jump final

INTRODUCTION Field athletics include a variety of throwing events, e.g. shot put, hammer-, discus- and javelin-throwing. However, Greek traditional stone throwing (GTST) was an event held in the 1906 Intercalated Olympic Games and was included in the National Greek Athletics Championships until 1977 [1]. Recently, attempts are made to reinstitute G...

Aim of the present study was to compare the regulation of the third to last, penultimate and last stride length and the accuracy of the placement of the take-off leg at the board between female long jumpers with and without visual impairment. The finalist of the class F12 (visual acuity: 2/60, n = 5) and class F13 (visual acuity: 6/60, n = 6) at th...

Introduction. Athletics is one of the emblematic sporting disciplines for people with disabilities and the one that attracts the largest numbers of participants and the widest range of events. It develops an spatial-temporal physical skills, and is a key sport for blind people in these areas. The long jumper during the approach run has three prima...

Introduction Run-up is a key component skill for successful performance in long jumping. Run-up success depends mainly upon the consistency of the stride length, number of strides, and pattern of speed development across all attempts (Hay, 1986). The intellectually disabled population (class F20) was represented in the London 2012 Paralympic Games...

Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the validity of jump height (h), absolute (VPOWERABS) and relative to body mass (VPOWERREL) performance indices when elicited of a modified 30 s Bosco vertical jump test (VJT) based on the absolute (WPOWERABS) and relative (WPOWERREL) power values of a 30 s Wingate test (WAnT). Methods: Nineteen ph...

Objective. The purpose of the present study was to examine the neuromuscular, force and kinematical differences of the lower limb between children with and without Cerebral Palsy concerning the gait characteristics during the approach of a target marked on the ground. Material. 16 children without (CG; boys: n=8, girls: n=8, aged 9.5 ± 2 years) an...

The purpose of the study was to investigate the occurrence of stride regulation at the approach phase of the long jump in athletes with normal vision and visually deprived Class F12 and F13 athletes. All the athletes exhibited the presence of a regulatory mechanism. In the normal vision group this occurred on the fifth-to-last stride. In Class F12...

The incorporation of disability sport in society requires a thorough knowledge of the techniques of each of the specialties. Using biomechanical tools allows to study and objectively assess the parameters that determine the performance improvement, facilitating their social inclusion. Methods Purpose: to analyze the running approach and duration of...

Background There is lack of data in Greece on the trends in energy and nutrient intake. The present study aimed to examine differences in these parameters among first-grade children of Crete, Greece, between 1992/93 and 2006/07. Methods Children (aged 5.7-7.6years) from two-representative cross-sectional samples participated during 1992/93 (n=245)...

The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of static and dynamic stretching on explosive power, flexibility and sprinting ability of adolescent boys and girls and report possible gender interactions. Forty-seven active adolescent boys and girls were randomly tested following static and dynamic stretching of 40 s on quadriceps, hamst...

Despite of the level of visual aquity, European Records in long jumping are greater in class F12 (visual acuity 2/60) than class F13 (visual acuity 6/60) both in males and females. The aim of the present study was to compare the biomechanical parameters of the final strides of the approach and the take-off in class F12 and F13 long jumpers. 19 clas...

Theodorou A, Ioakimidou E, Kouris P, Panoutsakopoulos V, Smpokos E. Colour contrast and regulation of the long jump approach run. J. Hum. Sport Exerc. Vol. 8, No. Proc3, pp. S681-S687, 2013. Research has shown that visual perception of the take-off board and the subsequent regulation of the approach run occur 4-5 strides prior to take-off. Contrast...

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the recovery rate of football skill performance following resistance exercise of moderate or high intensity. Ten elite football players participated in three different trials: control, low-intensity resistance exercise (4 sets, 8-10 repetitions/set, 65-70% 1 repetition maximum [1RM]) and high-inte...

Background: Obesity is associated with osteoarthritis and it is accompanied by chronic inflammation and elevated oxidative stress. Strengthening-type exercise is used in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) rehabilitation. This study determined how acute isokinetic exercise influences inflammatory responses of obese middle-aged women with KOA. Methods: Ten...

Background: There is a lack of data in Greece on trends in food intake according to weight status and physical activity (PA), despite the high prevalence of obesity. The present study aimed to examine differences in these parameters among first-grade children from Crete, Greece, over a 15-year period. Methods: Children (aged 5.9-7.6 years) from...

The present study examined stride pattern characteristics of Class F11 visually impaired long jumpers and triple jumpers. Athletes demonstrated initial ascending footfall variability followed by descending variability, on the second (long jumpers) and third (triple jumpers) stride prior to take-off, at a mean distance of 6.26 m (long jumpers) and 7...

NTRODUCTION: Time variable during the sprints is defined as the measure of effectiveness of the technique in the race for most of the authors. Time variable has two dependent variables, the distance and the average speed, which depends on the frequency and the length of the stride. Establishing a baseline data is essential to promote athletic devel...

The present work studied whether visually impaired (VI) class F13 long jumpers showed at the approach run the same pattern of variability in footfall placement across trials as their non-VI counterparts. The long jump finalists (men and women), of the IBSA 2009 European Athletics Championship were recorded. VI long jumpers demonstrated an initial a...