• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.39-50
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• 2016

Objective: The purposes of this study were to compare the kinematics of a two-arm kettlebell swing between experts and beginners and to identify the correct postures and biomechanical key points in an attempt to prevent sports injuries induced by a kettlebell swing. Methods: Four experts (height, $169.7{\pm}1.5cm$; weight, $70.5{\pm}1.8kg$; age, $32.0{\pm}1.0years$) licensed to teach kettlebell exercises and three beginners (height, $173.7{\pm}4.1cm$; weight, $78.3{\pm}3.8kg$; age, $30.0{\pm}1.4years$) with no kettlebell exercise experience participated in this study. Each participant performed 15 repetitions of a two-arm kettlebell swing using a 16-kg weight. Joint angles, angular velocities, and peak angular velocity sequences were calculated and compared between the two groups. Results: Large ranges of motion (ROM) of the pelvic angle and hip joints were detected in the experts, while beginners showed greater ROM of the shoulder joint. Peak angular velocity magnitudes and sequences were significantly different between the two groups. Experts lifted the kettlebell upward using the hip joints, pelvis, and shoulder joints (proximal to distal order) sequentially and lowered it using the reverse order of peak angular velocities from the shoulder to hip joints. Conclusion: Mobility of the pelvic segment and hip joint are required, while stability of the other joints is needed to produce appropriate two-arm kettlebell swings. The activation and coordination of the gluteal and hamstring muscles are key points in kettlebell exercises.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.89-96
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• 2019

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate biomechanical comparisons of kettlebell two-arm swings after different somatosensory interventions on joint ranges of motion (ROM) and muscle activations. Method: Fourteen kettelbell novices (age: $22.92{\pm}3.23yrs$, mass: $75.75{\pm}9.94kg$, height: $172.03{\pm}5.49cm$), consisting of male college students, participated in this study and performed two-arm kettlebell swings in different conditions. Three different somatosensory interventions were the applications of heavy mass kettlebell (20 kg), taping on gluteus muscles, and unstable mat condition. All subjects performed pre-intervention swings and post-intervention swings, respectively. Statistical analysis were performed on results of joint kinematics and electromyographies of major muscles. Results: Results showed significant increases in ROM of hip and decreases in ROM of shoulder after unstable mat trials. In addition, the application of unstable mat during kettlebell swings induced higher muscle activations in gluteus maximus muscle during only upward phase of two-arm kettlebell swings. Conclusion: For beginner, the application of unstable surface would increase in hip joint ranges of motion with enhancement of gluteus muscles.