Specific Muscle Utilization and Muscle Stress in American Football Placekickers Matt Sasse Kinesiology Senior Interested in Sports Science Dr. Yusheng Feng, Dr. Sakiko Oyama, Alyssa Schaefbauer BACKGROUND Football Is a sport that regularly comes down to a difference of 5 or fewer points. A team’s leading point scorer is in most cases their placekicker, and most teams only carry one kicker on their roster, therefore if the kicker is hurt, the team in turn is at a severe disadvantage. Typically, players will partake in very similar strength and conditioning programs regardless of position. As kickers are so specialized in what they do, they should focus more on muscles specific to their job on the field. During a field goal kick, which muscles are undergoing the most relative stress? Identifying the specific muscles being used can help create specific training programs for football kickers. The programs can be utilized to both improve performance, and decrease the likelihood of injuries Use of pictures, etc. to help get point across is encouraged!!!

METHODOLOGIES (as appropriate for your project) Using a motion capture lab, I will analyze a collegiate football kicker’s kicking motion and from there extrapolate data to identify which muscles are sustaining the most stress Materials: 8 motion capture cameras, 2 reference cameras, A standard size American football, a kicking tee, a kicking net, approximately 40 reflective markers, 12 square yards of synthetic turf, Techniques: The relfective markers are applied to the kicker at various anatomical landmarks. The turf is set down and the ball is placed in position held up by the tee. This entire setup is in view of all 10 cameras. The kicker then executes 5 field goal type kicks into the net. Each kick is recorded by the cameras. Data still TBD. Requires corresponding use with motion capture program and MatLab to determine velocities, angles, etc. Analysis will be completed upon processing of data Use of pictures, etc. to help get point across is encouraged!!!

PROGRESS REPORT (for your project) WHAT HAVE YOU COMPLETED TO DATE? Motion Capture recordings WHAT MORE DO YOU NEED TO DO? Obtain measurement data Use data to identify muscle stresses Outline possible exercises a kicker can perform to improve performance and prevent injury WHAT DO YOU EXPECT TO PRESENT AT THE END OF THE SUMMER? Motion capture videos, outline of exercises, possible full training program WHAT UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS HAVE YOU ENCOUNTERED? Networking with various people to make this work, finding direction for my project WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ANOTHER UNDERGRADUATE EMBARKING ON A SUMMER RESEARCH PROJECT? Have a plan going in HOW HAS THIS PROJECT (THUS FAR) CHANGED YOUR PERCEPTIONS OF RESEARCH AND POSSIBLE GRADUATE SCHOOL OR CAREER PURSUITS? It takes a lot of thought and creativity, it isn’t just sitting down and performing a few tests ANY OTHER COMMENTS ABOUT THE PROJECT OR SUMMER RESEARCH PROGRAM? none Use of pictures, etc. to help get point across is encouraged!!!