Optimising Phase Ratio in Triple Jumping Using Computer Simulation

The triple jump is an athletic event comprising an approach run followed by three consecutive phases. The ‘phase ratio’ is the distance of each of these phases expressed as three percentages of the total distance jumped. No consensus has been reached as to whether optimal phase ratios exist. This study aimed to determine the optimal phase ratio for an athlete using computer simulation. A simulation model was matched to performance data by varying torque generator activation timings using a genetic algorithm (GA), resulting in an overall difference of 3%, and a distance of 12.50 m. The distance jumped by the simulation model was maximised in the same fashion by the GA. The optimisation process resulted in a substantial improvement from the matched simulation, 13.32 m, and a balanced technique with a phase ratio of 33.6% : 31.7% : 34.8. This is within the range of phase ratios used by elite triple jumpers so can be considered a feasible optimum.