Take-off and propulsion: biomechanics of the axial regions (head, neck, trunk and pelvis)

The axial regions are comprised of the head, neck, trunk and pelvic regions. These regions have a major role in jumping, particularly during take-off. They extend the action of the forelimbs and prepare the hind end for propulsion. The aim of this chapter is to describe the movements of the vertebral column, which connects the regions, and the important muscle actions that contribute to take-off (12.1).