Biomechanical disparities in pankration: A comparative computational analysis of ancient and contemporary techniques

Study aim: The study analyzed biomechanical similarities and differences between ancient and modern sports techniques, focusing on pankration. It examined historical artifacts and modern pankration scenes to elucidate biomechanical developments over time.

Material and methods: OpenPose was employed for this analysis, focusing on both ancient depictions of pankration and contemporary pankration footage. The methodology involved collecting and analyzing depictions of archaeological artifacts, examining video performances frame by frame, and applying computational analysis to determine the Cartesian two-dimensional coordinates of joints. Comparative vector mapping and kinematic analyses were used for assessment.

Results: The analysis revealed distinct biomechanical patterns between ancient and modern pankration techniques. It was found that ancient techniques primarily leverage gravity for movement execution, while modern techniques emphasize the utilization of muscular capacity. This distinction indicates a transformation in biomechanical strategy, shifting from a gravity-focused approach in ancient practices to a muscle-focused approach in modern practices.

Conclusions: The research highlights the differences between ancient and modern pankration, emphasizing punching and kicking techniques. These changes reflect broader shifts in athletic practices over time, influenced by cultural and historical factors, and similar disciplines. The study not only enhances our understanding of ancient sports biomechanics but also opens avenues for future exploration of other ancient athletic disciplines using current computational methods.