DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF THREE DIFFERENT HIGH BAR DISMOUNTS IN THE SIMMECHANICS ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

This study compares certain kinematic and kinetic parameters in giant circles performed before twisting, double stretched and double tucked dismounts using the dynamic model in the SimMechanics environment. The joint moments calculated using the designed model were investigated for the three different dismounts. The study included a 13-year-old voluntary national gymnast with seven years of training history. Markers were placed on the wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee and ankle joints of the gymnast. The gymnast was asked to perform twisting, double stretched and double tucked dismounts. MATLAB and SimMechanics were used to calculate joint moments. The moves were simulated and the joint moments during the moves were calculated using the SimMechanics toolbox. The study observed that the highest joint moment was in the wrist joint in all three dismounts, in line with the findings of previous studies. However, unlike other studies, higher joint moments were calculated in the accelerated giant circle performed together with thrusts, compared with the regular giant circle. While there were similar maximum moment values in twisting dismounts and double tucked dismounts, an almost three times higher moment was observed in double stretched dismounts. In terms of joint moments, stretched dismount is obviously the most difficult move, which is consistent with the difficulty levels. A recorded performance of the mechanical model created in the SimMechanics environment was investigated in terms of the twist angle and moments generated on the bar, and found to be sufficient and useful. However, there are certain restrictions regarding the methods employed in this study. We concluded that the mechanical model will allow for the performance of kinematic and kinetic analyses of different gymnasts and types of moves thanks to its flexible structure.