Gymnastics

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the anthropometric and physical prerequisites for high difficulty floor tumbling and vaulting. Twenty 8‐14 year old female talent‐selected gymnasts performed handstand push‐offs, and single and multiple jumps on a portable Kistler force plate. The force curves were analysed using Kistler and Excel software to obtain peak displacement, peak take‐off force, and power. The gymnasts were also assessed for sprinting, with and without vaulting, and standing broad jump performances. Video footage from the vault take‐off was analysed using Video Expert II software to obtain the horizontal and vertical take‐off velocities. Each gymnast's best vault starting score, three best floor tumbling skills, and anthropometric characteristics were recorded. Statistical analysis included one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to examine the effect of age (8‐10 years, 11‐12 years, 13‐14 years) on the performance measures and linear regression analysis with performance start score for vault or best floor tumbling score as the outcome variable. The best regression model for indicating vaulting talent had, as predictor variables, resultant velocity at take‐off from the board, squat jump power, and average power during the last five jumps in the continuous bent‐leg jump series. The best regression model for indicating floor tumbling ability had, as predictor variables, age, vault running velocity, and reduced ground contact time in a handstand push‐off.