Abstract
Back swing connections during gymnastics acrobatic series considerably influence technical performance and difficulties, particularly in the back somersault. The aim of this study was to compare the take-off's kinetic and kinematic variables between two acrobatic series leading to perform the backward stretched somersault (also called salto): round-off, flic-flac to stretched salto versus round-off, tempo-salto to stretched salto. Five high level male gymnasts (age 23.17 ± 1.61 yrs; body height 1.65 ± 0.05 m; body mass 56.80 ± 7.66 kg) took part in this investigation. A force plate synchronized with a two dimensional movement analysis system was used to collect kinetic and kinematic data. Statistical analysis via the non-parametric Wilcoxon Rank-sum test showed significant differences between the take-offs' variables. The backswing connections were different in the take-off angle, linear momentum, vertical velocity and horizontal and vertical displacements. In conclusion, considering that the higher elevation of the centre of mass in the flight phase would allow best performance and lower the risk of falls, particularly when combined to a great angular momentum, this study demonstrated that the optimal connection series was round-off, flic-flac to stretched salto which enabled the best height in the somersault. Analysis of the results suggests that both connections facilitate the performance of single and double (or triple) backward somersaults with or without rotations around the longitudinal axis. Gymnasts could perform these later while gaining height if they chose the round-off, flic-flac technique or gaining some backward displacement if they choose the round-off, salto tempo.
Highlights
IntroductionIn accordance with the mechanical laws, the take-off’s characteristics (arm swing, leg impulse and velocity of backward displacement) determine both angular momentum, trajectory of the centre of mass (COM) and total flight time of a gymnast during acrobatic aerial flight (McNittGray et al, 1994; Sands, 2011; Smith, 1983)
In accordance with the mechanical laws, the take-off’s characteristics determine both angular momentum, trajectory of the centre of mass (COM) and total flight time of a gymnast during acrobatic aerial flight (McNittGray et al, 1994; Sands, 2011; Smith, 1983)
The most difficult acrobatic movements on the floor depend upon the efficient execution of the transitional skills, i.e. the roundoff, flic-flac and/or tempo-salto acting as accelerators prior to the take-off
Summary
In accordance with the mechanical laws, the take-off’s characteristics (arm swing, leg impulse and velocity of backward displacement) determine both angular momentum, trajectory of the centre of mass (COM) and total flight time of a gymnast during acrobatic aerial flight (McNittGray et al, 1994; Sands, 2011; Smith, 1983). The somersault results from the coordinated involvement of body parts that is imposed to generate an optimal solution to constraints occurring during the execution (whether external constraint (such as gravity) or internal ones (such as the relative orientation of body segments and the inertial characteristics of these segments)). This requires an optimal force and velocity that are related to the gymnast's ability to create sufficient momentum enabling body management during rotations (Bardy and Laurent, 1994; McNitt-Gray, 2001; McNitt-Gray et al, 2006). Accepted for printing in Journal of Human Kinetics vol 37/2013 on June 2013
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