Performance-oriented trampoline gymnastics in clubs, like almost every sport, carries a certain risk of injuries and overexertion symptoms. This article addresses the stresses, possible injuries, and symptoms of overuse. Based on a simple movement analysis and research findings from trampoline gymnastics and other sports, possible causes were identified. The aim of this article is to shed light on the topic and highlight potential problems for coaches and athletes. In addition, movement analysis in training and competition, as well as further research, should be encouraged. This also applies to the implementation of preventive measures in training, which will be discussed in the second part.

This article critically reflects on the participation of men in Rhythmic Gymnastics (RG), a discipline whose expressive and aesthetic nature has been socially and pedagogically associated with femininity. From a gender perspective, it analyses how sport has operated as a device for reproducing stereotypes, limiting access to certain physical practices based on sexual characteristics. Through a theoretical and historical review, the pedagogical origins of RG are examined, tracing the influence of methods developed by Dalcroze, Bode and Medau and how these influenced its recognition as a sport exclusively for women. The literature review conducted in scientific databases reveals an alarming scarcity of research on the opinion of male participants in RG. These studies present discourses that reveal cultural tensions surrounding the incorporation of men, evidencing acceptance and rejection in different competitive contexts. It is concluded that the effective inclusion of men in this discipline requires not only regulatory modifications, but also an educational approach that breaks down prejudices, stereotypes and gender biases that associate practices with a specific gender. It is argued that RG, far from being an exclusively female practice, constitutes an opportunity to diversify bodily experience, overcome hegemonic models of masculinity and move towards a critical and inclusive physical education.

The paper investigates the correlation between the quality of the salto forward tucked on the floor and the jump take-off characteristics. The main biomechanical characteristics of the take-off and their influence on the performance of the salto forward tucked were examined. The task focuses on the movement analysis during the take-off and determines which factors most influence the quality of the performance. Thirteen male gymnasts aged 11-13 were examined, where it is expected that the quality of the take-off and the performance of the salto forward tucked is closely related to the level of skill and motor abilities of the individual. Each of them performed two long jumps, two vertical jumps and two saltos forward tucked. The results of the study showed that the accuracy and quality of the take-off is crucial for achieving the appropriate height, angular velocity and reliable landing, which significantly contributes to the overall success in competitions.

Overuse injuries in the lower back, knees and hip/groin are common among competitive rhythmic gymnasts. The aetiology and mechanisms are multifactorial, and insufficient physical capacity relative to sport specific requirements may be one of several factors causing overuse injuries. The aims of the present study were to investigate strength and flexibility in the lower back, knees and hip/groin in relation to requirements within rhythmic gymnastics (RG), and to identify possible adverse movement patterns that can be targeted through exercises in future injury prevention research. This was a cross-sectional clinical study where all rhythmic gymnasts in a Northern European country’s national team and their recruitment group were invited to participate. The clinical assessment followed a standardized test protocol and consisted of selected tests on strength, flexibility and RG-specific movements. Background variables (anthropometrics, weekly training hours, previous injuries, present health problems and other health measures) were collected in an electronic questionnaire. Twenty of 24 rhythmic gymnasts (83%), aged 12-19 years, participated. Seven selected tests not previously tested for reliability underwent a test-retest of intra-rater reliability in 10 gymnasts. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values ranged from 0.84 to 0.98 and Cohen’s kappa values ranged from 0.74 to 1.0. The clinical tests identified insufficient strength and ability to transform passive range of motion into active range of motion. In addition, adverse movement patterns related to lower back (one-segment hyperextension) and knee (valgus) were observed. Randomized controlled trials are needed to study the effect of incorporating these findings into an injury prevention program within RG.

In artistic gymnastics, competition results are determined by judges, whose task is to evaluate the perceived quality of movement as accurately as possible. A comparative analysis of measurable motion data and judges' scores is intended. For this study, video-recorded stretch jumps with turn motion data were analysed and evaluated by judges. A total of 174 videos from 29 female participants, each performing 6 trials, were assessed by three expert judges (national licence, at least 10 years' experience). We hypothesise that, in the comparative analysis of motion analysis data and judges' scores, various movement aspects have different influences on the evaluation. The results show several significant correlations between the judges' scores (deductions for jump height, position, landing) and the parameters of the motion analysis. The strongest Kendall’s tau-b correlation between judges' deductions and motion analysis data was observed for the number of steps (τb = 0.600, p < .001), and a strong negative correlation for jump height (τb = -0.547, p < .001). The results of Krippendorff’s alpha test show a lack of agreement between the experts for the judges' scores, but there is a significant positive correlation between the experts for the judges' scores. We conclude that deductions have a varying influence on the total score, depending on the number of parameters considered and whether the competition rules clearly define the gradation of deductions.

Performance in women’s artistic gymnastics is evaluated through difficulty (D) and execution (E) scores across four apparatuses: Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, and Floor Exercise. Understanding how these scores predict overall success can guide athlete development and Olympic preparation. This study aimed to identify key predictors of all-around performance and project future trends by analyzing official Olympic data. Final scores from the all-around competitions at the Tokyo 2020 (n = 80) and Paris 2024 (n = 58) Olympic Games were used to construct multiple linear regression models. Apparatus-specific D and E scores served as independent variables to predict total scores. Separate models were developed for each Olympic cycle and for the combined dataset. All models demonstrated excellent predictive strength (R² > 0.998). Among the predictors, E scores—particularly on Uneven Bars and Balance Beam—showed the strongest contributions to total scores (β > 0.25, p < .001). The combined model exhibited strong internal consistency and minimal multicollinearity, supporting its robustness and generalizability. Trend-based analysis indicated a continued increase in average total scores between 2020 and 2024, suggesting further gains toward the 2028 Los Angeles Games. These findings underscore the critical role of execution quality, especially on technical apparatuses, and support the strategic use of longitudinal performance modeling in elite gymnastics training. Coaches and sport scientists may benefit from focusing on apparatus-specific E score optimization to enhance Olympic performance outcomes.

The evidence has shown some discrepancy regarding the relevance or incidence of executive functions in closed-skill sports, specifically artistic gymnastics. More specifically, no studies have examined the relationships between executive functions and the different apparatus in competition, taking into account their distinct characteristics. The present study aimed to analyse the correlations between executive functions – specifically inhibition (IN), working memory (WM), cognitive flexibility (CF), and their general index (EF)—and the sports performance of adult male artistic gymnasts on the six competition apparatus: floor (FX), pommels (PH), rings (SR), vault (VT), parallel bars (PB), high bar (BH), and the all-around (AA). Seven elite adult gymnasts and seven adult controls with no gymnastics experience participated. Sports performance was evaluated using the final competition score for each apparatus, and executive function performance was assessed with the Yellow Red test, which comprises six neuropsychological tests. Significant relationships were found between PH and EF, and between AA and WM. No significant differences were found between gymnasts and the control group in executive function performance. Sports performance in male gymnasts is related to WM, which is consistent with previous studies, but not to executive processes such as IN or CF. The relationship is established with the six apparatus in general, without differentiation. Further studies are needed to explore EF performance related to artistic gymnastics in general and its specificity by apparatus.

The Morisue skill (Double Salto Tucked to Upper Arm Hang) on parallel bars is recognized as a high-difficulty element in men’s artistic gymnastics, demanding precise coordination, momentum control, and technical mastery. Despite its complexity and recent reclassification as an E-difficulty element in the 2025–2028 FIG Code of Points, limited biomechanical research has analyzed its execution, particularly within Arab and international contexts. This biomechanical case study aimed to investigate the kinematic and kinetic characteristics of the Morisue skill, based on the performance of an elite German national gymnast preparing for the 2024 World Championships in Cairo. Two-dimensional motion analysis was conducted using SkillSpector software (version 1.3.2) on video recordings captured at 30 frames per second. Key parameters—including displacement, velocity, acceleration, angular momentum, and force estimations—were extracted to characterize performance phases. Temporal analysis revealed that the preparatory swing phase accounted for 47% of the total execution time (1.76 seconds), highlighting its critical role in energy generation. Peak angular velocity during the second salto reached 768°/s, while the maximum center of mass height achieved was 56 cm above the bars. Although the limitations of 2D analysis and standard frame rate restrict the precision of kinetic calculations, the findings offer valuable preliminary insights into performance optimization for high-difficulty elements. Integrating biomechanical feedback based on such analyses can enhance training strategies, particularly regarding release mechanics, dynamic balance, and tucking efficiency. This study provides a scientific foundation for coaches and athletes seeking to refine technique and improve competitive outcomes in elite gymnastics.