Artistic Gymnastics Research Articles

Biomechanical Features of the Double Back Tuck on the Floor Exercises in Gymnastics in Male Artistic Gymnastics

This study aims to identify the characteristics of the takeoff and landing in the round off performance followed by followed by a double back tuck. One gymnast participated in this study, and the data was captured using an camera at a speed of 240 fps and perpendicular to the plane of movement. Data were extracted using the analytical software SkillSpector and Kinovea. The data revealed that the vertical velocity, which was when takeoff (5.9 m/s). This was evident at the maximum height of the center of mass, which was measured (2.3 m). The higher values for the maximum height of the center of mass were the result of a combination of several performance factors, such as the contact angle and the takeoff on the floor with horizontal and faster leg extension. The horizontal velocity at contact was (5.7 m/s) and decreased to (-2.5 m/s) at takeoff. The results of the study indicate that the double back tuck movement involves a reduction in horizontal velocity and an increase in vertical velocity. This is because the horizontal velocity is converted into vertical velocity to raise the body to a great height so that the gymnast can get the time required to execute the skill while flying in the air. The leg muscles also played the dominant role in takeoff and landing through contact angles and takeoff and landing.

Policing the “Russian diva”: gymnastics broadcasts and the idealisation of the girl-child athlete

ABSTRACT This paper examines the “Russian diva,” a label used by media within specific periods of Women’s Artistic Gymnastics. In using it, broadcasters created rival gymnastics femininities and reinforced gymnastics’ gender norms by rendering the rebellious and emotional diva as a behavioural anomaly and the disciplined US girl-child as the behavioural ideal. This created a symbolic, two-fold marginalisation whereby self-determination and emotional displays were rendered aberrant, and docility and submission to paternal authority was normalised. Situated in the context of recent revelations about the silencing and oppression of girls in artistic gymnastics globally, this analysis is guided by Nura Taefi’s (2009) call for the use of an intersectional lens that considers the overlooked interplay of gender and age and the unique forms and sometimes subtle forms of marginalisation the girl-child can face. It also seeks to fill a gap in feminist sports media research by contributing to the understanding of how elite-level sporting girlhood has been rendered over time.

Returning to Sport: A Level-Based Guide for Women’s Artistic Developmental Program Gymnasts

Female artistic gymnasts, defined as gymnasts who compete in the vault, uneven parallel bars, balance beam, and floor events, may be affected by a wide variety of acute and overuse injuries throughout their athletic careers. Returning these athletes to their sport safely after an injury requires detailed knowledge of the various events in which they compete as well as a familiarity with what is expected of these gymnasts at the various levels of training and competition. Despite the complexity described above, there are few published resources to help providers guide the female artistic gymnast back to sport after injury. Therefore, we developed two purposes for this paper: (1) to review important concepts regarding return to play (RTP) in women’s artistic gymnastics and (2) to add to the existing literature on RTP in women’s gymnastics by providing RTP protocols that consider a gymnast’s training level as well as injured body area.

The impact of an Entwistle-based educational curriculum on some student's artistic gymnastics skills

The study was significant since it used an Entostel model technique with auxiliary means to determine the effect on some cerebral capacities and artistic gymnastics capabilities. The researcher's personal desire to attempt anything new in order to attain the learner's highest levels while saving time and effort in mastering his skills led to the study challenge. The researcher opted to investigate learning methods based on Entwistle theory and implement its processes, which could be effective in improving students' mental capacity for learning. In addition to improving some of the technical performance of the investigated skills. Believing that educational communication and the integration of the process's fundamental pillars yield positive results. The study's goal was to create an educational program based on the Entwistle model for developing pupils' most significant cerebral talents as well as some artistic gymnastics capabilities. In addition, determines the impact of the Entwistle model's educational curriculum on the development of pupils' most significant mental capacities as well as some artistic gymnastics skills. The researcher employed the experimental approach to adapt to the nature and problem of the study, employing the control and experimental groups with pre-and post-testing. The study was limited to third-year students at the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences in the academic year 2022-2023, with a total of 165 students divided into three academic divisions (B, C, and D).

The Influence of Rigorous Training on Physical Growth Between Ages 14-17 among Professional and Non-Professional Gymnasts

The main aim of this study was to determine the influence of rigorous training on physical growth (PG) between age 14-17 among professional and non-professional gymnasts. The study included two groups; 40 professional and 40 non-professional male Artistic gymnasts. The mean difference between both groups shows that the increase in height of professional gymnasts after intervention is less than that of non-professional gymnasts. Professionals in pre-test and post-test which indicates mean and SD scores was found 159.31 ±9.85 in pre-test and 159.94±9.86 in post-test along with Mean % Dif. (0.63) in both tests and p <0.001 indicate that the difference is statistically significant in both pre & post-tests. Overall results show that PG of male artistic gymnasts (age 14-17 years old) was more negatively affected by RT in professional gymnasts as compare to non-professional groups.

A gymnastics coaches’ professional development program: exploring a needs-focused social learning space

ABSTRACT Background: Learning is a social, situational process. Effective coaches consistently apply situationally appropriate coaching knowledge to improve athletes’ developmental outcomes. Learning experiences should be cognizant of coaches’ learning needs and capacity to apply knowledge to facilitate athletes’ holistic development. This involves meaningful learning experiences tailored to coaches’ contextual learning needs. The use of social learning theory in supporting coach learning and development has been recommended in providing meaningful learning environments closer to coaches’ realities. Purpose: This study explored the impact of a professional development program designed to create a social learning space (SLS) for competitive youth artistic gymnastics coaches and evaluate the value created therein. Specifically, the purpose of this study was to explore the extent to which coaches generated a SLS and the value the coaches created through their participation in the program. Methods: Six coaches joined a weekly gathering over five weeks. Data comprised transcribed video records of the gatherings, a focus group with the coaches, a semi-structured interview with the facilitator of the gatherings, and the researcher’s notes. Thematic analysis was employed to inductively analyze the creation of the SLS and deductively analyze the value created using the value creation framework (the VCF). Findings: The findings revealed that facilitating a learning opportunity based on SLS elements can result in coaches creating a SLS. Through building productive relationships to learn to make a difference in their practices, the coaches created value. Specifically, the coaches broadened their perspectives on athlete development, deepened their understanding of gymnasts’ developmental needs, and began to transform some of their current coaching practices. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the promotion of a professional development program focusing on coaches’ learning needs using the elements of SLS and the tenets of the constructivist view of learning. The SLS structure of this study has implications for the development and implementation of professional development programs for coaches. Future studies on designing professional development opportunities for coaches should expand on the different uses of the SLS approach as a more pervasive structure of social learning, drawing on complementary principles with theories and adopting a longitudinal perspective.

The Influence of Learning Models on Students' Floor Exercise Learning Outcomes and Body Fitness

Physical Education, Sports and Health are important components of overall education. The goal is to develop various aspects of the individual, including physical fitness, motor skills, critical thinking skills, social skills, argumentative skills, emotional stability, moral integrity, healthy lifestyles, and awareness of the importance of a clean environment. Learning gymnastics is one of the physical education materials for sports and health that experiences many obstacles. Not yet optimal and very limited facilities and infrastructure are the causes of less effective physical education learning, especially floor exercise. Gymnastics is one of the PJOK materials that must be provided in schools, especially elementary schools. Currently, many types of exercise have emerged, such as morning exercise, physical fitness exercise, and other educational exercises, each exercise has its own movement characteristics. Learning gymnastics for elementary school children is a tool to achieve comprehensive development which includes mental, physical, social and emotional. Gymnastics learning, especially artistic gymnastics, is the material in PJOK learning that faces the most obstacles, including facilities and infrastructure for learning purposes which are expensive, the risk of injury is quite high, and is considered scary for the majority of students, therefore as a teacher you must try to make learning The gymnastics is packaged in an interesting way so that students will like it and so that students are no longer afraid of taking part in gymnastics lessons.

Upper and lower limb impact loading during artistic gymnastics foundation floor tumbling skills

AbstractThe floor apparatus is associated with the highest rate of injury for male and female gymnasts in training and competition. This study aims to determine the magnitude of the upper and lower body impact loading when performing foundation floor tumbling skills and sequences. Fourteen sub‐elite artistic gymnasts (male, n = 9; female, n = 5) performed eight tumbling skills and sequences while wearing four inertial measurement units (IMU; upper back, lower back, forearm, and tibia). The peak resultant acceleration (PRA) during all ground contacts was calculated. The forearm and upper back PRA were analyzed for hand contacts, while the lower back and tibia PRA were analyzed for foot contacts. Descriptive statistics (median and inter‐quartile range), Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests and Friedman's ANOVA were calculated between IMU positions and gymnastics skills. Distal IMUs (forearm and tibia) recorded significantly higher loading than proximal IMUs (upper and lower back) for all ground contacts. Proximal IMUs experienced dampening due to shock attenuation properties of the human body, as these positions are located further away from the impact site. Additionally, some foundation skills exposed gymnasts to higher loading when the skill was performed separately, while other skills exposed gymnasts to higher loading when the skill was performed in a tumbling sequence. Training foundation skills separately and as a part of a tumbling sequence exposes the upper and lower body structures to high levels of impact loading. These results can be used by coaches to help in the design of safe training programs.

ANALYSIS OF THE SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTION IN ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS, AND IN THE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S MODALITIES

Artistic gymnastics, as a fundamental sport forming the basis for acrobatic activities in sports, art, and recreation, is the subject of this research. The aim is to scrutinize scientific studies on artistic gymnastics, both in a general context and in terms of male and female modalities. A bibliometric analysis was conducted on journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, following established bibliometric principles. Analysis, processing, and graph generation were carried out using Microsoft Excel and Bibliometrix software. A total of 482 documents published between 1975 and 2023 were identified, revealing exponential growth in publications. The core set of prolific journals comprised six publications. Among 1241 authors, 33 were identified as prolific (with 5 or more publications), with 12 standing out as prominent. Brazil was the most productive, and the USA was the most cited. Keywords were grouped into four main categories: "technique analysis," "physiological aspects," "gymnastics as a fundamental sport," and "exercise evaluation and scoring." In conclusion, the research community exhibits a growing interest in artistic gymnastics. Sunčica Delaš Kalinski (Croatia) was the most prolific author, and Albrecht L. Claessens (Belgium) stood out prominently. The "Science of Gymnastics Journal" proved to be the most influential publication. Four primary research lines were identified based on keyword groupings.

Development of specific competencies in gymnastics in specialized higher education

Background and Study Aim. The modernization of the curriculum in higher education, through its importance and significance, aims to ensure optimal conditions in the creation and continuous improvement of the personality of the student/future teachers of physical education. The purpose of the study was the comparative analysis of the academic programs for development of specific competencies in the specialized higher education. Material and Methods. Three groups of subjects participated in the research: group A (Grade - A1, A2, A3) with a number of 83 students (the class of 2017-2020) from the Physical and Sports Education study program of the Physical Education and Sport Faculty (ROU). Group B (Grade – B1, B2) is formed of 18 students (the class 2017-2020) while group C (Grade – C1, C2) is formed of 20 students (the class 2018-2021). The subjects of groups B and C are students of the Faculty of Pedagogy (MD). The research was carried out depending on the status of the discipline ”Gymnastics” within the curriculum of both study programs. Grade A1: first year – fundamental discipline ”Basic Gymnastics”. Grade A2: second year – bachelor’s degree discipline ”Theory and practice in the branches of gymnastics – Artistic gymnastics”. Grade A3: third year - specialization discipline ”Methods of teaching gymnastics in school”. Grades B1 and C1: ”Didactics of gymnastics I” (first semester). Grades B2 and C2: ”Didactics of gymnastics II” (second semester). Each discipline provides data about the subject matter, estimated total time, total of study hours per semester and individual study, conditions of carrying out and weighting of the evaluation criteria. The Single Factor Analysis of Variance was used to compare the average differences between groups. The nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis Test was used for the differences between groups. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results. The comparative analysis of the study programs reveals differences in the status of disciplines (fundamental, bachelor’s degree and specialization – ROU and component of orientation towards a specialty - MD). The results of the comparative analysis between grades in the program ROU highlights the decrease of the mean by 0.24 points at Grade A2 and 0.36 points at Grade A3. There are significant differences at p<0.001 and at ANOVA Factor insignificant differences p>0.05. The results of the difference between groups in MD highlights the increase of performances in Grade C1 by 0.73 points and by 0.41 points at Grade C2. As for the comparison of the performances between grades, significant differences were observed between Grade C1 with Grade A2 and Grade A3, p<0.05. Regarding the other comparisons, the differences are insignificant at p>0.05, which shows that there are the same curricular approaches between contents and performances. Conclusions. The comparative analysis carried out between the training programs of gymnastics specific competencies revealed different contents, different weightings of the number of hours and number of credits. The insignificant differences between programs in terms of grades highlight the same curricular approaches between contents and achieved performances.

ROOTS, ORIGINS AND DEVELOPMENT OF RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS: A HISTORICAL INSIGHT

Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport that was designed to be the more feminine sister discipline of women’s artistic gymnastics. Its roots, however, are embedded in a male hegemonic European history that manipulated elements of dance, physiology and pedagogy. Key role players were François Delsarte, Émile Jaques-Dalcroze, Isadora Duncan and George Demeny who greatly influenced the development of rhythmic gymnastics. These individuals extended previous work of the earlier gymnastics pioneers – Johan Guts Muths, Ludwig Jahn and Per Ling. Since its inception as a competitive sport in the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics during the 1940s, rhythmic gymnastics expanded greatly until it was officially recognised by the International Federation of Gymnastics (FIG) in 1962. In 1963, the first World Championship competition was held and the sport gained increased international traction. This study aims to investigate social and political factors that contributed to the development of rhythmic gymnastics, from its origins in the European systems up to its recognition as an independent sport in 1973. We conclude our article with the supposition that the sport did not directly challenge male hegemonic systems, but that women in this sport started shifting gender expectations and norms.

THE EFFECT OF LEG STIFFNESS ON REACTIVE AGILITY, JUMPING AND SPEED IN GYMNASTICS ATHLETES

In reviewing the literature, it was decided to conduct this study due to the lack of studies investigating the influence of leg stiffness on performance parameters such as reactive agility, jumping power and speed in gymnasts. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of gymnasts' leg stiffness on performance parameters such as reactive agility, jump and speed. For this purpose, 65 gymnastics athletes aged 12-22 years were included in the study. The drop jump test (with Optojump measuring device) was used to evaluate the jump, and the vertical jump test (Optojump measuring device) for the evaluation of leg stiffness, while the 20m sprint test (with Witty measuring device) was made for speed evaluation. The measurements of reactive agility were performed with the SpeedCourt™. As a result of our study, we found a moderate positive correlation between the leg stiffness values and the reactive strength index (RSI) values obtained from the gymnastics athletes' jump tests. In addition, we found a negative relationship at a low level between speed and agility with leg stiffness values. It can be concluded that increasing gymnasts' leg stiffness contributes positively to jumping power, speed and reactive agility. In this case, it is recommended to include plyometric exercises in the training programs to improve the leg stiffness of trampoline gymnasts, rhythmic gymnasts and artistic gymnasts who focus on jumping.

ANALYSIS OF THE SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE ON ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS IN SCOPUS DATABASE

The purpose of this article is to examine the current state of scientific production, collaboration, and the effects of research publications on artistic gymnastics, as well as the most active researchers pursuing this area of study. Documents acquired from the Scopus database served as the basis for our investigation. MS Excel as well as VOS viewer were used to carry out the bibliometric analysis and network design. As a result, 430 original articles and scientific reviews in 22 Scopus subject areas were found in 167 journals. Most articles were published in Science of Gymnastics Journal (76). These articles are also most cited (294). There are 28 authors with five to fifteen articles whose citation form most of the citation network. Most of the artistic gymnastics research is published in journals that cover subjects such as medicine, health professions, and social science, with the first receiving the most citations.

KINEMATIC ANALYSIS OF CROSS ON TRAINING AND COMPETITION RINGS: COMPARISON BETWEEN ELITE AND INTERNATIONAL LEVEL GYMNASTS

Auxiliary devices are used to train gymnastics skills. Based on the principles of training specificity, this study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a training device for the static cross posture on Men’s Artistic Gymnastics rings through kinematic analysis. Twelve national team gymnasts were divided into two groups, based on their competitive results: the elite group (age: 21.8±3.2 years) and the international group (age: 19.3±3.3 years) performed the cross three times under both conditions: standard competition rings, and training rings with an auxiliary device. The videos were digitised and analysed with shoulder angles as trunk and arm segments. The variables included the right and the left shoulder angles in the frontal plane, as well as any asymmetry of those angles. Two-way ANOVA (conditions versus groups) and individual t-test statistics were conducted. Both groups performed the cross on training rings with increased abduction at both right (p<0.001) and left (p<0.001) shoulders and reduced asymmetry (p=0.01) than on competition rings. These kinematic improvements would translate into competition-typical score improvements of 0.1 to 0.3 points, and enhanced shoulder joint stability. Hence, the training rings with an auxiliary device effectively replicate skill-specific joint angles, adhering to the kinematics principles of training specificity for the static cross posture on rings, thus benefiting both elite and international-level gymnasts.

INJURY FREQUENCY IN ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS – A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

A higher frequency of sports injuries occurs due to the intense and physically challenging training, especially in artistic gymnasts. Hence, the aim of our study was to summarize the relevant literature on the incidence of injuries in artistic gymnasts. The following index databases were used to collect adequate literature: Google Scholar, PubMed, and MEDLINE, with the pre-defined inclusion criteria: studies on the given topic written in English language, published until December 2022, the participants sample consisted of competitive professional, semi-professional, elite and junior artistic gymnasts, as well as national teams were taken into consideration. A total of 15 studies have met the pre-defined criteria and were included in the systematic review. According to the localization, the most common injuries are the lower extremities, with a 30-60% frequency. Regarding the upper extremities, 14 of 15 studies have reported approximately 20% injury frequency. Other injuries, such as shoulder, head, torso, and back, have a frequency of 3-15%. Furthermore, according to the mechanisms of injury, the most common causes were contact with the apparatus surface. Authors can conclude that the training process, which is not reflected in technical preparation but in the purpose of injury prevention, is crucial in this sport.

Anxiety and its relationship to the performance of some skills on the parallel device in the artistic gymnastics for women

Researchers have touched on the importance of anxiety and the importance of sports gymnastics art for women and its impact on the level of physical performance of the player and their ability to implement skills on various devices, and is considered a parallel device of difficult devices, so students hesitate to study.1- Recognize the anxiety of the third stage students in the artistic gymnastics for women.2 - Identify the relationship of anxiety performance of some skills on the parallel system of the third stage students in the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Science / University of Baghdad / Jadiriya.The researchers hypothesized:1- There is a significant correlation between anxiety and performance of some skills on the parallel system of the third stage students in the artistic gymnastics for women.The research dealt with research methodology, field procedures, tools and methods used in research, scientific basis for testing, exploratory and major experiment and statistical methods.The researchers then reached the following conclusions:The anxiety factor has affected the motor performance of the students, especially when the motor performance was linked to the parallel device and the skill of the rise, as this skill is characterized by its difficulty, as well as this device is a difficult device that needs attention, concentration, speed, accuracy and neuromuscular compatibility when performing the rise skills. While there was no correlation between anxiety and the skill of landing because that skill is characterized by the ease of performance.The recommendations are:- The need to identify the causes of concern among students in order to develop appropriate solutions in order to alleviate this factor and guide it for the better- The need to create a natural atmosphere among students during the performance in order to accustom them to difficult situations that may occur during them and restraint and adherence to the laws of play.- The need to instill confidence between the school and the student in order to identify the problems experienced by the student and thus develop solutions to address them, especially in the skills of difficult gymnastics

The impact of the use of numbered head and brainstorming strategies to learn handspring on the Vault table in artistic gymnastics for Men

The aim of the study was to identify the use of the strategies of numbered heads and brainstorming in learning handspring on the Vault table in artistic gymnastics for Men for the third grade students in the collage of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, as well as to identify the best group among the three research groups (number of heads numbered,, brainstorming strategies And the traditional style group) to learn the skill under study. Using the experimental method, the research subject included the third grade students in the collage of Physical Education and Sports Sciences / University of Baghdad, and randomly by lot, 12 students were selected for each of the three research groups. The study consisted of the arithmetic mean, the standard deviation, the T-test of the symmetric and asymmetric samples, F- test of the one way a nova , the least significant differences (L.S.D) .The most important conclusions of which: The total number of heads numbered on the two sets of brainstorming and the traditional method of learning handspring on the vault table, although achieving these groups progress and a positive impact on learning.

The selection of the gymnast cubs according to the most important biochemical variables and the skill of standing on the hands on the carpet of the ground movements of Artistic gymnastics for men

To achieve the aim of the research, the researchers used the descriptive method in the survey method, as it suits the nature of the problem presented, As for the research sample, the players included cubs of ages (6-8) years, and the sample included (25) players representing Baghdad clubs for the 2018-2019 season. The researcher also used the tools and means to do so ,As well as some of the devices that help him complete his research, Through experts and specialists, search variables were determined using the relativistic importance forms. Then the researcher conducted the exploratory experiment before going into the main experiment. He also used the statistical methods that the researcher adopted in processing his data. From the foregoing, the researchers reached the following conclusions:-1-Build a battery of specialized tests for players . 2-Use standard scores and levels to pick players

Tension and emotional arousal and their relationship to the performance of some basic skills on the floor movement apparatus in the technical gymnastics for women


 Search goal to:1- To identify the level of tension, emotional arousal, and the performance of some ground motor skills among the students of the second stage in the technical gymnast. 2- To identify the extent of the relationship of tension and emotional arousal with the performance of some ground motor skills among the students of the second stage in the technical gymnast. The descriptive survey method was used to suit the nature of the research problem. The research community consisted of the students of the second stage in the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences. As for the research sample, they were deliberately chosen from the students of the second stage in the artistic gymnast game, and their number reached (50) students. He also used a set of aids, including a measure of stress and emotional arousal.The most important results reached are:1- There are significant differences for each of the psychological tension and emotional arousal among the artistic gymnast players when the degree of tension and arousal is high among the players.2- There is a correlation between the performance of some motor skills, emotional arousal, and psychological tension, and a statistical significance of the artistic gymnast players. Attic recommended the researcher Ali1- Emphasis on increasing attention to the psychological aspect in general, and arousal and psychological tension in particular, among gymnastik players, in order to achieve a better performance.
 

Gymnastics and USSR Sports Policy in 1918—1941

The aim of this study is to present and discuss the formation and development of one of the popular sports in the Soviet Union in the 1920s-1930s, namely, artistic gymnastics, which includes competitions on various gymnastic apparatuses as well as in free exercises and balance jumps. The authors trace the historical path of this sport within the context of the Soviet government’s policy on organizing the Soviet physical culture movement. The study examines the activities of public gymnastics organizations and the issues surrounding their closure. Special attention is given to the challenges faced by the development of artistic gymnastics during this period, including the state of the material and technical base, organization of systematic training sessions, and the availability of qualified coaching staff. The research materials demonstrate that the development of this sport took place under difficult conditions, from restrictions in the 1920s to a mass gymnastics movement in the 1930s. Based on documentary sources and central periodicals, the authors reconstruct the methods and forms of the formation and development of Soviet artistic gymnastics as a mass sport. It is argued that systematic competitions for the USSR championship stimulated the growth of gymnasts’ sporting and technical achievements