Gymnastic Disciplines Research Articles

Are the shoulder joint function, stability, and mobility tests predictive of handstand execution?

Handstand is a basic element common across gymnastic disciplines and physical education classes that is frequently evaluated for quality in competition or skill acquisition. The correct handstand execution relies on maintaining balance, for which the shoulders seem particularly important. This study explores the relationship between shoulder joint function and the quality of handstand execution in novice college athletes (n = 111; aged 19-23 years). We assessed the shoulder joint function using standardized field tests (Upper Quarter Y Balance Test and Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test) and evaluated handstand execution on official rating scale. Ordinal logistic regression models showed no relationship between the quality of handstand execution (E-score) and measures of shoulder joint stability or mobility in our sample (POR = 0.97 [0.91, 1.03] and 1.00 [0.91, 1.09] for E-score). Two major factors may have caused an observed pattern of results. Firstly, the standardized tests assess shoulder joints in different loads and ranges of motion compared to handstands. Secondly, our novice sample was not able to perform the handstand sufficiently well. In our sample of novice college athletes, shoulder function seems not related to handstand execution as other latent factors hindered their performance.

The Attempted Grobalization of Parkour by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique

On December 3rd, 2018, the 82nd Congress of the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG), voted to include parkour as the FIG’s 8th gymnastic discipline. Unlike, trampoline and acrobatic gymnastics, which became gymnastic disciplines following the agreed dissolution of their respective federations, parkour’s inclusion followed two years of unilateral and ultra vires development of competitive showcases. Despite athlete participation in FIG-organized parkour competitions, the global parkour community has been largely opposed to parkour under FIG, especially its attempts to include parkour in the Olympic programme. This situation catalyzed the federating of the international federation Parkour Earth. However, all attempts by the global parkour community to halt the FIG’s appropriation of parkour have proved unsuccessful to date. Digital ethnographic work conducted during the controversy and the authors’ experiences as key protagonists in the formation and administration of Parkour Earth highlights the politics, influences, and power struggles between the different stakeholders. With help from Ritzer’s theory of grobalization it is clear that the FIG is attempting to grobalize parkour to grow its power and profits, and the IOC is enabling, and to some extent complicit in this process. This has implications for the parkour community and other long-standing gymnastic disciplines.

EDITORIAL

Dear friends, All gymnastic disciplines were excellent at this year’s Summer Olympic Games. Great achievements of our athletes in artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastic and trampolining! From my subjective point of view, Nikita Nagorny made a huge step forward to further our sport. It took all this time since OG 1988 in Seoul, when Valery Ljukin from the former Soviet Union performed a triple salto backward tucked, to see Nikita Nagorny perform a triple salto backward piked at a major competition. It will take some more time before followers start performing the triple backward piked. However, our science supports and facilitates improvements in apparatus, the development of better methods of strength training, psychological readiness, and so on, and all this leads to further developments in our sport. Having the Olympic Games and the World Championships within three months of the same year created many challenges for everyone involved in competitive gymnastics. On one hand, there is gymnasts’ tiredness, on another, new faces bring in new energy. There are new challenges for researchers too. In the middle of October, Flavio Bessi organised International Freiburg Gymnastics Congress online. You can find it at https://www.sport.uni-freiburg.de/en/events/international-gymnastics-congress. Contributing authors in this issue are from Tunisia, Oman, Brazil, Germany, United Kingdom, Slovenia, Russia and Greece. Again, many different aspects of gymnastics are presented. Anton Gajdoš and Michal Babela drafted the 22nd short historical note introducing Samulel Piasecky from Slovakia. Sadly, we lost a gymnastic friend. Aljoša Demjanov who competed for Russia and Croatia passed away last summer. R.I.P., Aljoša. Just to remind you, if you cite the journal, its abbreviation in the Web of Knowledge is SCI GYMN J. I wish you enjoyable reading and many new ideas for research projects and articles. Ivan Čuk Editor-in-Chief

SOMATOTYPE ANALYSIS BY AGE CATEGORIES IN SPANISH FEMALE ACROBATIC GYMNASTS

Somatotype is one of the variables seen as the key to success in sports and talent detection at different ages. This is confirmed by evidence in some gymnastic disciplines in different age categories, but no study has been conducted for Acrobatic Gymnastics. The objective is to establish the characteristic somatotype profile in Acrobatic Gymnastics for each age group, determining whether there are differences among them and between the roles in each one. The sample was made up of 54 female tops (X= 11.23 years; 29.62 Kg) and 75 female bases (X= 14.46 years; 50.48 Kg). The somatotype was calculated using the Heath-Carter method to determine the mesomorphy, endomorphy, and ectomorphy of each group. The statistical analysis carried out consisted of a descriptive and comparative analysis based on the component in particular and the mean somatotype dispersion in general. The results showed that mesomorphy was the most important component in all categories and roles. They indicated different somatotype classifications in each group, but the importance of ectomorphy in tops and endomorphy in bases should also be pointed out. Significant differences were obtained in mesomorphy (tops: p = .012; bases p = .026) and ectomorphy in both roles (tops p = .036; bases p = .001). Despite finding significant differences among certain categories, this did not follow a linear, chronological development. Therefore, one cannot conclude that the somatotype evolved with age, since this may be due to sports specialization. However, it was confirmed that mesomorphy, as in other gymnastics disciplines, is the predominant component in all categories and roles.

Coach awareness, knowledge and practice in relation to growth and maturation and training load in competitive, young gymnasts

Growth-related and overuse injuries are commonly reported in young gymnasts. Two risk factors of these injuries are growth and maturation, and training load. However, little is known regarding current coaching knowledge and practice in relation to these risk factors. To help understand current knowledge and practice, 44 coaches of competitive, young gymnasts, from 3 gymnastics disciplines (men’s artistic, women’s artistic, trampoline) took part in focus groups. The focus groups explored the awareness, experience and practice of coaches in relation to growth and maturation, training load and injury in competitive, young gymnasts. Data were analysed manually using an inductive thematic approach to identify core themes. The findings showed that coaches were aware of the physical changes and injuries that occur during the adolescent growth spurt. Both psychological changes and skill loss/confusion were also identified as challenges during this time. The knowledge and practice of monitoring growth and maturation, and training load did however differ between disciplines. Sports science and medicine practitioners were recognised as key stakeholders in helping manage and reduce the risk of injuries during growth. There appears to be gap between coach knowledge of growth and maturation, and training load, and practices such as monitoring training load and growth. Educating coaches and further research in these areas will aid coaches in reducing the risk of injuries in young, competitive gymnasts.

Esporte e mídia social: análise do Instagram da Confederação Brasileira de Ginástica

Dentre as possíveis linguagens das mídias sociais contemporânea, a onipresença das imagens elevou o sentido da comunicação on-line, e tem sido utilizada para moldar tanto identidades pessoais como de diversas instituições. Tais conteúdos visuais não são apenas artefatos de mídias sociais isolados e individuais, mas se cercam de debates e discussões que envolvem ideologias políticas, legais, dimensões econômicas, tecnológicas e socioculturais. Baseados na Análise de Imagem do Instagram e utilização do Cohen’s kappa para confiabilidade e validade dos dados, esta pesquisa analisou 2679 fotos postadas no Instagram da Confederação Brasileira de Ginástica (CBG). Como resultados, notamos a prevalência de postagens sobre ginástica artística (54,1%), seguida pela ginástica rítmica (31%), com foco na prática do alto rendimento (97%), divulgação de campeonatos internacionais (59,6%) e, cujo atleta (66%) foi protagonista. Esses achados apontam a necessidade de revisar o uso das mídias sociais no intuito de contemplar as amplas ações da instituição, como a difusão de todas as modalidades ginásticas e seus diferentes eventos; nos diversos níveis de prática, sejam de alto rendimento ou de formação, assim como dando visibilidade a todos os atores do esporte.

BIOMECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF STAG LEAP WITH BACK BEND OF THE TRUNK: A CASE STUDY

Biomechanical considerations as reflected in correct or incorrect technique, particularly in all gymnastic disciplines are more than undoubted. The stag leap as a variation of split leaps is one of the fundamental gymnastics skill and a key movement in the development of elite female gymnasts. The aim of the study was to analyse the kinematic characteristics of the stag leap with back bend of the trunk performed in rhythmic gymnastics and simultaneously find out the explosive power regarding this particular element. A member of Slovakian national team was involved in the study. Kinematic characteristics of the element were analysed. A capture system consisting of 8 infrared cameras were employed to collect the data. The explosive power of the lower limbs were diagnosed by a jump ergometer with 2 standardized tests: vertical counter-movement jump with the fixation of the arms and 10-second repetitive vertical jumps with arms movements. In addition, the explosive power of the lower limbs was also observed in the flight phase of the element. The results in 10-second repetitive jumps show the highest value of gymnast centre of mass 46.4 cm, contact time 0.195 s and the best active output in the flight phase 58.3 W.kg-1. While performing the difficulty element, slightly different data were observed due to the complexity and more demanding motor coordination of both upper and lower body segments: the highest value of gymnast centre of mass was 40.8 cm, contact time 0.209 s and the output in the active flight phase 52.8 W.kg-1.

Pre-competition and training anxiety among athletes practising gymnastic disciplines

Introduction: The gymnastic disciplines abound in difficult and risky technical elements. Excessive anxiety is a factor which can have a destructive effect on the athlete both at the stage of motor learning, as well as when performing during competitions. Anxiety is a natural human emotion, but whether it has positive or negative influence on an individual’s performance clearly depends upon its level. Aim of the study: The study aimed to determine the level of anxiety (as state, cognitive anxiety and somatic anxiety) among male and female gymnasts in situations before starting competitions and before training when mastering new, difficult elements. The following research questions were formulated: • Does the level of anxiety in the participants during learning new elements differ from the level of anxiety before starting to compete? • Does the level of somatic anxiety in the gymnasts during learning new elements differ from the level of anxiety before starting to compete? • Does the level of cognitive anxiety in the gymnasts during learning new elements differ from the level of anxiety before starting to compete? • What is the level of trait anxiety characteristic of the participating gymnasts? Material and method: Twenty eight people were assessed (14 women and 14 men) who professionally practice gymnastic disciplines. The average age of respondents was 18 years. All subjects were competing at championship level and had been practicing their sport for a minimum of 10 years. The Spielberger’s self-evaluation questionnaire (State-Trait-Anxiety Inventory, STAI) and the Smith’s, Smoll’s, Schutz’s Reaction to Competing Questionnaire (The Sport Anxiety Scale, SAS), as adapted to Polish by Krawczyński, were used in the research. Results: By adopting the criterion of statistical difference p  0.05 it was proven that there are statistically significant differences between the level of anxiety before training and before competition: state anxiety (p=0.033), somatic anxiety (p=0.004), and cognitive anxiety – attentions disorders (p=0.011). When analysing the average values of the participants, it was noted that they are characterised by an average trait anxiety level. Conclusion: The participating athletes who train in gymnastic disciplines are characterised by an average level of trait anxiety. The gymnasts experience stronger anxiety before competition than during a demanding training session.

ANTHROPOMETRIC PROFILE OF GYMNASTS PARTICIPATING IN THE EUROPEAN GAMES 2015 IN BAKU, AZERBAIJAN

Sports performance is strongly influenced by the athletes’ anthropometric profile. In the specific case of Gymnastics, body weight assumes particular relevance, given the aesthetic character of this sport. Anthropometric data were collected from 309 gymnasts (20.9 ± 4.1 years old) participating in the 2015 European Games: age, body weight and height, from a database of the organization of this competition available online in the 5 disciplines of the Gymnastics included in the competition, namely Men´s and Women´s Artistic Gymnastics, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Acrobatic Gymnastics and Aerobic. Body mass index was calculated. Female gymnasts were significantly younger and lighter than male gymnasts and had a lower body mass index than males (P = 0.000). Female athletes were in the 25th percentile for weight and BMI and in the 15th percentile for height, according to their age. Male gymnasts were in the 25th percentile for weight, height and BMI. Female acrobatic gymnasts were younger and lighter (25th percentile) than other gymnastics disciplines; rhythmic gymnasts presented the lowest BMI (5th percentile). Male artistic gymnasts were the lightest (15th percentile) and with the lowest BMI (25th percentile) within the male participants. BMI was dependent on weight, height and gender, with exception for exclusive-gender disciplines and, surprisingly, also in Aerobics. Gymnasts presented an anthropometric profile with results for body weight, height and body mass index below the normal for their age.

Lipid Profile in Peruvian Athletes

The active movement of sport improves insulin sensitivity, regulates lipid and glucose metabolism, lowers blood pressure and reduces the incidence of metabolic syndrome [ Myers et al., 2019]. We seek to analyze the lipid profile in high performance athletes. The participants (both sexes) were 326 athletes of ~21.5 years from 11 disciplines of the Peruvian Sports Institute (IPD) – Trujillo Subsidiary and 80 non‐athletes of ~22.2 years. To diagnose the lipid profile, biochemical blood tests were performed on the participants, complying with the pre‐analytical conditions determined. We found a low percentage of high total cholesterol in gymnastics disciplines (~5%) followed by taekwondo (~8.4%), instead the powerlifters show the highest incidence (~ 25%). Nevertheless, a lower percentage of high triglycerides occurs in powerlifting as in rugby (~ 8.4%), while athletics and gymnastics show the highest incidence (~23.5% and ~22.5% respectively). On the other hand, the lowest incidence of high coronary risk was found in taekwondo (~ 13.9%) and Basketball (~15.8%), however the highest percentages were presented by athletics (~23.5%) and gymnastics (~22.5%). When comparing general averages of athletes with non‐athletes; in the first group, the percentages of high cholesterol, triglyceride and coronary risk values were 12.8%, 14.55% and 18.7% respectively, unlike the second group, in the same assessments that were 22.5%, 35% and 32.5% respectively. Among the factors that could have a negative effect on lipid parameters, it would be in consumption of androgenic anabolic steroids, suggesting that users are prone to increased coronary risk [ Mirza and Ahmed., 2014]. However, sports practice is related to normal ranges of lipid profile, even in master athletes [ Bando et al., 2015]. Finally, we consider that those who practice sports are less likely to suffer from dyslipidemias, and therefore develop protection against cardiovascular diseases.Support or Funding InformationAntenor Orrego Private University Percentage Distribution of Elevated Lipid Profile Values in Peruvian Athletes SPORT SEX NUMBER AGE % LIPID PROFILE IN PERUVIAN ATHLETES Total Cholesterol Lipoproteins Triglycerides Coronary risk HDL LDL XTDL Karate F 17 18.3 100 11.8 18.0 11.8 5.9 23.5 29.0 M 17 23.4 100 11.8 18.0 00.0 11.8 11.8 11.8 Average 34 20.9 100 11.8 18 5.9 8.9 17.7 20.4 Volleybal F 18 23.9 100 16.7 27.8 11.1 11.1 16.7 16.7 M 18 22.5 100 11.1 27.8 11.1 00.0 22.2 22.2 Average 36 23.2 100 13.9 27.8 11.1 5.55 19.45 19.45 Soccer M 30 21.7 100 16.7 20.0 13.3 06.7 20.0 16.7 Average 30 21.7 100 16.7 20.0 13.3 06.7 20.0 16.7 Baseball M 32 19.1 100 12.5 21.9 15.6 09.4 15.6 21.9 Average 32 19.1 100 12.5 21.9 15.6 09.4 15.6 21.9 Taekwondo F 18 22.7 100 11.1 27.8 22.2 16.6 16.7 11.1 M 18 20.5 100 05.6 22.2 22.2 11.1 11.1 16.7 Average 36 21.6 100 8.4 25 22.2 13.9 13.9 13.9 Athletics F 17 20.3 100 11.8 23.5 23.5 11.8 23.5 23.5 M 17 19.9 100 11.8 29.4 23.5 05.9 23.5 23.5 Average 34 20.1 100 11.8 26.5 23.5 8.9 23.5 23.5 Coronary risk=Total colesterol:HDL ratio, F=female, M=male Percentage Distribution of Elevated Lipid Profile Values in Peruvian Athletes SPORT SEX NUMBER AGE % LIPID PROFILE IN PERUVIAN ATHLETES Total Cholesterol Lipoproteins Triglycerides Coronary risk HDL LDL VLDL Basketball F 19 23.8 100 15.8 26.3 26.3 15.8 21.0 21.0 M 19 25.0 100 05.3 31.6 15.8 10.5 10.5 10.5 Average 38 24.4 100 10.6 29 21.1 13.2 15.8 15.8 Gymnastics F 20 21.5 100 00.0 25.0 15.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 M 20 23.8 100 10.0 30.0 30.0 10.0 15.0 15.0 Average 40 22.7 100 05 27.5 22.5 10 22.5 22.5 Swimming F 11 15.4 100 09.1 18.2 09.1 09.1 09.1 18.2 M 11 19.7 100 09.1 36.4 18.2 09.1 09.1 18.2 Average 22 17.6 100 9.1 27.3 13.7 9.1 9.1 18.2 Rugby F 06 22.9 100 16.7 00.0 00.0 00.0 00.0 16.7 M 06 21.7 100 16.7 00.0 00.0 00.0 16.7 16.7 Average 12 22.3 100 16.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 8.4 16.7 Powerlifting F 06 20.9 100 33.3 33.3 16.7 00.0 00.0 16.7 M 06 23.6 100 16.7 16.7 00.0 00.0 16.7 16.7 Average 12 22.3 100 25 25 8.4 0.0 8.4 16.7 Female average 133 21.1 100 14 22.2 15.1 8.9 13.4 18.1 Male average 194 21.9 100 11.6 23.1 13.6 6.8 15.7 17.3 General average 326 21.45 100 12.8 22.65 14.35 7.85 14.55 18.7 Non‐Athletes F 40 21.6 100 25.0 05 10.0 05 30.0 35.0 M 40 22.7 100 20.0 05 15.0 05 40.0 30.0 Average 80 22.15 100 22.5 05 12.5 05 35 32.5

Systematic review of flexibility tests in gymnastics

The aim of this study was to review the tests used to measure flexibility in gymnastic disciplines. The search was conducted on PubMed, WOS, Scopus, Sport Discus and Google Scholar databases, and included studies in English and Spanish that assessed flexibility in gymnasts and were published between January 2005 and March 2020. Twenty-seven manuscripts were selected, rhythmic and women’s artistic gymnastics being the most frequently studied disciplines. Flexibility was most commonly assessed in the hip and shoulder joints. Within the wide variety of tests performed, the most commonly used ones were the split, shoulder flexibility, bridge and sit-and-reach tests . Linear measurements were usually used, followed by the angular ones. In conclusion, in spite of flexibility being a determining capacity in gymnastic disciplines, several studies did not provide information on the validity of their results. Further studies including validated tests applied to larger samples and using longitudinal approaches are needed, with the aim to confirm test predictive validity and to allow for greater generalisation.

When the Elites Began Going to the Gym: The Professional and Social Spaces of the First Hygienic Gymnasiums in Madrid, 1860–69

In order to analyse the origins of modern gyms in Spain, it is crucial to look to the mid-nineteenth century, focusing particularly on those cities that experienced the greatest urban and economic growth. These cities witnessed the creation of new spaces related to the different gymnastic disciplines (artistic, medical, orthopaedic, recreational, hygienic, and pedagogical). A few primitive gymnasiums governed by empiricist experts in gymnastics (empíricos gimnasiarcas), which, under the medical supervision of doctors, promised to cure all manner of afflictions, sprang up. Many of these edifices sprang up in Madrid during the period 1860–1869, a decade that marked a defining moment in the origins of modern Spanish gymnastics. An analysis of the technical-professional and social spaces in which these exercises took place, the so-called hygienic gymnasium, reveals that these gymnasiums were an important meeting point for social and moral reformers among Spain’s elite classes.

EDITORIAL

Dear friends,
 
 
 
 The European Union has changed its approach toward scientific publications and we have to respect the new guidelines. The most important guideline is that all scientific articles have to be openly accessible. While our journal already has open access to articles, we will try to number articles by digital object identifier (DOI) by the end of the year. It will be slightly more work, but generally we will still be able to publish three issues per year.
 
 At the end of May new journal evaluations have been published in SCOPUS. Unfortunately, our citation has been placed slightly lower than last year, but our SNIP indicator has risen and thus our journal is now in the second quarter of journals. An excellent result! 
 
 In this issue, we have again ten articles by authors from Brazil, Portugal, Canada, Greece, Denmark (for the first time), Bulgaria (for the first time), Great Britain, Japan, Croatia, Germany, the USA, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. There is a variety of research fields and it is good to see that there is a lot of productive international cooperation among researchers. Among articles on gymnastics disciplines, most are dealing with the man and the women artistic gymnastics; we are proud that for the first time we have an article from TEAMGYM, a discipline that is gaining momentum in Europe.
 
 Anton Gajdoš prepared another article related to the history of gymnastics, refreshing our information on Albert Azarjan, an excellent Armenian (ex Soviet Union) gymnast.
 
 Please be welcome to Freiburg to 13th International Gymnastics Congress.
 
 Just to remind you, if you quote the Journal, its abbreviation on the Web of Knowledge is SCI GYMN J.
 
 I wish you pleasant reading and a lot of inspiration for new research projects and articles,
 
 
 
 
 Ivan Čuk 
 Editor-in-Chief

EDITORIAL

Dear friends,
 
 In this issue, we have ten articles with authors from Brazil, New Zealand, Australia, Sweden, Germany, the Republic of Korea, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Spain, Greece, Tunisia and Chile. The articles cover psychology, sport training, anthropometric characteristics, motor learning, kinesiology, and biomechanics. Among gymnastics disciplines, most are dealing with the man and the women artistic gymnastics, but we also have an article on the rhythmic, acrobatic and the general gymnastics.
 
 Our last issue had the Olympic Games as its theme. If there is interest among researchers, we would be open to preparing another special issue on a theme e.g. motor control in gymnastics, motor learning in gymnastics, etc.
 
 Anton Gajdoš prepared another article related to the history of gymnastics, refreshing our knowledge of 100 years since the Czechoslovakian Gymnastics Federation was established.
 
 Last year was special as we published a record number of articles, 34 in total. After evaluation, some articles were unfortunately rejected, mostly due to their non-gymnastics content and, in a few cases, extremely poor language. However, last year our journal saw an improvement in the h-index: in SCOPUS it is 7 and in WoS 4. As we haven’t been present in WoS for long, it will take some time to gain the same h-index in both. If we manage to publish more than 25 articles by October, we will fulfil the criteria in PUBMED to have 50 articles in a two year-span and will start the evaluation process to be included in the PUBMED.
 
 We need to emphasis diligent work of reviewers and give them credit to have quality articles. All reviewers in year 2018 are listed.
 
 Just to remind you, if you quote the Journal: its abbreviation on the Web of Knowledge is SCI GYMN J. I wish you pleasant reading and a lot of inspiration for new research projects and articles,

THE KINEMATIC DIFFERENCES IN THE GLIDE KIP ON HORIZONTAL BAR BETWEEN THE ELITE GYMNAST AND STUDENTS

The bar is one of the most attractive gymnastic disciplines that abound with elements of varying degrees of difficulty. The glide kip represents one part of the choreography of movements that the gymnast should master to the highest level in order to achieve as successful a transition as possible to other more complex elements. 2D kinematical analysis has the potential to objectively register the planar movements and that’s why the purpose of this research was to use this method to determine and compare the kinematic characteristics of the element in gymnasts and students. The research shows very similar results in the angular displacement in the hip joint and the difference in the angular velocity. Also, students show a different direction of swinging with their legs in the fourth phase. Regarding the time characteristics, the gymnasts and the students have different time duration but a very similar rhythm of movement. The largest difference is the angular displacement and the angular velocity in the knee joint. The obtained results can serve as a benchmark for the key elements of the movement which are important for a successful performance of the element and where instructions should be targeted during learning and improving the element in such a sample of respondents. Article visualizations:

To justification of need in increase of efficiency of sports orientation and selection at the initial stage of preparation in the gymnastic disciplines

Аннотация Основные принципы ориентации и отбора советской школы гимнастики были сформулиро-ваны более полувека назад, в середине 20 века, когда в спортивной гимнастике – единственной на тот момент Олимпийской гимнастической дисциплине возникла необходимость рационализации системы подготовки высококвалифицированных спортсменов. На данный момент членами FIG являются 7 гимнастических дисциплин. Для осуществления качественного отбора и селекции в каждой из них требуется большой охват занимающихся, предрасположенных к сложнокоордина-ционным видам спорта. Без высокой результативности процесса спортивной ориентации и отбора невозможно решение данной проблемы. При этом существующая практика отбора в спорте вообще и в гимнастике, в частности, по мнению специалистов, не может быть оценена как достаточно эф-фективная и соответствующая современным тенденциям развития спорта высших достижений Ключевые слова

Analysis and specification of the demands made on the athletes in various gymnastic disciplines

121 дующее распределение:  высокая скорость сенсомоторной реакции – 80% (84 из 105) обследуемых;  средняя скорость сенсомоторной реакции – 20% (21 из 105) обследуемых. Носители генотипа SS отличались наиболее высокой скоростью простой зритель-но-моторной реакции (40% из числа носителей генотипа SS). Носители генотипа LL в большинстве своем отмечали средние значения зрительно-моторных реакций (60% из числа носителей генотипа LL). Результаты проведенного исследования позволяют сделать следующий вывод: Оценка зрительно-моторных реакций позволит осуществить более раннюю диагностику перенапряжения вегетативной нервной системы и перетренированности, особенно у женщин, генетически предрасположенных к развитию центрального утомления. ЛИТЕРАТУРА 1. Максимук, О.В. Физкультурно-оздоровительные занятия с женщинами зрелого возраста с учетом их психофизических особенностей [электронный ресурс] / О.В. Мак-симук, Е.П. Врублевский, С.С. Козлов // Наука и образование. 2012. № 4. – URL: http://archive.nbuv.gov.ua/portal/Soc_Gum/NiO/2012_4/2rozd/Maks.htm. – Дата обращения 20.05.2013. 2. Левченко, К.П. Восстановительная медицина. Фитнес и лечебная физкультура / К.П. Левченко. – М. : Изд-во Рос. мед. акад. постдиплом. образования, 2009. – 270 с. REFERENCES 1. Maksimuk, O.V., Vrublevsky E.P. and Kozlov S.S. (2012), “Sports and improving occupations with women of mature age taking into account their psychophysical features”,

Loads on a Gymnastics Safety Support System during Maximal Use

Support systems can be used to prevent or reduce the impact during landings in various gymnastics disciplines. A support system typically consists of two ropes, three pulleys attached to steelwork in the roof space of the gymnasium, and a belt around the gymnast's waist. The aim of the study was to determine the forces at the pulleys and the tension in the ropes during maximal loading for a dynamic gymnastics skill. Additionally the relationships between the drop height and the peak force and between the gymnast mass and the peak force, together with the effect of the coach's actions, were investigated. A gymnastics support system was instrumented with strain-gauge-based load cells. A coach attempted to arrest the fall of a gymnast equivalent mass (range, 10—35 kg) over a range of drop heights (0.25—1.5 m). To establish the coach's contribution, trials were repeated with the coach replaced by an equivalent mass and with the rope tied off to the floor. Peak forces of 1.3 kN were recorded for a simulated maximum loading gymnastics scenario (drop height, 1.25 m; gymnast mass, 35 kg). The coach's actions reduced the peak forces by 35 per cent and 48 per cent in comparison with an equivalent deadweight and with the rope tied off respectively.

An Injury Prevention Program to Prevent Gymnastic Injuries in Children and Teenagers

There are more than 5 million participants in 1 of 6 gymnastic disciplines that are prone to spinal cord injuries. Working with the gifted scholar and attorney, Jeffrey Beaton, the authors have participated in developing an injury prevention program for children and teenagers who participate in gymnastics. This program includes the following components: (1) a gymnastics center that complies with the e-Book design of gymnasticszone.com; (2) all teachers and students in gymnastics should be members of USA Gymnastics (USAG) and purchase a copy of the USA Gymnastics Safety Manual, the official manual of the United States Gymnastics Safety Association; (3) trampolines should be sunk in the ground with the bed level with the floor; and finally, (4) immediate emergency access of the injured gymnast to either a skilled orthopedic or neurosurgeon.

Medical Coverage of Gymnastics Competitions

Medical coverage of gymnastics competitions can be a challenging task for the sports medicine physician and other medical personnel because of the complexity and aerial nature of the sport. A broad understanding of the six gymnastics disciplines, along with the type of competitions, injury epidemiology, and the common acute gymnastics injuries will help sports medicine professionals in planning and delivering optimal care to the injured or ill gymnast.