Male Gymnasts Research Articles

Force-velocity relationship profile of elbow flexors in male gymnasts.

BackgroundThe theoretical maximum force (F0), velocity (V0), and power (Pmax) of athletes calculated from the relationship between force and velocity (F-V relationship) and the slope of the F-V relationship, reflect their competitive and training activity profiles. Evaluating the F-V relationship of athletes facilitates categorizing the profiles of dynamic muscle functions in relation to long-term sport-specific training. For gymnastics, however, no studies have tried to examine the profiles of F-V relation and power output for upper limb muscles in relation to the muscularity, while the use of the upper extremities in this sport is very unique as described earlier.PurposeIt was hypothesized that the F-V relationship of the elbow flexion in gymnasts might be characterized by low capacity for generating explosive force, notably in terms of the force normalized to muscle size.MethodsThe F0, V0, and Pmax derived from the force-velocity relationship during explosive elbow flexion against six different loads (unloaded condition, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75% of maximal voluntary isometric elbow flexion force (MVFEF)) for 16 gymnasts (GYM) and 22 judo athletes (JD). F0 and Pmax were expressed as values relative to the cross-sectional area index (CSAindex) of elbow flexors (F0/CSAindex and Pmax/CSAindex, respectively), which was calculated from muscle thickness in the anterior upper arm. The electromyogram (EMG) activities of the biceps brachii (BB) during the maximal isometric and dynamic tasks were also determined.ResultsThere were no significant differences in CSAindex of elbow flexors between GYM and JD. MVFEF/CSAindex for GYM was significantly lower than that for JD. Force was linearly associated with velocity in the dynamic elbow flexion for all the participants (r = − 0.997 to −0.905 for GYM, r = − 0.998 to −0.840 for JD). F0, F0/ CSAindex, V0, Pmax, Pmax/CSAindex, and MVFEF were significantly lower in GYM than in JD. The activity levels of BB during the dynamic tasks tended to be lower in GYM than in JD at load of <45%MVC.ConclusionGymnasts cannot generate explosive elbow flexion force corresponding to their muscle size. This may be due to low neuromuscular activities during the maximal dynamic tasks against relatively low loads.

Injury incidence and characteristics for elite, male, artistic USA gymnastics competitions from 2008 to 2018

ObjectivesTo determine the injury incidence and characteristics for elite, male, artistic USA gymnasts during gymnastics competitions, held in the USA, from 2008 to 2018.MethodsInjury documentation performed by lead physician and...

Serum levels of bone formation and resorption markers in relation to vitamin D status in professional gymnastics and physically active men during upper and lower body high-intensity exercise

Purpose/introductionTo compare serum levels of bone turnover markers in athletes and non-athletes, and to evaluate the relationship between serum levels of vitamin D metabolites and exercise-induced changes in biomarker levels.MethodsSixteen elite male artistic gymnasts (EG; 21.4 ± 0.8 years-old) and 16 physically active men (the control group, PAM; 20.9 ± 1.2 years-old) performed lower and upper body 30-s Wingate anaerobic tests (LBWT and UBWT, respectively). For biomarker analysis, blood samples were collected before, and 5 and 30 min after exercise. Samples for vitamin D levels were collected before exercise. N-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (PINP) was analysed as a marker of bone formation. C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) was analysed as a marker of bone resorption.ResultsUBWT fitness readings were better in the EG group than in the PAM group, with no difference in LBWT readings between the groups. UBWT mean power was 8.8% higher in subjects with 25(OH)D3 levels over 22.50 ng/ml and in those with 24,25(OH)2D3 levels over 1.27 ng/ml. Serum CTX levels increased after both tests in the PAM group, with no change in the EG group. PINP levels did not change in either group; however, in PAM subjects with 25(OH)D3 levels above the median, they were higher than those in EG subjects.ConclusionVitamin D metabolites affect the anaerobic performance and bone turnover markers at rest and after exercise. Further, adaptation to physical activity modulates the effect of anaerobic exercise on bone metabolism markers.

Kinematic analysis as the basis for training strategy in gymnastics

The kinematic analysis of gymnastic skills performance is a widely used research method in sports science. This study presents the experience of applying the method of kinematic analysis in the managing the training process of junior gymnasts on the example of mastering three basic gymnastic skills. The test group included 10 junior male gymnasts of the age 9 to 12. The subject of kinematic analysis was based on comparing gymnasts’ joint angles, angular velocity and angular acceleration parameters. The kinematics parameters of gymnastic skills performance by a highly qualified gymnast became the target model for junior gymnasts. As a result of these targets application in the training of junior gymnasts, changes in the basic skills kinematic parameters were detected. At the end of the study, the kinematics parameters of junior gymnasts became much closer to the model parameters. Thus, the effectiveness of the kinematics analysis method in the training of junior gymnasts was demonstrated.

ORIGEN Y EVOLUCIÓN DE LA GIMNASIA RÍTMICA MASCULINA: UN CAMINO HACIA LA IGUALDAD DE DERECHOS

Los principios olímpicos recogidos en la Carta Olímpico reflejan la filosofía del Movimiento Olímpico. Uno de esos principios es la no discriminación por razones de sexo o de género. La gimnasia rítmica es uno de los pocos deportes olímpicos con participación exclusivamente femenina. El objetivo de esta investigación ha sido rescatar el origen de este deporte y su evolución, tanto a nivel nacional como internacional, y reflexionar si actualmente, y en relación con este deporte, se cumplen en la práctica los principios fundamentales base del ideario Olímpico. Con tal perspectiva, se realizó el análisis documental de la Carta Olímpica, de la Declaración Universal de Derechos Humanos y de la documentación de los archivos de la Real Federación Española de Gimnasia (RFEG), así como de fuentes hemerográficas especializadas. Por otro lado, se celebró una entrevista semiestructurada de final abierto al gimnasta español Rubén Orihuela Gavilán. La información y los resultados fueron objeto de contraste y triangulación, y mostraron que la gimnasia rítmica no tiene restricciones en cuanto a su práctica, en cambio a nivel competitivo, los eventos en los que los gimnastas pueden participar son escasos. En este sentido en España se documentan impulsos equilibradores de estas circunstancias, mostrando un avance pionero en este sentido, como la concesión de la primera licencia federativa masculina del mundo o la celebración del primer Campeonato Nacional Masculino de Gimnasia Rítmica celebrado en Gijón el 2009. Por todo ello, es preciso señalar que tanto la Federación Internacional de Gimnasia (FIG) como las federaciones nacionales tienen en sus manos la posibilidad de generar el impulso que la gimnasia rítmica masculina necesita, propiciando la visibilidad de este deporte y el aumento de su práctica, aspecto que también condiciona la participación olímpica.

Long term measures of vestibulo-ocular reflex function in high level male gymnasts and its possible role during context specific rotational tasks.

In a prior publication, we described a previously unknown eye movement phenomenon during the execution of actively performed multiaxial rotations in high level gymnasts. This phenomenon was consistently observed during the phase of fast free flight rotations and was marked by a prolonged and complete suppression of nystagmus and gaze stabilizing “environment referenced eye movements” (EREM; such as the vestibulo-ocular reflex, optokinetic reflex, smooth pursuit and others). Instead, these eye movements were coupled with intersegmental body movements. We have therefore called it “spinal motor-coupled eye movements” (SCEM) and have interpreted the phenomenon to likely be caused by anti-compensatory functions of more proprioceptive mediated reflexes and perhaps other mechanisms (e.g., top-down regulation as part of a motor plan) to effectively cope with a new-orientation in space, undisturbed by EREM functions. In the phase before landing, the phenomenon was replaced again by the known gaze-stabilizing EREM functions. The present study specifically evaluated long-term measures of vestibulo-ocular reflex functions (VOR) in high level gymnasts and controls during both passively driven monoaxial rotations and context-specific multiaxial somersault simulations in a vestibular lab. This approach provided further insights into the possible roles of adaptive or mental influences concerning the VOR function and how they are associated with the described phenomenon of SCEM. Results showed high inter-individual variability of VOR function in both gymnasts and controls, but no systematic adaptation of the VOR in gymnasts, neither compared to controls nor over a period of three years. This might generally support the hypothesis that the phenomenon of SCEM might indeed be driven more by proprioceptively mediated and situationally dominant eye movement functions than by adaptative processes of the VOR.

Stress Distribution Patterns Across the Shoulder Joint in Gymnasts: A Computed Tomography Osteoabsorptiometry Study.

Background:The distribution pattern of subchondral bone density is an indicator of stress distribution over a joint surface under long-term physiologic loading. The biomechanical characteristics of the articular surfaces of the shoulder joint in gymnasts can be determined by measuring this distribution pattern.Purpose:To evaluate the distribution of subchondral bone density across the shoulder joint in male collegiate gymnasts and to determine the effects of gymnastic activities on its articular surfaces under long-term loading conditions using computed tomography osteoabsorptiometry (CTOAM).Study Design:Descriptive laboratory study.Methods:CT image data were obtained from both shoulders of 12 asymptomatic male collegiate gymnasts (gymnast group; mean age, 19.4 years; range, 18-22 years) and 10 male collegiate volunteers (control group; mean age, 20.2 years; range, 18-22 years). The distribution pattern of subchondral bone density across the articular surfaces of each shoulder joint was assessed by CTOAM. Quantitative analysis was performed of the locations and percentages of high-density areas on the articular surface.Results:Stress distribution patterns over the articular surfaces differed between the gymnasts and the controls. In the gymnasts, high-density areas were detected on the posterosuperior articular surface of the humeral head and the anterosuperior and/or posterosuperior articular surface of the glenoid. Mean bone density was greater in the gymnasts than in the controls (P < .0001).Conclusion:Stress distribution over the articular surfaces of the shoulder joint was affected by gymnastic activities. Stress was concentrated over the superior part of the glenohumeral joint in male collegiate gymnasts.Clinical Relevance:The present findings suggest that gymnastic activities increase stress to the articular surfaces of the superior glenohumeral joint. This supports the notion that mechanical conditions play a crucial role in the origin of disorders particular to gymnastic activities.

THE PROFILE OF THE ACADEMIC PRODUCTION ON MEN’S ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS FROM THE WEB OF SCIENCE AND SCOPUS

The objective of this study was to describe the scientific production on men’s artistic gymnastics (MAG) in journals indexed on the Scopus and Web of Science platforms. To this end, we searched on both platforms for the keywords “men’s artistic gymnastics” and "male artistic gymnastics", with a non-specified date range. After applying the exclusion criteria, 52 scientific articles were found, distributed between 1994 and 2019. The year with the highest number of publications so far is 2018, with emphasis on the period between 2014 and 2018. The authors who contributed the most were Maurice Yeadon and Michael Hiley (both from British universities), Marco Bortoleto (from Brazil), and Ivan Čuk (from Slovenia). There is a predominance of MAG-related articles in the Science of Gymnastics Journal (21%), followed by the Journal of Biomechanics (7%). The articles deal with the biomechanics of gymnastics (34%), the rules of the sport and its judging (19%), the social, historical and political aspects of gymnastics (14%), morphological characteristics of athletes (10%), athletes’ health (10%), gymnastics training aspects (8%), and finally, analyses of athletes’ age over the years (6%).

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.

Might Salivary Lysozyme Be An Indicator Of Prolonged Intense Training Load In Athletes? A Preliminary Study In Adolescent Male Gymnasts

Lysozyme is one of the salivary antimicrobial proteins (AMP) which act as a defence at the mucosal surface. While in adult athletes, a decrease in salivary lysozyme (SLys) levels has been reported after prolonged intense training, to our knowledge, no studies have been conducted to study the relationship between SLys levels and long-term physical activity in children or teenagers.The aim of this preliminary study was mainly to evaluate in a group of adolescent male gymnasts undergoing prolonged intense training load whether - in accordance with studies in adult athletes - there will also be a decrease in SLys and if so, whether this phenomenon will be so common that we detect it in a small group of study participants.Twelve adolescent male gymnasts aged from 15.0 ± 1.6 years of national or international performance level were recruited to participate in this study. All participants of the study had their sample of saliva taken: I. Period) after the transitional period (rest), i.e. just before the beginning of the preparatory training period. II. Period) immediately after the end of the preparatory training period that was focused on maximal strength and power development. Preparatory training period lasting 6 weeks consisted of nine 2.5 hour training units (on average) over 6 days in every week. At the same time, three times per week two-a-day training sessions were incorporated. Intensity of the physical exercise was not determined.We found a significant decrease in SLys levels after the preparatory training period (termed as II. period) compared to its level just before the start of the training (i.e. after the rest, termed as I. period).The results of this preliminary study suggest that SLys measurements may be an indicator of prolonged training load in adolescent athletes. Although the intensity of the training load has not been determined, the national and international performance level of the gymnasts enrolled in the study allows at least a rough estimate of its level. However, with respect to some limitations of our study, larger studies on male and female adolescent athletes, applying relevant training load with monitoring of variables such as specific sports performance, physical fitness, nutrition, sleep quality, social and psychological factors, are desirable.

Anthropometric Characteristics of Olympic Female and Male Artistic Gymnasts from 1996 to 2016

Anthropometric Characteristics of Olympic Female and Male Artistic Gymnasts from 1996 to 2016

Construct validity of gymnastics-specific assessment on the neuromuscular function of shoulder flexor and extensor muscles

ABSTRACT The present study examined the construct validity of gymnastics-specific measurements of the shoulder flexor and extensor neuromuscular function. Fifteen male gymnasts and 18 male physical education (PE) students participated voluntarily. The electromyogram (EMG) of 3 flexor and 3 extensor shoulder muscles was assessed during isometric (45, 90, and 135º) and isokinetic (concentric and eccentric 60, 180, and 300º/s) shoulder flexion/extension. Peak torque (PT) and neuromuscular function in terms of neuromuscular efficiency (NME, i.e. torque to EMG ratio) and antagonist/agonist coactivation index were evaluated. The construct validity of the measurements was supported by the ability to discriminate between gymnasts and physical education (PE) students, taking into consideration the shoulders’ neuromuscular function parameters (37%-57% of the variability explained). After accounting for the limitations of the study, these findings may assist gymnastics coaches and researchers to develop and evaluate more effective training methods for athletes related to shoulder joint physiological characteristics and level of expertise.

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.&#x0D;

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN MUSCLES’ CONTRACTILE PROPERTIES AND JUMPING PERFORMANCE IN GYMNASTS

This study examined the association between muscles’ contractile properties and jumping skill performance in gymnasts. Thirty-nine internationally experienced female (56%) and male (44%) gymnasts participated in the study. Radial displacement and contraction time of the biceps femoris, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and erector spinae were collected to assess muscles’ contractile characteristics using tensiomyography (TMG). Additionally, peak power, jump height, vertical take-off velocity, and vertical peak force in squat jump, countermovement jump, and drop jump were recorded. The TMG parameters did not predict jumping performance in our sample of female and male gymnasts. Associations between TMG parameters and jumping performance are discussed in the article.

Effectiveness of additional Mulligan taping over conventional therapy in young female gymnasts with lateral ankle sprain

BACKGROUND: Researchers found that ankle sprains accounted for sports-related injuries in twenty high school sports. Mulligan taping which is well known for ankle sprain and can be easily sustained by subjects. The study was conducted to determine the effect of Mulligan taping on the incidence and severity of ankle injury in women's gymnastics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study design: Experimental study. Sample size: Sixty. Study setting: Gymnastics sports complexes in and around the city area. Sample distribution: Alternate allocation method. Study sampling: Purposive sampling. Inclusion criteria: Gymnasts diagnosed/ Prediagnosed with lateral ankle sprain (LAS)grade 2(sub acute) more than 2 weeks, vault and rhythmic gymnastics player of10–20 years of female practicing gymnastics more than 2 months and reporting minimum two episodes of giving away. Exclusion criteria: Recent surgeries on lower limbs, male gymnasts, recent fracture of the ankle and chronic ankle sprains. Procedure: Total sixty gymnasts' satisfying the inclusion–exclusion criteria and were divided into two equal groups by alternate allocation method i.e. Group A who underwent additional Mulligan taping with glides and Group B who underwent only conventional therapy. Post treatment data was collected and statistically analysed. Outcome measures: Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). RESULTS: In Group A, t-value pre- and posttreatment for FAAM score was 48.346, which shows a significant change at P CONCLUSION: Additional Mulligan taping has shown significant effects over conventional therapy in young female gymnasts with LAS.

The software instrument for gymnast posture analysis

The general aim of this research was to develop an ideal instrument to analyse the ideal anthropometric posture of artistic gymnastic sports so that profiles and proportions of the length of the athletes were ideal through analysis images. Research and development methods used the following paths for problem identification, information gathering, product design, design validation, product testing, trial used and mass product manufacturing. The results of the study contain software design (UNG) with the performance of storing and analysing images by adjusting the real coordinate scale and height digital scale as a reference to measure the athlete's body length and the degree of posture imbalance. Validity was measured in two ways, namely correlating the standard length gauge No. Reg C4 / VI / 250419 with measurements in the software amounting to 0.92 very high categories and averaging in hundreds of assessments of 92 ICT experts and sports experts at 96.5. Reliability using retest was .95 very high category. Posture Image Analysis of 150 male world gymnasts All the figures around depict the average height, Percentage of limb length, posture imbalance. in degree, posture analysis which is suitable and efficient in displaying for each exercise.it describe an average height of 166 cm with a leg length proportion of 54%, Body 26%, Head 13% and neck 5%. The conclusion of UNG software was to effectively analyse the profile image of the sample male artistic gymnastic ideal to produce a profile and the length of anthropometric proportions of the athlete's body members in accordance with the actual object.

Physical determinants of vault performance and their age-related differences across male junior and elite top-level gymnasts.

In order to perform difficult vaults in artistic gymnastics, athletes have to achieve high run-up speeds within the limited run-up distance (25m). However, the physical parameters that contribute to a high run-up speed and their age-related differences remain elusive. Hence, the aim of this study was 1) to investigate interrelations between difficulty value (D-score) and run-up kinematics of Handspring/Tsukahara and Yurchenko vaults as well as lower body power (25m-sprint, explosive and reactive strength) and 2) to explore age-related differences of these parameters across junior and elite gymnasts performing Handspring/Tsukahara vaults. For this purpose, the data (of the above mentioned parameters) of 47 top-level male elite and junior gymnasts aged 14.3 to 28.3 of performance testing, gathered over three years, were analysed. We found that D-score of Handspring/Tsukahara (n = 33) was strongly correlated with run-up speed (r = 0.79; p < 0.01). Further, 25m sprint speed (r = 0.85; p < 0.01) was significantly associated with run-up speed of Handspring/Tsukahara-vaults. There were no significant relationships with the D-score of Yurchenko (n = 14). Looking at the age-related differences of Handspring/Tsukahara, D-score increased significantly from junior to elite level (+11.6%; p < 0.01). The comparison between consecutive age-groups revealed that the U19 group had higher run-up speeds, step lengths, body weights and heights than the U17 group, while the U21 group achieved significantly higher speeds (run-up, 25m-sprint) and explosive strength than the U19 group. We concluded 1) that the optimization of important physical determinants may increase the potential to perform more difficult Handspring/Tsukahara vaults and 2) that first growth and maturation and later improvements of lower body power led to higher run-up speeds of Handspring/Tsukahara in the subsequent age-group. Therefore, based on performance testing of the lower limbs, training recommendations should be given specifically to the requirements of the competition vault.

“Despite being an athlete, I am also a human-being”: Male elite gymnasts’ reflections on food and body image

ABSTRACT Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of symptoms related to eating disorders, disordered eating and body image perception, and attitudes toward eating in a group of elite male artistic gymnastics. Seventeen athletes took part in this quali-quantitative, cross-sectional study. Presence of eating disorders symptoms, and body image perception and satisfaction were assessed using validated questionnaires. Focus groups were held to discuss their attitudes toward eating and body image perception in more detail. Little to no evidence of symptoms consistent with eating disorders was observed, and this was supported by the qualitative data. However, some concerning practices and attitudes were described. Negative emotional eating cycles appeared prevalent (e.g. feelings of anger, stress and anxiety creating a desire to eat “junk foods”, followed by guilt and regret). Body image perception and attitudes toward body weight’s influence on performance varied widely. Some athletes expressed a desire to lose weight and believed that this would positively impact their performance, while others believed weight to be irrelevant and focused on feeling strong and vital. Athletes believed their female counterparts experienced far greater pressure to maintain low body weight and described some very concerning practices. We conclude that eating disorders and disordered eating did not appear to be prevalent among these elite male artistic gymnastics. However, some concerning attitudes and practices were observed and should be addressed with nutritional support programmes encompassing psychological and behavioural aspects of eating. These programmes should be extended to support staff and significant others, in addition to athletes.

Strategies of elite Chinese gymnasts in coping with landing impact from backward somersault.

This study aimed to investigate how elite Chinese gymnasts manage the landing impact from a backward somersault. Six international-level male gymnasts performed backward somersault tests with a synchronous collection of kinematics (250 Hz), ground reaction forces (1,000 Hz), and surface electromyography (EMG) (2,000 Hz). A 19-segment human model was developed and lower extremity joints torques were calculated by means of a computer simulation. The angles of the lower extremity joints initially extended and then flexed. These angular velocities of extension continued to decrease and the joint torques changed from extensor to flexor within 100 ms before touchdown. The angles of the hips, knees, and ankles flexed rapidly by 12°, 36°, and 29°, respectively, and the angular velocities of flexion, flexor torque, and EMG peaked sharply during the initial impact phase of the landing. The angles of the hips, knees, and ankles flexed at approximately 90°, 100°, and 80°, respectively. The torques were reversed with the extensor torques, showing a relatively high level of muscle activation during the terminal impact phase of the landing. The results showed that the international-level gymnasts first extended their lower extremity joints, then flexed just before touchdown. They continued flexing actively and rapidly in the initial impact phase and then extended to resist the landing impact and maintain body posture during the terminal impact phase of the landing. The information gained from this study could improve our understanding of the landings of elite gymnasts and assist in injury prevention.

EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT LEG LOADINGS AT TAKE-OFF ON LANDING CHARACTERISTICS IN TWISTING SOMERSAULTS

The purpose of the study was to determine whether take-off asymmetry affects landing asymmetry. Eleven male gymnasts performed forward and backward somersaults with 1/2, 1/1, and 3/2 twists. The leading leg for each participant was defined according to the twisting direction. Ground reaction forces under each foot were measured with Parotec insoles. Absolute and relative measures of lateral asymmetry were used as dependent variables. Three-way ANOVA and a series of one-way ANOVAs were used to determine the main effects between take-off and landing. A series of paired t-tests with Bonferroni corrections were used to find differences between the leading and non-leading legs. Maximal ground reaction forces showed that the leading leg was set out to a higher load at take-off than the non-leading leg for twisting somersaults. There were no statistically significant differences found in the maximal ground reaction force between the legs at landings. Index of bilateral asymmetry indicated landings with negligible asymmetry. However, the maximal force differences between the legs in somersault 3/2 were higher when compared to other somersault variations. No evidence was found to affirm that the asymmetry at take-off affects asymmetry at landing in a twisting somersault. Presumably, gymnasts can take corrective measures during the aerial phase of the twisting somersault that effectively diminish the tilt of the body and enable gymnasts to prepare for the landing with small proportional asymmetry. Prudence is required as these proportions rise in the quantity of load with the height of the somersault.