Trampoline Gymnasts Research Articles

ALI JE SPREMEMBA TOČKOVNEFGA PRAVILNIKA V SKOKIH NA VELIKI PROŽNI PONJAVI 2022-2024 SPREMENILA REZULTAT TELOVADCEV?

e evaluation rules for trampoline gymnastics were revised by the technical committee post-Tokyo 2020 Olympics, notably affecting the qualifying round. Previously, only four elements were considered for difficulty points in the first routine, but now all elements count in both routines. To assess the impact, data from the 28th/29th FIG Trampoline Gymnastics World Age Group Competitions and 35th/36th FIG Trampoline Gymnastics World Championships in 2021/2022 were analyzed. A t-test compared scores in Execution (E), Difficulty (D), Time Of Flight (TOF), and Horizontal Displacement (HD) between 2021 and 2022. In the senior men's category, average values increased in D, HD, and total scores in 2022, with significant differences in Execution and near-significant in TOF scores. Across all other categories, mean values of D, E, TOF, HD, and total scores rose in 2022, though without statistical significance. The trend towards higher scores under the new rules suggests their influence, yet unexplored factors may also play a role. Further research is needed for a comprehensive understanding.

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.

Influence of Hip Joint Range of Motion on Postural Stability in Trampoline Gymnasts

Influence of Hip Joint Range of Motion on Postural Stability in Trampoline Gymnasts

Omnidirectional Configuration of Stretchable Strain Sensor Enabled by the Strain Engineering with Chiral Auxetic Metamaterial.

An electromechanical interface plays a pivotal role in determining the performance of a stretchable strain sensor. The intrinsic mechanical property of the elastomer substrate prevents the efficient modulation of the electromechanical interface, which limits the further evolution of a stretchable strain sensor. In this study, a chiral auxetic metamaterial (CAM) is incorporated into the elastomer substrate of a stretchable strain sensor to override the deformation behavior of the pristine device and regulate the device performance. The tunable isotropic Poisson's ratio (from 0.37 to -0.25) achieved by the combination of CAM and elastomer substrate endows the stretchable strain sensor with significantly enhanced sensitivity (53-fold improvement) and excellent omnidirectional sensing ability. The regulation mechanism associated with crack propagation on the deformed substrate is also revealed with finite element simulations and experiments. The demonstration of on-body monitoring of human physiological signals and a smart training assistant for trampoline gymnastics with the CAM-incorporated strain sensor further illustrates the benefits of omnidirectionally enhanced performance.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Interventions in Female Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Athletes are almost 3 times more at risk of experiencing urinary incontinence (UI) than sedentary women, with prevalence rates varying from 10.9% in low-impact sports such as cycling to 80% when engaging in high-impact sports such as trampoline gymnastics. To treat UI, pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training (PFMT) is recommended as a first line of treatment. The aim of the present study was to perform a meta-analysis of the available literature on the efficacy of PFMT interventions in young, nulliparous female athletes. A literature research was conducted using PubMed, Sport Discus, and Web of Science. The inclusion criteria were studies with PFMT intervention in female athletes or recreationally active women. Interventions could be carried out for treatment or prevention of pelvic floor dysfunctions. Systematic review with meta-analysis. Level 5. A descriptive analysis of the articles included in the systematic review was carried out. Meta-analyses could be performed on 6 of the included articles, evaluating the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the PFMs, the amount of urinary leakage (AUL), and the vaginal resting pressure (VRP). Random-effects model and standardized mean differences (SMD) ± 95% CI were reported. The meta-analysis showed that PFMT produced a significant increase in MVC (SMD, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.11 to 1.08; P = 0.02) and a significant reduction of AUL (SMD, -1.13; 95% CI, -1.84 to -0.41; P < 0.01) in female athletes. No effects were shown in VRP (SMD, -0.05; 95% CI, -1.27 to 1.17; P = 0.93). PFMT is shown to be effective in increasing PFM strength and reducing urine leakage in female athletes, being a powerful tool to prevent and treat pelvic floor dysfunction in this population.

Birthplace as a factor of influence for the sporting success of Brazilian Olympic gymnasts

The main objective of this study was to identify the population and socioeconomic profile of the place of birth of Brazilian Olympic gymnasts in the three gymnastics disciplines that are part of the Olympic Games program (Men's and Women's Artistic Gymnastics, individual and team Rhythmic Gymnastics, and Men's and Women's Trampoline Gymnastics) and their relationship with international sporting success. This study was characterized as descriptive, with a quantitative approach using the following analysis factors: State of the country, Region of the country, Number of inhabitants, Demographic Density, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, and Municipal Human Development Index (MDI). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study is original in that it gathers diverse information about athletes who represented Brazil in different editions of the Olympic Games in a specific group of sports and contributes to understanding factors that influence international sports success for gymnastics modalities in the Brazilian context. The data indicate that Brazilian Olympic gymnasts from cities in the South and Southeast regions of the country, with more than 100,001 inhabitants, with a demographic density greater than 1869.37 inhabitants/km2, and with a high or very high HDI are more likely to achieve international sporting success. We believe that this study can contribute to future studies to analyze the influence of environmental factors on sporting success, especially in the Brazilian context.

Straight Jump Landing Position of Trampoline Gymnasts with Stable Occlusal Balance Reflects Standing Postural Control Function

The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between the landing position during consecutive straight jumps and standing posture stability of trampoline gymnasts with stable occlusal balance. Participants were 10 healthy men (BMI: 18.5–25.0) and 10 trampoline gymnasts (competition experience: ≥12 years), all of whom had stable occlusal balance. To assess postural control function, the displacements in the forward–backward (COP-FB) and the left–right directions (COP-LR) of the center of foot pressure were recorded under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. For the trampoline gymnasts, landing positions during 10 consecutive straight jumps were recorded. The horizontal displacements from the center of the bed in the forward–backward (H-FB) and the left–right directions (H-LR) directions were recorded. Differences in COP displacement between participant groups and between visual conditions were analyzed, along with the correlations between COP displacement and landing position. COP-FB in the eyes-open condition was significantly smaller in trampoline gymnasts than in healthy men (p &lt; 0.05). Significant strong positive correlations were observed between COP-FB and H-FB, and between COP-LR and H-LR (p &lt; 0.05). The postural control function of trampoline gymnasts was superior to that of healthy men in the eyes-open condition. The landing position during straight jumps of trampoline gymnasts with stable occlusal balance reflects standing postural control function.

How does artistic gymnastics and trampoline gymnastics training affect dynamic balance, abdominal strength, jump performance, and flexibility in adult females?

How does artistic gymnastics and trampoline gymnastics training affect dynamic balance, abdominal strength, jump performance, and flexibility in adult females?

Influence of Occlusion on Flight Time in Trampoline Competition

Purpose: The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of occlusion on flight time in trampoline competition. Materials and methods: Participants were 10 male trampoline gymnasts (18.9 ± 0.8 years). Dental Prescale was used to measure the occlusal contact state, and the lateral difference in the occlusal contact area was calculated. An all-in-one measurement system (HDTS EU-7100) was used to measure the flight time during consisted of 10 consecutive straight jumps. The correlation between the lateral difference in occlusal contact area and flight time was analyzed using Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient. A custom mouthguard was fabricated using a 2.0-mm-thick thermoplastic sheet and was adjusted so that all teeth were in even contact with light clenching. Differences in flight times with and without a mouthguard were compared using a paired t-test. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to analyze the relationship between the lateral difference in occlusal contact area and the rate of flight-time prolongation due to wearing a mouthguard. Results: A negative correlation was observed between the lateral difference in occlusal contact area and flight time (P&lt;0.05, R=−0.697). As a result of comparing the flight time with and without a mouthguard, flight time was significantly longer with a mouthguard (P&lt;0.05). A significant positive correlation was observed between the lateral difference in occlusal contact area and the extension rate of flight time due to wearing a mouthguard (P&lt;0.05, R=0.657). Conclusion: This study revealed a relationship between occlusion and flight time during straight jumps in the trampoline competition and found that the smaller the left-right difference in the occlusal contact area, the longer the flight time. In addition, it was clarified that achieving uniform occlusal contact by wearing a mouthguard contributed to the extension of flight time, and this effect was more pronounced in athletes with uneven occlusal contact.

Sensor-based jump detection and classification with machine learning in trampoline gymnastics

The task of the judge of difficulty in trampoline gymnastics is to check the elements and difficulty values entered on the competition cards and the difficulty of each element according to a numeric system. To do this, the judge must count all somersaults and twists for each jump during a routine and thus record the difficulty of the routine. This assessment can be automated with the help of inertial measurement units (IMUs) and facilitate the judges’ task during the competition. Currently, there is no known reliable method for the automated detection and recognition of the various elements to determine the difficulty of an exercise in trampoline gymnastics. Accordingly, a total of 2076 jumps and 50 different jump types were recorded over the course of several training sessions. In the first instance, 10 different jump types were used to train different machine learning (ML) models. Eight ML models were used for the automatic jump classification. Supervised learning approaches include a naive classifier, deep feedforward neural network, convolutional neural network, k‑nearest neighbors, Gaussian naive Bayes, support-vector classification, gradient boosting classifier, and stochastic gradient descent. When all classifiers were compared for accuracy, i.e., how many jumps were correctly detected by the ML model, the deep feedforward neural network and the convolutional neural network provided the best matches with 96.4 and 96.1%, respectively. The findings of this study will help to develop the automated classification of sensor-based data to support the judge and, simultaneously, for automated training logging.

ESTIMATING HORIZONTAL DISPLACEMENT DEDUCTION IN TRAMPOLINE GYMNASTICS BY MEANS OF CONSTANT AND VARIABLE ERRORS OF LANDING POSITIONS: A NEW GOLD STANDARD?

The final result in competitive trampoline gymnastics is composed of different subscores. These contribute differentially to the final score and result in a gymnast’s ranking. The present study was designed to investigate the impact that alternative score calculations of the horizontal displacement of the landing positions on the trampoline’s cloth would have on the final competition result. Different approaches for determining a precision measure were compared to the current standard of horizontal displacement deduction. These approaches for calculating precision measures were: (a) “total distance,” (b) the “convex-hull approach,” and (c) the “error approach.” Results showed that an alternative approach was more precise and differentiated better between gymnasts. The resulting changed rankings are compared to the official final score of the competition in order to demonstrate the impact of alternative calculations.&#x0D;

Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction Squat as Conditioning Activity Within a Contrast Training Sequence in High-Level Preadolescent Trampoline Gymnasts.

To investigate the effects of implementing low-load blood flow restriction exercises (LL-BFRE) instead of high-load exercises (HL-RE) in a contrast training program on strength and power performance of high-level young gymnasts. Fifteen high-level pre-pubescent trampoline gymnasts (national level, Tanner Stage II, intermediate experience in strength training) were divided into two groups to complete the same structure of a ten-week contrast strength training program differing only in the configuration of the first resistance exercise of the contrast sequence. The LL-BFRE group (n = 7, four girls, 13.9 ± 0.4 y) performed the first resistance exercise of the contrast with LL-BFRE (20%–30% 1RM, perceived pressure of 7 on a scale from 0 to 10). The HL-RE group (n = 8, four girls, 13.8 ± 0.5 y) trained the first resistance exercise of the contrast sequence with moderate-to-high load (60%–85% 1RM). Before and after the training period, isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), squat jump (SJ), counter movement jump (CMJ), and drop-jump (DJ) were performed to evaluate the effect of the intervention on strength and power capacities as primary outcomes. Changes in participants’ anthropometric measures, muscle mass, left and right thigh girth, IMTP relative to bodyweight (IMTP-R), eccentric utilization ratio (EUR), and reactive strength index (RSI) were assessed as secondary outcomes. There was no significant interaction (p > 0.05) between group x time in any power and strength outcome, although SJ and EUR showed a trend to significant interaction (p = 0.06 and p = 0.065, respectively). There was an overall effect of time (p < 0.05) in all power and strength variables (CMJ, SJ, EUR, DJ, RSI, IMTP, and IMTP-R). There was a significant interaction in muscle mass (MM) [β = 0.57 kg, 95% CI = (0.15; 0.98), t13 = 2.67, p = 0.019], revealing that participants in LL-BFRE increased their muscle mass (6.6 ± 3.1%) compared to HL-RE (3.6 ± 2.0%). Anthropometric variables did not present any group or interaction effect. However, there was a time effect (p < 0.05). Implementing LL-BFRE in place of HL-RE as a conditioning activity in a contrast training sequence might be equally effective in improving lower-body strength and power in preadolescent trampoline gymnasts.

THE EFFECT OF SCORE COMPONENTS ON TOTAL SCORE OF ATHLETES AT THE WORLD AGE GROUP COMPETITIONS IN TRAMPOLINE GYMNASTICS

Introduction. Trampoline gymnastics is a highly coordinated sport included in the Olympic program. To promote this sport among young people, trampoline gymnastics world age group competitions are held since 1998. The development of trampoline gymnastics depends on improvement of equipment and regular changes in international competition rules. The vast majority of changes of the international competition rules are introduced to objectify judging and increase the spectacle of the sport. However, research shows that organizing and holding of competitions for young athletes are greatly differed from competitions among adults. Aim is to determine the effect of score components on total score of performances of 13-16 years old trampoline gymnasts at the world age group competitions. Material and methods: theoretical analysis and generalization of scientific and methodical literature, retrospective analysis of international competition rules in trampoline gymnastics, synthesis and generalization, methods of mathematical statistics. Results. A retrospective an alysis of the regulatory documents for youth competitions shows that the trampoline gymnastics world age group competitions during 1998–2019 were held among the four main age groups. In the period from 1998 to 2013, athletes performed only one competitive exercise which was evaluated on two criteria – execution and difficulty scores. The analysis of the protocols of the world age group competitions showed that among athletes aged 13-16 the most important component of the competitive routines was the execution score, the second place was taken by difficulty score. However, in 2011 there were changes in the international competition rules. There were added third component of the evaluation of competitive routines named “time of flight”. Analysis of athletes' performances at the world age group competitions in 2011 (Birmingham, UK) showed that the importance of execution score decreased significantly, the second most important component of competitive exercises became time of flight, and difficulty score was only third. Since 2013, athletes of all age groups began performing two competitive routines, as well as senior athletes. However, the next innovation that had a significant impact on the system of competitions in trampoline jumping was the introduction of “horizontal displacement score” in 2017. The analysis of the protocols of the world age group competitions in 2017 and 2019 shows that among athletes aged 13-16 the most important components of the result were the execution score and time of flight score. Conclusions. Changes in the international competition rules in trampoline gymnastics in the period from 2011 to 2017 had a direct impact on the organization and holding of trampoline world age group competitions. These changes affected the structure of competitive activities of young athletes. With the change in the number of competition routines, the emergence of new judging components such as "time of flight" and "horizontal displacement" in trampoline gymnastics, there appeared objective indicators of competitive activity which give up to 35% of the total result. Thus, we can conclude that the new components of competitive activity play an important role and become decisive factors of the final result of athletes.

Strategic differences in trampoline gymnastics between Japanese and world athletes

Strategic differences in trampoline gymnastics between Japanese and world athletes

The effect of score types on total score in trampoline gymnastics: Example of the European Championship in Sochi 2021

Background and Study Aim. Trampoline gymnastics has a versatile scoring system that has evolved and become more complex over the years. This study aimed to find the effect of the difficulty (D), execution (E), time of flight (TOF), and horizontal displacement (HD) scores on the total score in male and female trampoline gymnasts. Material and Methods. The results of the first round in the qualification round in the individual senior category of the 27th European Championships in Trampoline Gymnastics were used for evaluation. Multiple regression analysis (the enter method) was performed to build a model between the total score and D, E, TOF, and HD scores. Results. According to multiple regression analyses, respectively E, TOF, D, and HD scores were predictors of the total score in the men’s first routine, and D, E, TOF, and HD in the men’s second routine (p&lt;0.05). Although women have the same ranking as the men of the second routines, respectively E, D, TOF, and HD scores were predictors of the first routine (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions. The results show that the E score is critical for the first routines and the D score is critical for the second routines. The fact that the first and second routines were constructed with different strategies as per the competition rules may have caused this result. By reminding coaches and athletes of the fact that the types of scores can affect each other, it can be suggested that they adjust their target scores according to the type of routine and the stage and type of competition.

Return to competitive gymnastics training in the UK following the first COVID-19 national lockdown.

Following the outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus), the UK entered a national lockdown, and all sport was suspended. The study aimed to explore the process of returning to gymnastics training after several months away from the gym, with a particular interest towards training load and injury. Twenty-six, national programmed gymnasts from Men's artistic, Women's artistic and Trampoline gymnastics recorded training load and injury whilst returning to training. At the end of data collection, three coaches were interviewed to further explore the experiences and practices of returning to training. Home-based training during lockdown was seen as beneficial in maintaining a level of fitness. Coaches described a gradual increase in training to reduce the risk of injury, and this partly explains a non-significant association between training load and a substantial injury (p=0.441). However, week-to-week changes in training load following periods of additional restrictions (additional lockdown, periods of isolation, or substantial restrictions) were not always gradual. There was a significant association between an injury in the preceding week (niggle or substantial injury to a different body part) and a substantial injury in the subsequent week (RR: 5.29, p=0.011). Monitoring training was described to be a useful practice during the process of returning to training. Coaches believed that although the short-term development of their gymnasts was affected, the long-term development would not be impacted from COVID-19. It is anticipated that learnings from this study can be applied to future practices and situations, particularly when gymnasts are away from the gym for an extended period.

The influence of growth and training loads on injury risk in competitive trampoline gymnasts

ABSTRACT There is currently limited research exploring the relationship between growth, training load and injury in gymnasts. Twenty-one national level, trampoline gymnasts recorded training load and injury for 8-weeks. Percentage of predicted adult height (%PAH) was calculated using the Khamis–Roche method and used to define growth spurt status. Training load was calculated using the session rate of perceived exertion and analysed as differential loads and as a 7-day exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA7day). There was a significant non-linear association between %PAH and the probability of injury when adjusting for either training load metric (differential load, P = 0.015; EWMA7day; P = 0.008), with the highest injury risk estimated at ~90% PAH (circa growth spurt). The probability of injury significantly increased with increases in EWMA7day training load (RR: 1.88 95% CI: 1.21–2.91, P = 0.005) but not with differential load. No significant interaction between %PAH, training load and the probability of injury were observed. Data suggest that competitive trampoline gymnasts are at an increased risk of injury during the adolescent growth spurt or with higher weekly training loads. Coaches should be educated and encouraged to identify periods of rapid growth and monitor training load, to reduce the risk of injury.

A COMPARISON OF TIME OF FLIGHT AND HORIZONTAL DISPLACEMENT SCORES IN TRAMPOLINE GYMNASTICS ROUTINES

In trampoline gymnastics, elements with low difficulty values are given more place in the first routines in accordance with the international competition rules. In the second routines, because the difficulty value of all the elements performed earn points for the gymnast, elements with high difficulty values are preferred. This difference may affect other score types in the routines. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to compare the time of flight and horizontal displacement scores in first and second routines. The results of the 2019-2020 Trampoline Gymnastics Turkish Championship constituted the data of the study. In both competitions, both the entire group and the female and male groups were evaluated. Except for the 2019 male horizontal displacement scores, the time of flight and horizontal displacement scores of all groups were found to be statistically significantly lower in the second routines compared with the first routines (p&lt;0.05). According to these results, the trampoline gymnasts preferred more complex and difficult elements to obtain high difficulty scores in the second routines in accordance with the international rules, which may have caused them to achieve lower time of flight and horizontal displacement scores compared with the first routines. Trainers and gymnasts should aim to increase the difficulty score without decreasing the total score while choosing elements for second routines. To find this difficulty level, trainings and trial competitions can be performed with routines with different difficulty scores.

WORLD AGE GROUP COMPETITIONS (WAGC) AS A DEVELOPMENT PILLAR FOR TRAMPOLINE GYMNASTICS: ANALYSING NATIONAL FEDERATIONS’ RESULTS BETWEEN 1999 AND 2019

Trampoline Gymnastics is a consolidated sport within the gymnastics family. Since the International Trampoline Federation (FIT) and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) merged in 1999, the growth and expansion of Trampoline Gymnastics have remained constant. In this process, the role played by the World Age Group Competitions (WAGC) is worth to be mentioned, as this event has been established as the main entrance pathway to any gymnast or national federation willing to reach the international elite level. The first edition of these competitions dates back to 1973 in London, and the 27th took place in Tokyo in November 2019. This article aims to explain the key role played by WAGC in the evolution and consolidation of this Olympic sport, by conducting an in-depth analysis of the participation data and medal distribution during the last fourteen editions, all the ones taking place under the FIG umbrella. In order to complete a broader picture of these competitions, a detailed analysis in terms of editions, gender and disciplines is presented. Results return a clear dominance of the Russian Federation national team and a group of international contenders that built up their strong presence at the international scene on top of a constant and well-planned strategy in WAGC. These events have achieved to become part of the sports’ internal culture and the education system has incorporated them into all the recommended procedures at the international level.

Gaze, head and eye movements during somersaults with full twists.

Somersaults with or without twists are the most important elements in sports such as gymnastics or trampolining. Moreover, to perform elements with the highest possible difficulty gymnasts should show good form and execution during the flight phase. In order to ensure perfect body control and a safe landing, gaze behavior has been proven to be crucial for athletes to orientate in the air. As eye movement and head movement are closely coordinated, both must be examined while investigating gaze behavior. The aim of the current study is to analyze athletes' head motion and gaze behavior during somersaults with full twists. 15 skilled trampoline gymnasts performed back straight somersaults with a full twist (back full) on the trampoline. Eye movement and head movement were recorded using a portable eye-tracking device and a motion capture suit. The results indicate that gymnasts use the trampoline bed as a fixation point for orientation and control the back full, whereas the fixation onsets for athletes of a better performance class occur significantly later. A strong coordination between gymnasts' eye movement and head movement could be determined: stabilizing the gaze during the fixation period, the eyes move in combination with the head against the twisted somersault direction to counteract the whole body rotation. Although no significant differences could be found between the performance classes with regard to the maximum axial head rotations and maximum head extensions, there seems to be a trend that less skilled gymnasts need orientation as early as possible resulting in greater head rotation angles but a poorer execution.