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1

Functional relationships between gaze behavior and movement kinematics when performing high bar dismounts – an exploratory study

100%

Heinen T., Velentzas K., Vinken P. M.

Human Movement

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2012

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vol. 13

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issue 3

218-224

EN

Purpose. The aims of this study were, first, to investigate visual spotting and, second, to explore the functional relationships between movement structure and gaze behavior in gymnasts as they perform preparatory giant swings (traditional and scooped technique) and dismounts (single straight and double tucked salto) with increasing difficulty on the high bar. It was predicted that visual spotting would occur in all experimental tasks. Methods. Relationships between gaze behavior and movement kinematics were explored to provide a clearer picture of how gaze is interconnected with the kinematics of dismounts on the high bar. For this purpose, kinematic parameters were measured with an optical movement-analysis system while gaze behavior was measured by using a portable and wireless eye-tracking system. Results. The measurement of gaze behavior revealed that gymnasts use visual spotting in all three tasks showing fixations throughout the whole movement. Each task was furthermore characterized by a sequence of visual fixations that was thought to serve specific movement goals. In particular, fixations during the downswing phase of the preparatory giant swings were significantly correlated with the movement phases when beginning the hip extension and flexion in the “kick through” as well as with the athlete’s distance of flight during the dismounts. Conclusions. The findings suggest that gymnasts can use visual spotting during preparatory giant swings and dismounts on the high bar and that there are functional relationships between different fixations and specific movement goals.

2

Biomechanical evaluation of exercises for performing a forward handspring - Case study

100%

Živčić-Marković K., Sporiš G., Čavar I., Aleksić-Veljković A., Milanović Z.

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EN

The aim of this study was based on the kinematic parameters, extracted at different stages of performing a forward handspring to determine the interconnection of methodological procedures of learning with the final structure of the movement. The respondent is an active competitor with years of experience, elite athlete, many times Croatian champion, and competitor at European, World Championships and the Olympics. The team composed of six gymnastic experts, chose one of the best performances by twelve methodological procedures and the best performance (of six) twoleg forward handsprings basing their choice on a detailed review of recorded material. Assessment of quality of performance was done according to the defined rules prescribed by the regulations (Code of Points). The forward handspring technique consists of four phases based on which 45 space and time kinematic parameters were selected (30 parameters in the phase of hand contact and push-off, 7 in the flight phase, and 8 parameters in the landing phase). By extraction of space and time parameters, there was a differentiation of certain methodological procedures that are the best for learning forward handspring in each phase of its performance. This research indicates that these methodological procedures mostly coincide in space kinematic parameters by which the technique of a forward handspring is described.

3

Quantitative and Qualitative Evaluation of Motor Coordination Abilities in Gymnast Girls Aged 7-9 Years

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Kochanowicz K., Boraczyńska L., Boraczyński T.

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

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2009

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vol. 1

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issue 1

62-69

EN

Background: The aim of the paper was to build evaluation criteria of selected motor coordination abilities, useful in optimization of training in young gymnast girls, at the initial stage of sport training.Material/Methods: 18 gymnast girls aged 7-9 years old from the Sports School in Olsztyn took part in this study. In order to evaluate selected motor coordination abilities, three tests were used. The first test was taken on dynamometric platform on which subjects performed the Ellipsis test four times. This test is based on controlling the position of the centre of body mass using a dynamometric platform. The tested person had to keep the cursor (the centre of body mass) at the point moving along a prefect ellipsis on the screen. After two rehearsals gymnasts were turned round ten times in a rotation chair. In the second test, static balance was assessed by the Flamingo balance test (Eurofit). In the third test the level of global coordination was measured.Results: A correlation analysis of the collected data showed statistically significant correlation between individual indices. On the basis of objective quantitative and qualitative information obtained in this study, norms useful in assessment of the examined abilities were drawn up. A selection of valid and reliable indicators helpful in objective evaluation of motor coordination abilities in gymnast girls at the initial stage of sport training was made.Conclusions: Drawn up norms of motor coordination abilities evaluation create the basics for individualization of training in young gymnast girls at the initial stage of sport training.

4

Benefits of Bandwidth Feedback in Learning a Complex Gymnastic Skill

100%

Sadowski J., Mastalerz A., Niznikowski T.

Journal of Human Kinetics

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2013

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vol. 37

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issue 1

183-193

EN

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of two different frequencies of feedback during the process of learning a complex gymnastic skill, the round-off salto backward tucked. Thirty male acrobats participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to two groups: B - bandwidth feedback (n=15) or C - 100% feedback (n=15). Group B was provided with error information regarding the key elements of movement techniques only (bandwidth feedback). Our research demonstrates the advantage of augmented feedback information related to errors in the key elements. Information about errors in the key elements during learning a complex gymnastic skill prevents the gymnast from becoming overwhelmed, which promotes better motor control. These results provide support for the generalisation of bandwidth feedback principles to a complex task. Our research shows that the guidance hypothesis can also be tested in practical settings for a complex movement task.

5

The Views of Women Practising Artistic Gymnastics, Rhythmic Gymnastics and Acrobatics Gymnastics on Their Disciplines

100%

Perzyńska-Biskup A., Biskup L., Sawczyn S.

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

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2012

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vol. 4

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issue 1

44-52

EN

Background: Physical culture covers a number of forms of physical activity, with sport being the most specialized form of participation. Rapid development of sport in recent years has contributed not only to the rise in the level of competitive sport but it also made the processes of social transitions to be reflected on a wider scale. The goal of this study is to demonstrate the views on professional sports from two generations of women who have practiced gymnastics. The main focus was on the presentation of gymnastics in the perspective of other disciplines and its place in everyday life of the studied subjects.Material/Methods: The study was carried out among a group of 482 athletes of two generations: gymnasts currently involved in sport and the former ones. Sociological research was the basic research method. A questionnaire survey and an interview questionnaire were the used research tools. The material was also subjected to statistical elaboration, using V-Cramer coefficient, which confirms statistically significant relationships.Results: The results of the study revealed that during sport careers both the idea of professional sport activity and the importance of individual values of sport undergo considerable transformations at different phases of gymnasts' sport careers, which is proved by the differences in opinions between both the studied generations.Conclusions: Attitudes of the two generations of gymnasts towards competitive sport, despite a number of similarities, also show some intergenerational disproportions.

6

Exploratory Investigation of Impact Loads During the Forward Handspring Vault

88%

Penitente G., Sands W. A.

Journal of Human Kinetics

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2015

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vol. 46

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issue 1

59-68

EN

The purpose of this study was to examine kinematic and kinetic differences in low and high intensity hand support impact loads during a forward handspring vault. A high-speed video camera (500 Hz) and two portable force platforms (500 Hz) were installed on the surface of the vault table. Two-dimensional analyses were conducted on 24 forward handspring vaults performed by 12 senior level, junior Olympic program female gymnasts (16.9 ±1.4 yr; body height 1.60 ±0.1 m; body mass 56.7 ±7.8 kg). Load intensities at impact with the vault table were classified as low (peak force < 0.8 × body weight) and high (peak force > 0.8 × body weight). These vaults were compared via crucial kinetic and kinematic variables using independent t-tests and Pearson correlations. Statistically significant (p < 0.001) differences were observed in peak force (t(24) = 4.75, ES = 3.37) and time to peak force (t(24) = 2.07, ES = 1.56). Statistically significant relationships between the loading rate and time to peak force were observed for high intensity loads. Peak force, time to peak force, and a shoulder angle at impact were identified as primary variables potentially involved in the determination of large repetitive loading rates on the forward handspring vault.

7

A Comparison of a Multi-body Model and 3D Kinematics and EMG of Double-leg Circle on Pommel Horse

88%

Qian J.-g., Su Y., Song Y.-w., Qiang Y., Zhang S.

Journal of Human Kinetics

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2012

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vol. 31

45-53

EN

The purpose of this study was to establish a multi-segment dynamic model in the LifeMOD to examine kinematics of the center of mass and foot, and muscle forces of selected upper extremity muslces during a double-leg circle (DLC) movement on pommel horse in gymnastics and compared with three-dimensional kinematics of the movement and surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity of the muscles. The DLC movement of one elite male gymnast was collected. The three-dimensional (3D) data was imported in the Lifemod to create a full-body human model. A 16-Channel surface electromyography system was used to collect sEMG signals of middle deltoid, biceps brachii, triceps brachii, latissimusdorsi, and pectoralis major. The 3D center of mass and foot displacement showed a good match with the computer simulated results. The muscle force estimations from the model during the four DLC phases were also generally supported by the integrated sEMG results, suggesting that the model was valid. A potential application of this model is to help identify shortcomings of athletes and help establish appropriate training plans errors in the DLC technique during training.

8

The shape of the sagittal curvatures of the spine in a high-level acrobatic gymnasts – comparison by sex

75%

Polak E., Gardzińska A., Walicka-Cupryś K.

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vol. 44

79-94

EN

Specific loads on the spine and the very young age at which acrobatic gymnastics training is undertaken require monitoring the shape of the spine curvatures in gymnasts to detect possible postural abnormalities. The aim of this descriptive study was to assess and compare the shape of the spine in the sagittal plane in acrobatic gymnasts of both sexes and their associations with demographic and somatic variables. The study group included 159 acrobatic gymnasts aged 12-19 (106 females and 53 males) from 16 European countries. The study was designed as a survey and measurements of somatic variables and the angles of inclination (using the Baseline Bubble inclinometer) at four topographic points of the spine: S1, L5/S1, Th12/L1, C7/Th1. Based on the angles of spinal inclination, the sizes of the sacral slope (SS), lumbar lordosis (LL), and thoracic kyphosis (TK) were calculated. Body posture was assessed based on Wolański’s modified typology. The angles of SS and LL were significantly higher in females, and TK did not differ between sexes. Training experience positively correlated only with the size of the SS in both sexes. Age and somatic variables were significantly correlated with the size of the sagittal curvatures, mainly in females. The majority of gymnasts had a normal angle of SS and TK and a flattened LL. The equivalent and lordotic types of body posture were more frequent in females, and the kyphotic type in males. The incorrect body posture was noted in 19.8% of females and 43.4% of males. We concluded that acrobatic gymnasts are not at risk of increasing the size of spinal curvatures in the sagittal plane, but males show a tendency toward flattened LL and kyphotic type of body posture.

9

The Value of Education and Work in the Representatives of Gymnasts' Opinion

75%

Perzyńska-Biskup A., Sawczyn S.

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

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2010

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vol. 2

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issue 2

144-149

EN

Background: Sports professional activity has been an unusually absorbing domain of human life. This is particularly noticeable in so-called sports of early specialization, including gymnastics. The specialization in gymnastics occurs at the moment of girls' acquisition of knowledge and preparation for future professional careers. Therefore, the authors decided to look further into the process of combining school and sports duties and to reveal possible conflicts.Material/Methods: Research material was a group of 482 athletes who are professionally involved in three gymnastics disciplines: artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics and acrobatic gymnastics in Polish clubs.Results: An analysis of the results revealed that considerable importance is attached to the value of knowledge in both studied populations. Furthermore, the obtained empirical data contradict the popular belief that taking up professional sports activity puts obstacles in the way of combining school and sports duties and, in consequence, interferes with receiving an education.Conclusions: Both studied populations are characterized by high recognition for the values of knowledge, education and work.

Refine search results

Functional relationships between gaze behavior and movement kinematics when performing high bar dismounts – an exploratory study

Biomechanical evaluation of exercises for performing a forward handspring - Case study

Quantitative and Qualitative Evaluation of Motor Coordination Abilities in Gymnast Girls Aged 7-9 Years

Benefits of Bandwidth Feedback in Learning a Complex Gymnastic Skill

The Views of Women Practising Artistic Gymnastics, Rhythmic Gymnastics and Acrobatics Gymnastics on Their Disciplines

Exploratory Investigation of Impact Loads During the Forward Handspring Vault

A Comparison of a Multi-body Model and 3D Kinematics and EMG of Double-leg Circle on Pommel Horse

The shape of the sagittal curvatures of the spine in a high-level acrobatic gymnasts – comparison by sex

The Value of Education and Work in the Representatives of Gymnasts' Opinion