Validity of a new sport-specific endurance test in artistic gymnastics

IntroductionGeneral and particularly sport-specific testing is an integral aspect of performance optimization in artistic gymnastics. In artistic gymnastics, however, only non-specific field tests have been used to assess endurance performance (e.g., Multistage Shuttle Run Test; Cooper's Test).MethodsThis study aimed to examine the validity of a new sport-specific endurance test in artistic gymnastics. Fourteen elite-level gymnasts (i.e., eight males and six females) participated in this study. The newly developed artistic gymnastics-specific endurance test (AGSET) was conducted on two different occasions seven days apart to determine its reliability. To assess the concurrent validity of AGSET, participants performed the multistage shuttle run test (MSRT). Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) were directly assessed using a portable gas analyzer system during both protocols. Additionally, the total time maintained (TTM) during the AGSET, maximum heart rate (HRmax), maximal aerobic speed (MAS), and blood lactate concentration (BLa) during the two protocols were collected.ResultsThe main findings indicated that all variables derived from the AGSET (i.e., VO2max, MAS, HRmax, BLa, and RER) displayed very good relative (all intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC] > 0.90) and absolute (all typical errors of measurement [TEM] < 5%) reliability. Further, results showed that the ability of the AGSET to detect small changes in VO2max, MAS, BLa, and RER was good (smallest worthwhile change [SWC0.2] > TEM), except HRmax (SWC0.2 < TEM). Additionally, results showed a nearly perfect association between the VO2max values derived from the AGSET and MSRT (r = 0.985; coefficient of determination [R²] = 97%) with no statistically significant differences (p>0.05). The mean (bias) ± 95% limits of agreement between the two protocols were 0.28 ± 0.55 mlminkg-1.DiscussionAGSET seems to present very good reliability and concurrent validity for assessing endurance performance in elite artistic gymnastics. In addition, the newly developed protocol presents a good ability to detect small changes in performance

Kinematic and kinetic analysis of two gymnastics acrobatic series to performing the backward stretched somersault

Back swing connections during gymnastics acrobatic series considerably influence technical performance and difficulties, particularly in the back somersault. The aim of this study was to compare the take-off’s kinetic and kinematic variables between two acrobatic series leading to perform the backward stretched somersault (also called salto): round-off, flic-flac to stretched salto versus round-off, tempo-salto to stretched salto. Five high level male gymnasts (age 23.17 ± 1.61 yrs; body height 1.65 ± 0.05 m; body mass 56.80 ± 7.66 kg) took part in this investigation. A force plate synchronized with a two dimensional movement analysis system was used to collect kinetic and kinematic data. Statistical analysis via the non-parametric Wilcoxon Rank-sum test showed significant differences between the take-offs’ variables. The backswing connections were different in the take-off angle, linear momentum, vertical velocity and horizontal and vertical displacements. In conclusion, considering that the higher elevation of the centre of mass in the flight phase would allow best performance and lower the risk of falls, particularly when combined to a great angular momentum, this study demonstrated that the optimal connection series was round-off, flic-flac to stretched salto which enabled the best height in the somersault. Analysis of the results suggests that both connections facilitate the performance of single and double (or triple) backward somersaults with or without rotations around the longitudinal axis. Gymnasts could perform these later while gaining height if they chose the round-off, flic-flac technique or gaining some backward displacement if they choose the round-off, salto tempo

Effect of three technical arms swings on the elevation of the center of mass during a standing back somersault

Arms swing during standing back somersaults relates to three different “gymnastics schools”, each is considered “optimal” by its adepts. In the three cases, technical performance, elevation and safety differ. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the mechanical variables of three different arms swing techniques in the performance of a standing back tucked somersault. Five high-level male gymnasts (age: 23.17±1.61 yrs; body height: 1.65±0.05 m; body mass: 56.80±7.66 kg) randomly performed standing somersaults under three conditions, each following a different arms’ swing technical angle (270°, 180° and 90°). A force plate synchronized with a three dimensional movement analysis system was used to collect kinetic and kinematic data. Significant differences were observed between somersaults’ performance. The back somersault performed with 270° arms swing showed the best vertical displacement (up to 13.73%), while the back somersaults performed with 180° arms swing showed a decrease in power (up to 22.20%). The back somersault with 90° arms swing showed the highest force (up to 19.46%). Considering that the higher elevation of the centre of mass during the flight phase would allow best performance and lower the risk of falls, this study demonstrated that optimal arms’ swing technique prior to back tucked somersault was 270°

Kinematic and kinetic analysis of counter movement jump versus two different types of standing back somersault

The aim of this study was to compare the take-off’s kinetic and kinematic variables between three types of jumps from a standing position: counter movement jump with arm swing (CMJa), standing back somersault with landings on the spot (BSls) and standing back somersault with rear displacement at landing (BSld). Five elite level male gymnasts (age 23.17 ± 1.61 years; height 165.0 ± 5.4 cm; weight 56.80 ± 7.66 kg) took part in this investigation. A force plate and a 3D movement analysis system were synchronized and used for data collection. Statistical analysis via non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test showed a significant difference between the take-off variables. The vertical component of force, peak power, impulse and displacement of the centre of mass were significantly different (P<0.01). Similarly, the horizontal component of force, maximum speed, peak power and displacement of the centre of mass were significantly different (P<0.01). However, vertical velocity remained relatively constant. In conclusion, the standing back somersaults performed on the spot’s variables (without back displacement) were very similar to the ones analysed during counter movement jump with arm swing. The standing back somersault with landing on the spot allowed better force impulse. This was facilitated by a take-off closer to the centre of mass, unlike the standing back somersault with rear displacement in landing. Analysing kinetic and kinematic together, allowed the endorsement of linear regression equations enabling the prediction of some variables from others

Kinematic analysis of postural control in gymnasts vs. athletes practicing different sports

Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the postural control difference between gymnasts and other athletes practicing different sports. Methods Twenty-eight elite-level male athletes (7 gymnasts, 7 volleyball players, 7 windsurfers, and 7 monofin swimmers) participated in this study. Two-dimensional kinematic analysis of mediolateral and anteroposterior sway velocity of the center of mass (COM) on single plane balance board in bipedal and unipedal conditions, and on hard and foam surfaces was performed using two cameras (Sony, DCR-PC108E, 50 Hz). Data were digitized using the video-based data analysis system SkillSpector. Results Findings showed significant between groups differences regardless of the postural stance i.e., unipedal or bipedal (d = 1.76–6.82, p < 0.01). In this regards, windsurfers presented the best postural performance in terms of sway velocity of the COM followed by gymnasts, volleyball players, and monofin swimmers. Furthermore, regardless of the postural stance, significant differences between surfaces (d = 0.61–1.03, p < 0.05) were established. In this context, COM’s sway velocity was higher for hard compared with foam surfaces for all disciplines (d = 0.75–0.66, p < 0.05) except monofin swimmers who presented higher COM’s sway velocity in foam compared to hard surfaces. Further, in the anteroposterior stance, windsurfers and gymnasts showed significantly lower floor contacts number compared with the other groups (d = 1.76–2.39, p < 0.01). However, volleyball players and monofin swimmers showed comparable postural performance in the mediolateral plane. Conclusions The windsurfers presented the best postural control followed by gymnasts, volleyball players, and monofin swimmers irrespective of the surface’s nature (i.e., hard or foam) and postural stance (i.e., bipedal or unipedal). Therefore, it is recommended to incorporate windsurfing practice to promote postural control of gymnastic athletes.Scopu

Effect of Two Different Types of Olympic Rotation Order on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Variables in Men’s Artistic Gymnastics

The rotation sequence-order differs from a gymnast to another according to the draw at the time of the qualifying competitions in men’s artistic gymnastics. Only the six best gymnasts start on the floor exercises, the others could start on any of the other five apparatuses. It has been demonstrated that some gymnastics events are physiologically less taxing than others; hence some gymnasts could experience lower and/or higher levels of cardiovascular and metabolic stress compared to others, depending on the apparatus they start with. In this regard, the objective of this investigation was to compare cardiovascular and metabolic variables between two different types of Olympic rotation-order; one began with the floor exercises and the other began with the pommel horse. Six elite male gymnasts took part in this investigation. Heart rates, synchronized with real-time video acquisition, as well as capillary lactate concentration following each apparatus routine were monitored. Cardiovascular and metabolic stresses were significantly higher when gymnasts started their rotation with the pommel horse in all apparatuses except the pommel horse. The floor exercises’ score was significantly affected when gymnasts ended up their competition on this apparatus. As a conclusion, starting gymnastics’ competition on the floor exercises implicates less cardiovascular and metabolic stress associated with better performance compared with the other rotation order. As a matter of fact, best gymnasts who start on this apparatus could have a slight advantage compared with the other athletes

Kinetic and kinematic analysis of hurdle clearance of an African and a world champion athlete: a comparative study

The modelling of athletic movement is an important method in motor-skill learning. A world champion and a world record-holder, C.J, with a time of 12.91s, was chosen as a model-athlete in 110m hurdles in this study. He was compared with R.G, a Tunisian athlete and African champion based on his personal best of 13.90s. The biomechanical characteristics of the latter were analysed and compared with that of C.J’s using the kinematic and kinetic parameters of the 110m hurdle clearance of the two athletes to determine the difference in their hurdling technique. R.G’s hurdling sequences over the fourth and fifth hurdle were recorded using four cameras [Sony DCR-PC108E]. His kinematic model was digitised using SkillSpector® software. The results showed a difference in the centre of mass displacement at hurdle clearance and velocity-parameters in both the take-off and the landing phases. When comparing R.G to C.J, the latter had a smaller vertical displacement and a longer horizontal displacement, in addition to, a greater horizontal velocity along with a better reaction force and a higher peak-power. To improve R.G’s performance, greater horizontal velocity and lower contact time at the take-off phase through a higher rate of force development are needed.Keywords: 110m Hurdles; Motion analysis; Displacement; Velocity; Reaction force