Gold standard motion analysis system for evaluating jumping performance in rhythmic gymnastics

The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness, not yet described in the literature, of the gold standard system for motion analysis, to analyse the kinematic and dynamic aspects of the split leap in rhythmic gymnastics performed with and without the ribbon. The sample consists of six top level gymnasts aged between 13 and 16 (mean 15.1 ± 0.94). The acquisitions were carried out with the integrated multifactorial optoelectronic system BTS Bioengineering. Fifteen passive markers, six BTS Smart-DX cameras, two cameras for video support and seven BTS-6000 force platforms were used. After the acquisition of the gymnasts' anthropometric measurements, a standardized and specific neuromuscular activation was carried out. The software SMART tracker and SMART analyser were used to process and analyse the dynamics and kinematics data. A questionnaire was administered to the gymnasts to collect information regarding training. The results showed no major differences in force impulse, jump amplitude, elevation and flight time between the trials performed with and without ribbon. The experiment conducted demonstrates the effectiveness of using the integrated multifactor optoelectronic system to carry out the kinematic and dynamic analysis of a highly complex sports technique

A biopsychosocial approach to plan inclusive learning environments in physical education

In light of the new scientific awareness of motor learning and the new regulatory scenarios regarding inclusion, this contribution aims to highlight the potential of framing the teaching of motor activities according to a biopsychosocial approach. To this end, the study focuses on several key points, common to the non-linear pedagogy approach and inclusive didactics, that are considered capable of fostering the active and personalized participation of all (in quantitative and qualitative terms). This fostering helps to pursue a broadening of experience and an improvement in motor skills starting from personal and social autonomies, that are transferable and generalizable to different life contexts. In order to offer a theoretical framework capable of providing food for thought, interpretation, and analysis of the problem-situations emerging in the complexity of teaching practices, this study uses a theoretical-argumentative approach to promote the framing of motor activity within a holistic perspective, in which in the recognition of the dynamics of interdependence individual/environment, central both in terms of inclusion and learning processes, suggests the need to overcome the reductionism inherent in a traditional approach and to recognize the potential of an integrated approach that takes into account the complexity underlying motor learning processes, in particular. Such an approach helps to draw attention to the need to use the complementarity of the dynamic- ecological approach and the biopsychosocial perspective of the ICF to analyze and subsequently remodel inclusive teaching. The principles of the non-linear approach, placed in relation to the biopsychosocial approach, open new perspectives for teacher training by fostering the development of specific skills that can promote motor learning, life skills and inclusion

Vertical jump performance in Italian elite trials athletes

This research aims to provide data on explosive and reactive strength characteristics of Italian elite Trials athletes, through vertical jump tests. Five elite athletes (age: 19.6±3.3 y; height: 1.80±0.04 m; body mass: 71.7±7.4 kg) all participating in the Trials World Cup, performed the squat jump and the countermovement jump tests. The height of the jumps was measured using the OptoJump Next (Microgate, Bolzano, Italy). The height of the jump was obtained, then the eccentric utilization ratio (EUR) was calculated as a ratio between the heights of CMJ and SJ, mean and standard deviation of the sample were obtained through a descriptive statistical analysis. Furthermore, a comparison was made between the values obtained and values found in the scientific literature for elite athletes from other sports. From research carried out exclusively data on high-level athletes and performed with OptoJump technology were collected, all studies not corresponding to these criteria were excluded from the analysis. The results show that the Italian elite Trials athletes have good explosive and reactive strength as shown in the SJ (41.0 ± 2.4cm) and in the CMJ (44.0 ± 4.5cm), they also display good performance in comparison to athletes of the same level in other sports, similar to those of hurdlers and volleyball players, also the EUR above 1 (1.07 ± 0.5) suggests that they are well-trained athletes. The results obtained, although on a small sample, provide useful data to describe the athletic profile of Italian elite Trials athletes and could help coaches to structure training programs adapted to the specific demands of this sport