When a gymnast performs a somersault, the linear and angular momentum along with a particular control of inertia during the flight phase constrain the possibilities for action. Given the complexity and dynamic nature of the human moving system, one could argue that there exist a particular amount of stable coordination states when performing somersaults. The goal of this study was to explore the manifold of movement options and coordination states along with their differentiating parameters for a single somersault in gymnastics based on a simple mathematical model reflecting gymnast’s rotation behavior during the flight phase. Biomechanical parameters determining rotation behavior during a somersault were systematically varied with regard to a particular set of biomechanical constraints defining a successful somersault performance. Batch simulations revealed that from 10229760 simulation cycles only 655346 (approximately 6.41%) led to successful somersault performance. A subsequent analysis of the movement option landscape for the optimum angular momentum revealed ten coordination states for a single somersault that could be clearly distinguished based on the simulation parameters. Taken the results together, it becomes apparent that it may be most advisable to perform a single somersault with a larger moment of inertia when achieving the tucked position, a longer duration to achieve the tucked position, a longer duration of staying tucked, and an intermediate moment of inertia during landing. This strategy comprises the largest amount of movement options associated with an upright landing and thus the highest probability of success when performing a single somersault.
Background: In gymnastics vaulting it is thought that gymnasts regulate their run-up on the basis of visually perceived environmental information, such as the position of the springboard, with the aim of an accurate foot placement on the springboard. The question, however, arises if these regulative processes found in gymnastics vaulting can be generalized to other tasks with similar demands but differing dynamics? Material/Methods: To answer this question, ten female gymnasts were asked to perform two target-directed gymnastics tasks that were similar in task demands but differed in task dy-namics. When performing the two tasks, the position of the springboard was manipulated without the gymnast’s awareness. Results: Results revealed that manipulating the position of the springboard had neither an effect on the distance of the hurdle, nor on the placement of the feet on the spring-board during the reactive leap. The two parameters, however, clearly differed between experimental tasks. Additionally, regulation during run-up occurred on average one step earlier when performing the tucked leap on the balance beam. Conclusions: It can be concluded from the results that gymnasts exhibit a different movement behavior when performing tasks with similar demands but different dynamics, thereby integrating environmental information in the regulation of the run-up and the reactive leap from trial to trial.
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