Maximising somersault rotation in tumbling

Abstract

Performing complex somersaulting skills during the flight phase of tumbling requires the generation of linear and angular momenta during the approach and takeoff phases. This paper investigates how approach characteristics and takeoff technique affect performance with a view to maximising somersault rotation in tumbling. A five-segment planar simulation model, customised to an elite gymnast, was used to produce a simulation which closely matched a recorded performance of a double layout somersault by the elite gymnast. Three optimisations were carried out to maximise somersault rotation with different sets of initial conditions. Using the same initial linear and angular momentum as the double layout somersault and varying the joint torque activation timings allowed a double straight somersault to be performed with 19% more rotation potential than the actual performance. Increasing the approach velocity to a realistic maximum of 7 ms -1 resulted in a 42% reduction in rotation potential when the activation timings were unchanged but allowed a triple layout somersault to be performed with an increase of 31% in rotation potential when activation timings were re-optimised. Increasing also the initial angular momentum to a realistic maximum resulted in a 4% reduction in rotation potential when the activation timings were unchanged but allowed a triple straight somersault to be performed with a further increase of 9% in rotation potential when activation timings were re-optimised. It is concluded that the limiting factor to maximising somersault rotation is the ability to generate high linear and angular velocities during the approach phase coupled with the ability to adopt consonant activation timings during the takeoff phase.

Cinemática de variáveis de técnica-chave nos flic flacs de ginastas de elite

“…The level of hand-feet parallelism during the back projection suggest an advanced performance. Indeed, a linear back projection is important for the generation of momentum and horizontal velocity 9 . Additionally, considering that in gymnastics the upper extremities are regularly used to sustain body weight, a correct execution of all phases (above all the IHS) is necessary not only for a successful performance, but also to avoid (or reduce) macro-and micro-injuries during the execution of floor exercises 4,6,8,19,21 .…”

“…The method described in the current study may be used to collect data on a wide group of elite gymnasts of both sexes to define some "gold standard execution", with parameters related to individual anthropometric measures. Furthermore, the same technical parameters could be used in the biomechanical approaches to gymnastic performance, improving the modeling and optimizing the algorithms of execution [8][9][10][11]22 .…”

“…The gymnasts are therefore required several hours of technical, strength, and flexibility training to obtain the best results 3 . Previous studies mostly analyzed the risk and the incidence of injuries during the execution of this closed-skill sport [4][5][6][7] , and investigated the biomechanical characteristics of several technical elements [8][9][10][11][12][13] . Also, the anthropometric and physical features of elite gymnasts have been studied 1,14 .…”

Twist limits for late twisting double somersaults on trampoline

“…King and Yeadon (2004) found that large linear and angular approach velocities were key for maximising rotation in tumbling and that a straight triple somersault should be possible. A straight triple somersault has now been performed in tumbling competition.…”

The influence of simulation model complexity on the estimation of internal loading in gymnastics landings

“…The gymnast and coach aim to maximise performance and develop training regimes and technical strategies to achieve this. Similarly most of the computer simulation research in gymnastics, jumping and landing has been aimed at improving performance (Hiley and Yeadon, 2003;King and Yeadon, 2004) and has not considered the potential injury risks. Using a gymnast to investigate different landing techniques experimentally could lead to injury.…”