Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Biomechanics; Gymnastics'

Technique selection is fundamental to Women’s Artistic Gymnastics with rapidly evolving difficulty and complexity; a result of changes in the scoring system and apparatus design. The aim of this research was to increase knowledge and understanding of the biomechanics underpinning female longswing techniques to determine effective technique selection. Five progressive themes addressed this aim; contemporary trend analysis, biomechanical conceptual approach, method validation, biomechanical musculoskeletal approach and biomechanical energetic approach. Elite competition provided the basis to the thesis with a strong ecologically valid trend analysis reporting the straddle Tkachev as the most frequently performed release skill preceded by three distinct longswing techniques; arch, straddle, pike. Quantifying each technique through a biomechanical conceptual approach enumerated differences observed and examined their influence on key release parameters. Significant differences (p≤0.05) were reported in the initiation and joint angular kinematics within the functional phases; however not for release parameters. Further examination into the joint kinetics and energetic demands of the gymnast were required to explain technique selection. Non-invasive methods of joint kinetic data collection are challenging within the elite competitive environment; therefore indirect methods were validated to provide confidence in the subsequent musculoskeletal approach. Inverse dynamic estimations were most sensitive to kinematic inputs with field versus lab comparisons highlighting systematic differences in joint moments (0.8%RMSD in consistency). Joint kinetics provided new knowledge of the underlying biomechanics of varying techniques, specifically greater shoulder joint moments and hip joint powers during the pike longswing. Examining gymnast energetic contribution to the total gymnast-high-bar energy system developed a novel effectiveness score highlighting the potential energy excess available to the arch (30%) and straddle (2%) techniques, indicating the potential to develop more complex versions of skills. This research provides coaches and scientists with specific physical preparation requirements for varying longswing techniques and insight into the need for customised technique selection.

Vaulting is a discipline in Men's and Women's Artistic Gymnastics. While the springboard contact is not judged, the success of the rest of the vault is underpinned by it. The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of the mechanics of the springboard contact phase of gymnastic vaulting. An analysis of hopping in place, forward hopping and running jumps on a force platform showed that the force-mass centre displacement relationship during ground contact approximated that of a mass rebounding on a linear spring. Subsequently, two mass-spring models were developed using a symbolic mathematics package. Both models represented the gymnast as a rigid cylinder, with personalized linear and angular inertia characteristics, connected at its mass centre to a linear spring. A one spring model combined the springiness of the gymnast and the springboard in a single linear spring, while a two spring model treated them as separate linear springs. Handspring vaults performed by an elite male gymnast at a range of approach speeds and springboard settings were analysed to provide model inputs. Springboard properties were empirically determined and revealed that the springboard stiffness varied appreciably depending upon feet contact position. Given the touchdown kinematics and takeoff angle of the gymnast, the models estimated spring stiffness and linear and angular takeoff velocities, the spring stiffness and takeoff vertical velocity estimates showing some sensitivity to spring angle at touchdown. Simulations in which the touchdown kinematics and spring stiffnesses were systematically adjusted, identified their influence on takeoff kinematics and provided an insight into the mechanics of springboard. contact. Estimated (leg) spring stiffnesses were consistent with those reported in the literature for other activities and'simulation results showed that simple rebounds accounted for the majority of the takeoff velocities. Spring angle at touchdown was found to be most effective at modifying each of the takeoff variables, however to produce a selective effect on takeoff required a combination of adjustments to the touchdown. In proposing strategies for gymnasts, their ability to control each of the touchdown variables has to be considered.

Training aids can play an important role in the training of athletes, but only if they assist in the learning of correct technique. The design of a training aid differs considerably from the design of other products because it is crucial that the mechanisms used in learning a skill must be taken into consideration. Research has shown that this can be achieved by: encouraging specific motor skills, providing feedback, providing support in a safe environment, permitting repetition, permitting progressive learning, or by providing some combination of these. For this to be possible an in-depth understanding of the biomechanical requirements of the sporting activity is essential. A study was carried out to determine the fundamental requirements of a training aid, and to then design and build two working prototype gymnastics training aids. Elite training sessions were observed and High Performance coaches were interviewed to establish the skills that required a training aid and the customer requirements for such a device. On the basis of this information two contrasting gymnastics skills were chosen. The first was a handstand on the rings, a complex motor control skill requiring the gymnast to balance on two moving pendulums, requested by 100% of the coaches interviewed. The second skill was a backward handspring, often the first backward dynamic skill most gymnasts will learn, requested by 89% of the coaches interviewed. The training aids were required to simplify the learning of the skill, whilst still utilising correct technique. The backward handspring aid was also required to effectively support the gymnast but not obstruct a good performance. A biomechanical analysis of each skill was carried out in order to inform the design of suitable training aids. The aids were designed and manufactured in accordance with British Standards, and were then biomechanically assessed to ensure that they correctly aided the learning of the skills. In order to assess the aids: displacement, force and muscle activation data were collected and were used to compare the gymnastics skills with and without the aids. The data showed that the training aids replicated the correct biomechanical requirements of the actual skills: the handstand aid was shown to utilise the same control mechanism as was observed on the rings, and the backward handspring aid permitted a unobstructed good performance and assisted in the learning of the skills with correct technique. Both aids were also demonstrated to out-perform any of the existing training aids.

Injuries in the female gymnast are common and it is important to understand the biomechanical factors responsible for injury. The Back Walkover maneuver requires one of the greatest amounts of lumbar hyperextension compared to other common gymnastic maneuvers. During the Back Walkover large lateral and vertical impact forces follows on the spine. The spine and muscles around the spine have to absorb generally large forces; therefore the loads on the back and certainly on the lower back are of significant interest. Additionally, it takes a lot of strength and a vast range of motion to perform gymnastic maneuvers such as The Back Walkover. It is of interest to study mechanical loads on a female gymnast since they show higher occurrences of stress-related pathologies of the lumbar spine. Therefore the purpose of this project was to examine the loads on the spine during the gymnastic maneuver Back Walkover. Tests on a single female gymnast were made at the sports engineering lab at the University of Adelaide in Australia. Using the 3D-camera system; Optitrack Motion Capture System and Kistler Force Plate, positional data for two dimensions, X-direction (anterior-posterior) and Z-direction (vertical), and ground force were received. Data received were progressed into a graph, diagrams and biomechanical calculations where forces for the vertebrae L1 were calculated in vertical and horizontal direction. The received forces were compared to vertical and horizontal forces in L1 during standing position. Together with developed videos this assisted to model the loads of the spine (L1) during the gymnastic maneuver the “Back Walkover”. The study has led to a deeper knowledge for the community about the risks for female gymnasts and has widened the experience of the project participant, as the project aimed.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2006.
Title from electronic title page (viewed Oct. 10, 2007). "... in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science (Athletic Training)." Discipline: Exercise and Sports Science; Department/School: Exercise and Sport Science.

Ongoing chronic back pain and chronic spinal injury prevalence in the gymnastics population is a major concern for the health and wellbeing of female gymnasts. To inform biomechanical screening approaches, the aim of the research is to develop understanding of the contribution of physical development to biomechanical indicators of chronic spinal injury risk in female artistic gymnasts. Chronological ageing, maturation and growth of competitive female artistic gymnasts between the ages of nine and 15 years were evaluated at three time points across a 12 month period. CODA motion analysis and Kistler force plate data informed the quantification of biomechanical risk indicators. Posture, general stability, centre of pressure range and lumbo-pelvic stability were determined through the performance of handstand and forward walkover skills and informed the respective risk indicators. Calculated through an image-based approach, anthropometric growth was established to have the greatest influence on biomechanical risk indicators of the physical development mechanisms. Within the gymnastics cohort, two forms of proportional growth were evidenced. Longitudinal empirical data revealed gymnasts with increased bicristal breadth growth in relation to biacromial breadth to have significantly greater biomechanical risk for posture and lumbo-pelvic stability in the handstand (p<0.05). Gymnasts who had increased growth rates of biacromial breadth in relation to bicristal breadth had significantly greater biomechanical risk for general stability in the handstand and forward walkover skills (p<0.05). Novel empirical quantification for the large influences of physical development mechanisms on biomechanical risk (maximum r2 = 0.82) underpinned the importance of proportional growth consideration in injury screening practice. Evaluation of the transverse torso moment of inertia at a discrete time point provided preliminary support for cross-sectional use of the inertial measure to forecast longitudinal growth trends. Identification of prominent biomechanical risk indicators for individual gymnasts using discrete data may provide direction of injury prevention focus for practitioners.

O crucifixo é um elemento chave na prova das argolas na Ginástica Artística Masculina. A posição anatômica durante a sua execução requer a abdução do ombro em 90° no plano frontal, o que provoca grande solicitação mecânica nas articulações do ombro. Em condição de treino, um aparelho modificado é mundialmente utilizado para diminuir as cargas no ombro e permitir maior numero de repetições do crucifixo. Estudos sugerem que há diferenças na ativação muscular no ombro entre a situação de treino e competição. Entretanto, ainda não há conhecimento sobre a especificidade dos aparelhos de treino no âmbito da biomecânica, considerando a cinemática, cinética e eletromiografia em bases individuais. O objetivo geral desta tese projeto é investigar a biomecânica do crucifixo com o uso das argolas de competição e de treinamento. Doze ginastas brasileiros de alto nível foram testados em dinamômetro isocinético para verificação de assimetria na força de ombros e eletromiografia. Após intervalo de uma semana, os participantes realizaram, em seus ginásios de treinamento, três crucifixos nas argolas de competição e no aparelho de treino em ordem aleatória. Foi utilizada uma câmera de vídeo digital, uma célula de carga acoplada em cada cabo das argolas e eletromiografia de superfície em nove músculos do membro superior. Os resultados foram comparados por testes paramétricos, não paramétricos e estatística descritiva. A assimetria nas forças de ombro foi de 9,9±6,4%. Os ângulos do ombro no aparelho de treino tiveram menor desvio da posição alvo com 90° de abdução do que nas argolas para o ombro direito e esquerdo, e menores valores de simetria. As forças nos cabos foram semelhantes em ambos os aparelhos, como também a simetria. Não houve diferença na eletromiografia de nove músculos e valores de co-contração entre os dois aparelhos. As argolas de treino permitiram aos ginastas um melhor desempenho do crucifixo sem alterar o padrão de ativação muscular do ombro das argolas de competição. A orientação individualizada é necessária para que os ginastas realizem o crucifixo no aparelho de treino da mesma maneira que realizam nas argolas de competição, para que as equivalentes características biomecânicas sejam mantidas
The cross is a key element in Male Artistic Gymnastics rings routines. The anatomical position during its execution requires 90° of shoulder abduction in frontal plane, which implies a large mechanical demand of shoulder joints. For training condition, a modified rings apparatus is worldwide used to decrease shoulder load and allow more repetitions of cross. Studies suggest that there is different shoulder muscle activation between training and competition conditions. However, is not clear the training apparatuses specificity regarding biomechanics, considering kinematics, kinetics and electromyography in an individual basis. The aim of this thesis is to investigate the biomechanics of the cross using training and competition rings devices. Twelve Brazilian elite gymnasts were tested on isokinetic dynamometer for shoulder strength asymmetry and electromyography assessment. Within one week interval, participants performed in their training place, three crosses in rings and in training apparatus randomly. One digital video camera, one strain gauge in each cable and surface electromyography of nine shoulder muscles were used. Statistical analyses were performed by parametric and non-parametric tests and descriptive statistics. Shoulder strength asymmetry RMS values were 9.9±6.4%. The asymmetry of shoulder strength and cross performance on rings had an individual basis relation. Shoulder angles on training device had less deviation from target 90° of abduction on training apparatus than on rings and smaller asymmetry value. Cable forces had similar values in both apparatuses, as the asymmetry values. Electromyography of nine muscles and co contraction values differences were not different between the types of rings. The training rings allowed the gymnasts to better perform the cross without changing shoulder muscle activation patterns. An individual orientation for gymnasts to perform the cross on training apparatus within the same way they perform in competition rings, it is necessary for the maintenance of equivalent biomechanical characteristics

Thesis (M.S.)--Western Washington University, 2005.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 114-123). Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

INTRODUCTION: Women’s gymnastics has the highest injury incidence rates for NCAA female college athletes. Gymnastics maneuvers may require support and transfer of the entire body weight from the feet to the hands. Such motions cause excessive loading and stress across joint surfaces which on occasion can exceed the mechanical strength of upper limb joints and supportive musculoskeletal structures, resulting in injuries ranging from acute fractures to chronic overuse injuries like osteochondritis dissecans. Recent technological advances have only now made it possible to analyze the complex and simultaneous motions in multiple planes required for evaluation of even the most basic gymnastic maneuvers like the round-off back handspring (ROBHS). OBJECTIVES: There is a paucity of data characterizing upper extremity injury causation and biomechanical risk factors in the small number of gymnastics studies conducted. The first hand contact for any gymnastics skill has never been quantitatively assessed. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to perform a detailed 3D biomechanical characterization of the round-off back handspring (ROBHS) first hand contact and evaluate any potential correlations to upper extremity injury determinants. METHODS: A 3D motion capture camera and force plate system captured the relative positon of reflective markers affixed to 62 anatomical positions on subjects during performance of an ROBHS. A virtual model of each subject was constructed using Nexus C-motion software. Programming with Visual3D and MATLAB software was used to calculate desired force, kinematic and kinetic variables such as joint torques and angles. Past medical history questionnaires were administered, and clinical range of motion and strength measures were assessed. RESULTS: Compared with other factors analyzed, hand contact order appeared to have the highest degree of influence on upper extremity biomechanics at both the time of initial contact and throughout the entire movement sequence. The second contact limb was correlated with a larger average ground contact force, whereas while the first contact limb was related to a shorter time to peak force development and larger magnitude rotational kinematic variables, especially at the elbow—the primary site of upper extremity injury. For the first hand contact, torque development at the elbow and shoulder appeared to be related, and wrist and shoulder variables were presumably related to ground reaction force (GRF) development. The proposed literature elbow injury mechanism may need some adjustment to reflect the impact of elbow flexion angle on GRF and elbow valgus torque, key variables tied to chronic elbow joint capsule overload injuries. CONCLUSIONS: The novel information provided by this study can be used to guide future recommendations for the prevention of upper extremity injury in gymnastics training and competition. Improved understanding of associated force, kinetic, and kinematic biomechanical variables like joint torque could have implications for movement specific body positioning with the potential for extrapolation to gymnastics moves with similar loading patterns. Possible protective technique interventions based on study findings include increasing second hand elbow flexion during the round-off phase of motion or minimizing the time between hand contacts.

Title: Knee - straining of modern gymnasts For the basic study of human movements we need to take into consideration geometry of moving units (bodies), kinematics and dynamics. The theoretical part generally describes all the subjects connected to the research project, especially information about functions of human musculoskeletal system, description of basic biomechanics of knee joint,walking and methods of acquiring and processing of data for kinematic analysis of walking. The experimental part focuses on straining on a knee joint of modern gymnasts. It is a methodical analysis of straining on a knee joint. The foundations for this diploma thesis are data recorded by the Kistler system which we used for measuring of the dynamical part of a jump. We also used the swedish Qualysis Motion Capture system for the kinematic analysis. All the data were processed by Qualysis Track Manager software. The results of the research is kinematical - dynamic analysis, which is further used for the result of full - year of legs - straining of selected type of sport movement. Key words: biomechanics of knee joint, walking, kinematic analysis, gymnastic jumps

Title: Analysis of the immediate effect of kinesiotaping on the upper limbs when landing into a press-up position when doing gymnastic aerobics Objectives: The aim of this diploma thesis is to find out if the use of the tape on the upper limbs changes the acceleration associated with the reaction inertial force of the arm, the angle in the elbow joint and wrist when landing into the press-up position, as well as subjective evaluation of probands. The hypothesis for the practical part is that the angles in the joints mentioned and the magnitude of the force with the applied tap change, which would result in better stabilization of the upper limbs in this element, as well as positive evaluation of the probands. Methods: The theoretical part deals with kinesiological-biomechanical description of upper limbs and the characteristics of gymnastic aerobics. Moreover, biomechanical analysis and kinesiotaping are described. The practical part is devoted to the measurement of landings into the press-up position  first without tape and then with tape. The tape is described in detail. The XSens MVN was used to record motion. Results: The results showed that kinesiotape had no effect on the angle of the elbow and wrist joints or shoulder joints when landing into the press-up position. However, a positive...

In gymnastics, females are often afflicted with lower extremity injuries during the landing phase of a backward rotating skill. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of using a drop landing and backward somersault landing to compare and contrast the kinetic and kinematic differences between the two tasks in order to determine if a drop landing is a suitable representative task to analyze when examining landing injury mechanisms. Eleven female NCAA Division I gymnasts (age 19.3 ± 0.9 yrs; body height 1.66 ± 0.05 m; body mass 61.36 ± 6.02 kg) were recruited to perform drop landings and backward somersaults. Two force plates along with a 3D movement analysis system were used to collect kinetic and kinematic data. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to examine the differences in the variables with the significance level set at 0.05. There were mechanical differences and significance found between the peak vertical ground reaction forces, loading rate, kinetic and kinematic variables in the sagittal and frontal planes during the two tasks. It is evident that results may underestimate the effect of gymnastics landing impacts on risk of lower extremity injury because of the mechanical differences and significance found between the two tasks.
Access to thesis permanently restricted to Ball State community only.

Este relatório foi desenvolvido no âmbito do Mestrado em Treino Desportivo, e tem como intuito descrever o que foi realizado ao longo do estágio, que decorreu no Ginásio Clube Português (GCP), na Classe de Ginástica Acrobática de Competição Base, durante a época desportiva 2018/2019. A orientação deste estágio esteve a cargo das treinadoras, Ana Zacarias e Ana Cardoso, e como coordenador interno da Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Professor César Peixoto. Neste relatório será feita uma caracterização da entidade de estágio, assim como da modalidade e da classe, também serão abordados os eventos/competições desenvolvidos durante este processo e como estes decorreram. Finalmente, os trabalhos desenvolvidos durante o ano e o trabalho de investigação também realizado.
This report was created within the scope of the Master's Degree in Sports Training, and aims to describe what was done during the internship, which took place at the Portuguese Club Gymnasium (GCP – Ginásio Clube Português), in the Base Competition Acrobatic Gymnastics Class, during the sport season 2018/2019. The coaching of this internship had the followed by the coaches, Ana Zacarias and Ana Cardoso, and also the teacher César Peixoto, coordinator of the Faculty of Human Kinetics,. This report will characterize the internship entity, as well as the modality and the class, and will also cover the events/competitions developed during this process and how they occurred. Finally, the work developed during the year and the research work also carried out.

Este relatório foi elaborado no âmbito do Estágio em Ginástica Acrobática, integrado no Mestrado em Treino Desportivo, realizado durante a época desportiva 2018/2019, no Ginásio Clube Português (GCP), na Classe de Ginástica Acrobática de Competição Base. Neste relatório realizar-se-á uma breve caracterização da modalidade, da classe e do local de estágio, assim como, o trabalho desenvolvido ao longo da época desportiva na classe e nas atividades/competições que foram desenvolvidas. Em seguida, serão referidos os trabalhos desenvolvidos ao longo do ano, assim como, o trabalho de pesquisa desenvolvido neste último ano. Este estágio teve como coordenador da Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, o Professor César Peixoto, e contou com a orientação no GCP das treinadoras Ana Zacarias (treinadora da Classe de Competição Base) e Ana Cardoso (treinadora da Classe de Competição).
This report was prepared under the Acrobatic Gymnastics Internship, as part of the Master's Degree in Sports Training, held during the 2018/2019 sport season, at the Portuguese Club Gymnasium (GCP – Ginásio Clube Português), in the Base Competition Acrobatic Gymnastics Class. This report will briefly describe the sport modality, the class and the place of internship, as well as the work done during the sport season in the class and the activities/competitions that were developed. Next, it will refer to the work developed during the year, as well as the research work carried out in the last year. This internship had as coordinator of the Faculty of Human Motricity, the teacher César Peixoto, and also counted on the guidance in the GCP of the coaches Ana Zacarias (coach of the Base class of Competition) and Ana Cardoso (coach of the Competition Class).