Indirect estimation of cable tension during gymnastic movements on rings

A Systematic Review of Dynamic, Kinematic, and Muscle Activity during Gymnastic Still Rings Elements

Still rings are a unique gymnastics apparatus allowing for a combination of dynamic and static elements in a specific technique. This review aimed to compile the dynamic, kinematic, and EMG characteristics of swing, dismount, handstand, strength, and hold elements on still rings. This systematic review was conducted in concordance with PRISMA in PubMed, EBSCOhost, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. In total, 37 studies were included, describing the strength and hold elements, the kip and swing elements, swing through or to handstand, and dismounts. The current evidence suggests that the execution of gymnastics elements on still rings and training drills requires a high training load. Specific preconditioning exercises could be used to train for the Swallow, iron cross, and support scale. Negative impacts of load during hold elements can be reduced by special support devices such as the Herdos or support belts. Another aspect is improving strength prerequisites by exercises such as bench presses, barbell exercises, and support belts, where the main focus should be on muscular coordination similar to the other considerable elements. Electromyography is an appropriate tool for the investigation of muscular coordination and force platforms for assessing a sufficient strength level to successfully perform elements on still rings.

[The gymnastics shoulder]

BACKGROUND

Adult gymnasts show a high prevalence of various shoulder pathologies. Due to the specific equipment used in gymnastics and the high training schedule with weekly training times up to 32 h, the shoulders of gymnasts are mostly subjected to symmetrical bilateral weight bearing. This is in contrast to overhead throwing, racket and martial arts sport forms in which the load is mainly located on the dominant side.

CAUSES OF INJURY

Structural lesions of the shoulder and shoulder girdle in male gymnasts can arise due to high repetitive support and swing forces during exercises on the six specific types of apparatus and particularly the rings.

INJURY PATTERNS

These lesions particularly affect the biceps tendon anchor, the long head of the biceps tendon and the tendon of the supraspinatus muscle. Because possible pathologies can increasingly occur even in younger gymnasts, awareness of the treating physician and also the trainer should be increased.

THERAPY

Early initiation of intensive conservative treatment and arthroscopic interventions in cases of failure of non-operative management are relevant for satisfying results. Modern arthroscopic reconstructive techniques are available for treating structural lesions.

CONCLUSION

Nevertheless, in almost 30 % of the patients the occurrence of shoulder pain or the necessity for surgical interventions will prevent them from achieving the national or international level of competition. This underlines the necessity for development of prevention programs.