Identification of the contribution of contact and aerial biomechanical parameters in acrobatic performance

Current issues and future directions in gymnastics research: biomechanics, motor control and coaching interface

The sport of gymnastics is undergoing a global examination of its culture and the relationship between the gymnast, coach and environment is a central focus. The aim of this review is to explore biomechanics and motor control research in skill development and technique selection in artistic gymnastics with a focus on the underlying concepts and scientific principles that allow performance enhancement, skill development and injury risk reduction. The current review examines peer reviewed papers from 2000 onwards, with a focus on contemporary approaches in the field of gymnastics research, and highlights several key directions for future gymnastics research. Based on our review and the integration of the models of Newell (1986) and Irwin et al. (2005), we recommend that future gymnastics research should embrace at the very least a multidisciplinary approach and aim for an interdisciplinary paradigm.

Optimal forward twisting pike somersault without self-collision

In acrobatic sports, twisting fast before piking allows athletes to enlarge their scoring potential. Since planning the arm and hip movements to twist fast is unintuitive, optimal control appears as a powerful and risk-free tool. To our knowledge, predictive simulations of human motion did not include self-collision avoidance constraints resulting potentially in unrealistic solutions. Our objective was to generate innovative and realistic twisting techniques for forward somersaults ending in pike position by solving an optimal control problem including non-collision constraints. Optimal techniques for one, two, or three twists before piking were generated by minimising the duration of the twisting and piking phases. The model was composed of five segments with one degree of freedom at the chest and two at the hips and shoulders. We explored local minima using a multi-start approach. Solutions were further analysed to assess the impact of non-collision constraints, the segments' contribution to twist creation, and their stability. For each desired number of twists, one relevant solution was chosen. Optimisation showed that trampolinists could attempt new acrobatics: forward triple twisting somersault ending in pike position. This research also shows that non-collision constraints strongly modify the optimal techniques without impairing significantly their performance.

Special physical fitness factors of athletes involved in pole sports

Purpose: to determine the peculiarities of training female athletes engaged in Pole Sports on the basis of the factor analysis of physical, special physical qualities and functional capabilities. Material and methods: the study involved 15 female athletes (age 12-13 years), who are engaged in the sports club "Atmosphere" in Pole Sport and aerial acrobatics, Kharkov. Athletes are in the group of initial training (amateur level) and have the experience of sports activity 1-1,5 years. The study was conducted in September 2021. All participants and their parents agreed to participate in the experiment. Methods: theoretical analysis of literary sources; methods of testing physical development (height, weight); physical fitness (Push-ups 30 s, jumping rope for 3 min, lifting the trunk in sitting position in 1 minute, dynamometry of right and left arms, tilt of the body forward from the sitting position); special physical condition (chopper, pulling up on the pole, jumping rope for 3 min, jumping " Heels back", jumps with turning 180°, jumps with turning 360°, jumping into grouping); methods of functional capabilities (Genchi and Ruffier tests), mathematical and statistical methods using "EXCEL" and "SPSS" computer programs (factor analysis by principal component method was used).  Results. A factor analysis of physical development indicators, physical training, functional athletes specializing in Pole Sport. It was found that in the structure of preparation of the athletes of this group overcomes the first factor "Special endurance" (15,21% of the total total dispersion), then the second "Functional abilities" (14,54% of the total total dispersion), the third factor "Power capabilities" (14,12% of the total cumulative variance) and the fourth factor " Coordination abilities" (14,02% of the total cumulative variance), the fifth factor " Flexibility " (13,52% of the total cumulative variance), the sixth factor "Technical capabilities" (12.37% of the total cumulative variance). The percentage contribution of these factors indicates the equivalent importance of these factors.  Conclusions. The training means for the development of special physical qualities and techniques, the dosage of the volume and intensity of loads for athletes 12-13 years old involved in Pole Sports are presented.

Impact of Artistic Gymnastics on Bone Formation Marker, Density and Geometry in Female Adolescents: ABCD-Growth Study

Background

To compare bone density accrual and markers of bone geometry and formation between female adolescents engaged and not engaged in artistic gymnastics (AGs).

Methods

This was a 12-month longitudinal study involving 20 female adolescents, including 10 controls and 10 gymnasts (AGs) aged 11 to 16 years. At baseline, the gymnasts had a minimum of 12 months of practice, and the controls reported no participation in any organized sport. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured in the lower limbs, upper limbs, spine, and whole body. In addition, BMD and geometrical properties of the femur were assessed. As a bone formation marker, osteocalcin level was measured.

Results

Femoral aspects were increased in the gymnasts by 19% (P=0.009), 14% (P=0.047), and 10% (P=0.046) in the Ward's triangle, trochanter, and the overall bone, respectively, than in the control girls. Geometrical parameters, bone accrual, and osteocalcin levels were similar in both groups. The weekly training load explained 30.8% of all bone gains on the lower limbs and affected the density on parts of the femur.

Conclusions

The gymnasts, after a 12-month follow-up, demonstrated a higher BMD in the Ward's triangle and whole femur than the controls, as well as an improvement in femur density. These changes were mainly due to the weekly training load. Lastly, the gymnasts had significant bone accrual (after 12 months) in the upper limbs, lower limbs, and whole body.