Biomechanics in Gymnastics

Brüggemann, G.-P.

doi:10.1159/000414402

Cited by 25 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 0 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Previous studies of longswings have used two-dimensional analyses to identify differences in cable tension patterns between elite and non-elite gymnasts (Nissinen, 1983), to calculate net forces at the shoulders (Brüggemann, 1987) and to estimate resultant hip and shoulder torques (Sprigings et al, 2000). From observations (Fig.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Optimised performance of the backward longswing on rings

Yeadon

Brewin

2003

Journal of Biomechanics

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Optimised performance of the backward longswing on rings

Yeadon

Brewin

2003

Journal of Biomechanics

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

“…Essentially the backward longswing comprises five phases: an initial handstand with the rings cables in a near vertical orientation (a), a descending phase during which a gymnast adopts an arched body shape as the rings cables initially rotate in the same direction as the longswing (b-d), a swing beneath the rings (e), an ascending phase during which the gymnast adopts a piked configuration as the rings cables initially rotate in the opposite direction to the longswing (f-h), and the final handstand where the rings cables return to a near vertical orientation (i). In contrast to backward giant circles performed on horizontal bar, where the motions of the gymnast are predominantly parallel to the vertical somersault plane (Brüggemann, 1994), during a backward longswing on rings a gymnast typically moves his arms laterally during the descending and ascending phases of the skill (Fig. 1, c, g).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 87%

“…1, c, g). Although such an observation suggests that three-dimensional analyses of this swinging element are necessary, previous experimental and theoretical studies have used only planar analyses (Nissinen, 1983;Brüggemann, 1987;Sprigings et al, 1998). Consequently, previous research may have neglected an important aspect of the backward longswing and may provide only a partial understanding of the factors contributing to the performance of this movement.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Minimising peak forces at the shoulders during backward longswings on rings

Brewin

Yeadon

Kerwin

2000

Human Movement Science

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Many elite gymnasts perform the straight arm backward longswing on rings during their competition routines in order to satisfy specific judging requirements. Measured peak combined cable tension during a backward longswing is typically in excess of 9 bodyweights (Nissinen, 1983) and forces of this magnitude have been associated with an increased risk of injury to gymnasts' shoulders (Carraffa et al., 1996). This study investigated the contribution of longswing technique and the elasticity of the gymnast and rings apparatus to minimising loading at the shoulders. A three-dimensional video and cable tension analysis was conducted on a backward longswing performed by an elite gymnast. This analysis provided information regarding the motion of the rings cables, the gymnast's technique and the elasticity of the rings apparatus. A three-dimensional five segment computer simulation model of a gymnast swinging on rings was developed. The inertial characteristics for the model were determined from anthropometric measurements of the gymnast and measurements taken directly from the rings apparatus. The simulation model was evaluated by comparing the backward longswing from the data collection with a simulation of the same performance. The root mean squared differences between the actual performance of the longswing and the evaluated simulation for cable tension and orientations of the gymnast and rings cables were 6.2%, 1.0% and 1.9% respectively. During the evaluated longswing the peak combined force at the shoulders was 8.5 bodyweights. Modifications to the evaluated simulation of the longswing were used to determine the effect of the gymnast's technique, his elasticity and that of the rings apparatus on peak net shoulder forces. Altering the gymnast's technique, by fixing the gymnast in a straight body configuration throughout the swing, increased the peak shoulder force by 2.56 bodyweights. Removing lateral arm movements, which form part of the gymnast's technique, also resulted in an increased peak shoulder force (0.73 bodyweights). Removing the elasticity of the apparatus and gymnast in turn resulted in smaller increases in peak shoulder force (0.62 and 0.53 bodyweights). When both aspects of technique were altered the increase in peak shoulder force was 2.5 times greater than when both components of elasticity were removed. Although the elasticity of the gymnast and apparatus contribute to minimising peak shoulder forces, this study shows that the contribution of a gymnast's technique is considerably greater.

show abstract

“…Hecht vault). Most of the research into vaulting has used statistical analysis of film data to understand the mechanics and techniques used in vaulting (Brüggeman 1987;Dainis, 1979;Dillman et al, 1985, Kerwin et al, 1993Kwon et al, 1990;Takei, 1988Takei, , 1989Takei, , 1991Takei and Kim, 1990). These studies have described the actual techniques used by gymnasts performing continuous rotation vaults and have identified the characteristics of successful performance.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A two-segment simulation model of long horse vaulting

King¹,

Yeadon²,

Kerwin³

1999

Journal of Sports Sciences

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Optimum preflight characteristics of the Hecht and handspring somersault vaults were determined using a two segment simulation model. The model comprised an arm segment and a body segment connected by a frictionless pin joint, simulating the vault from Reuther board takeoff through to landing. During horse contact shoulder torque was set to zero in the model. Five independent preflight variables were varied over realistic ranges and an objective function was maximised to find the optimum preflight for each vault. The Hecht vault required a low trajectory of the mass centre during preflight with a low vertical velocity of the mass centre and a low angular velocity of the body at horse contact. In contrast the optimum handspring somersault required a high preflight trajectory with a high angular velocity of the body and a high vertical velocity at horse contact. Despite the simplicity of the model, the optimum preflights were similar to those used in competitive performances.

show abstract

Biomechanics in Gymnastics

Cited by 25 publications

References 0 publications

Optimised performance of the backward longswing on rings

Optimised performance of the backward longswing on rings

Minimising peak forces at the shoulders during backward longswings on rings

A two-segment simulation model of long horse vaulting

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About