Optimal technique for maximal forward rotating vaults in men’s gymnastics

Abstract

In vaulting a gymnast must generate sufficient linear and angular momentum during the approach and table contact to complete the rotational requirements in the post-flight phase. This study investigated the optimisation of table touchdown conditions and table contact technique for the maximisation of rotation potential for forwards rotating vaults. A planar seven-segment torque-driven computer simulation model of the contact phase in vaulting was evaluated by varying joint torque activation time histories to match three performances of a handspring double somersault vault by an elite gymnast. The closest matching simulation was used as a starting point to maximise post-flight rotation potential (the product of angular momentum and flight time) for a forwards rotating vault. It was found that the maximised rotation potential was sufficient to produce a handspring double piked somersault vault. The corresponding optimal touchdown configuration exhibited hip flexion in contrast to the hyperextended configuration required for maximal height. Increasing touchdown velocity and angular momentum lead to additional post-flight rotation potential. By increasing the horizontal velocity at table touchdown, within limits obtained from recorded performances, the handspring double somersault tucked with one and a half twists, and the handspring triple somersault tucked became theoretically possible.

Kinematic variables of table vault on artistic gymnastics

“…Modelling handspring was found with the former horse used for vault 42 and for the current table 39,43 , while was not found for other vault groups. It was veri ed that changing the apparatus from horse to table has changed handspring vertical take-o velocity 13 .…”

“…Considering velocity, Y et al 47 During table contact, the gymnast interacts with the table to further re ne post ight linear and angular momentum requirements, to achieve the vault's desired distance, height and rotations 24 . e simulations presented in handspring double salto 43 demonstrated that changes in horizontal velocity and contact technique both have an in uence on post-ight rotation potential. is nd reinforces that increasing horizontal approach velocity would improve performance 25 .…”

“…e arms are in line with the torso at table touchdown and so the gymnast would need to modify his technique in order to achieve maximal rotation potential. Increasing both vertical velocity and angular momentum at table touchdown will improve performance 43 . when a gymnast lands softly, knees should not be bent to lower body momentum of inertia, because lowering momentum of inertia increases angular velocity, and the movement became faster, leading to additional steps during landing.…”

“…Body posture (tucked, picked or extended) during 2nd ight phase, a ects vault value and vault complexity, even though it was not the focus of evaluation of most studies found 43 . It is expected that by changing body posture would e ect on kinematics.…”

Twist limits for late twisting double somersaults on trampoline

“…A straight triple somersault has now been performed in tumbling competition. In gymnastics vaulting it was found that a handspring double somersault with 1½ twists and a handspring triple somersault tucked were limiting vaults (Hiley et al, 2015). A handspring triple tucked somersault vault has now been attempted in competition.…”