Circles on pommel horse with a suspended aid: influence of expertise

In the third study of this series, we examined how circles with a suspended aid would vary depending of the gymnast's level of expertise. We analysed circles with the aid performed by three groups of eight gymnasts: expert, intermediate, and developing groups. The gymnasts for the expert and intermediate groups were selected from the previous studies based on judges' evaluation of their non-aid circles. The developing group of eight gymnasts, who were unable to perform circles on pommel horse without an aid, were added to this study and performed three sets of 10 circles on the pommel horse with the aid. Discriminative biomechanical variables identified in the previous two studies were used to compare circles with the aid among the three groups. As a result, the expert group demonstrated a larger pommel reaction force and a smaller aid reaction force than the other two groups, implying that they were less dependent on the aid. The smaller aid reaction force resulted in a smaller net hip joint moment. Furthermore, the expert group showed a shorter total duration and a greater shoulder excursion. In summary, the suspended aid can be used in a progressive manner depending on the gymnast's level of expertise.     

Kinematics of side and cross circles on pommel horse

Abstract

One of the most fundamental skills on the pommel horse is double leg circles (circles). Circles can be performed on all parts of the pommel horse. It was hypothesized that the different sets of physical constraints of the apparatus require a gymnast to adapt circles technique. The purpose of this study was to quantify how gymnasts modify their technique during circles to accommodate different physical obstacles due to different support surfaces and body orientations. To investigate these adaptations, a comparison of the two most common circles on pommel horse – namely, circles in cross support (cross-circles) and circles in side support (side-circles) – was carried out. Seven elite male gymnasts performed three sets of 10 cross-circles and side-circles on a pommel horse. Three-dimensional coordinates were acquired using 12 Qualisys ProReflex motion tracking cameras operating at 120 Hz. Temporal characteristics, the motion of the centre of mass, and the body angles – flexion and lateral flexion – were analysed. We found that cross-circles took less time to complete a single circle (0.92±0.02 vs. 0.95±0.02 s), had a smaller ratio for the rear support phase (0.15±0.02 vs. 0.18±0.03), a narrower supporting-hand distance (0.33±0.03 vs. 0.52±0.00 m), greater flexion of the body over the rear support phase (44±12° vs. 27±8°), and less lateral flexion of the body over the single-hand support phase (entry: 20±5° vs. 35±3°; exit: 26±4° vs. 33±4°) than side-circles. Our results suggest that gymnasts adapt their technique to the physical constraints imposed by the shape of the pommel horse and the location and orientation of the circles. Cross-circles were characterized by a high rear support position with a narrower hand-spacing, which would require excellent shoulder flexibility and strength. Consequently, lack of these traits may explain the need for greater body flexion in cross-circles than in side-circles during rear support. Understanding the technical differences will facilitate an effective transfer of the technical similarities among different types of circles.     

Circles with a suspended aid: reducing pommel reaction forces

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a suspended aid on the reaction forces during a basic skill on pommel horse. Twenty gymnasts performed three sets of 10 circles with and without a suspended aid on a pommel horse under which two force plates were set. The results confirmed that the suspended aid could reduce the magnitude of the pommel reaction forces during circles while maintaining the general loading pattern. On the left hand, the average and peak forces were attenuated to 0.59 body weight (BW) and 0.85 BW from 0.76 BW and 1.13 BW, respectively. The right hand experienced slightly larger forces with no-aid trials, but the asymmetry between the hands decreased with the aid. Despite a relatively large variability, all gymnasts experienced smaller impact peak forces with the aid. A suspended aid is most commonly used for a beginner gymnast as an introduction to pommel horse exercises. However, this study confirmed that it can also be useful for all levels of gymnasts who would like to practice pommel horse exercises with reduced pommel reaction forces for a purpose such as a progression for learning a new skill, control of training volume, or rehabilitation.     

Circles with a suspended aid: reducing pommel reaction forces

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a suspended aid on the reaction forces during a basic skill on pommel horse. Twenty gymnasts performed three sets of 10 circles with and without a suspended aid on a pommel horse under which two force plates were set. The results confirmed that the suspended aid could reduce the magnitude of the pommel reaction forces during circles while maintaining the general loading pattern. On the left hand, the average and peak forces were attenuated to 0.59 body weight (BW) and 0.85 BW from 0.76 BW and 1.13 BW, respectively. The right hand experienced slightly larger forces with no-aid trials, but the asymmetry between the hands decreased with the aid. Despite a relatively large variability, all gymnasts experienced smaller impact peak forces with the aid. A suspended aid is most commonly used for a beginner gymnast as an introduction to pommel horse exercises. However, this study confirmed that it can also be useful for all levels of gymnasts who would like to practice pommel horse exercises with reduced pommel reaction forces for a purpose such as a progression for learning a new skill, control of training volume, or rehabilitation.     

Auditory concurrent feedback benefits on the circle performed in gymnastics

In this study, we examined the effectiveness of auditory concurrent feedback on body segmental alignment during the circle movement performed on a pommel horse. Eighteen gymnasts were assigned to one of two groups: a concurrent auditory feedback group (experimental) or a control group that received no concurrent feedback. After 2 weeks of training (300 circles), the body segmental alignment (BSA) of the experimental group had improved by 2.3% between the pre test (85.7 +/- 4.8% BSA(max)) and the post test (87.7 +/- 4.0% BSA(max)). Furthermore, the results of a retention test administered 2 weeks after the post test revealed no decline in performance for the experimental group. No gains in body segmental alignment were found for the control group. It was concluded that augmented auditory feedback made available in real time can be used to correct complex movements, such as the circle movement on a pommel horse, and does not appear to lead to information-dependence despite the frequent administration of feedback. The auditory signal available in real time could help gymnasts to become more objective about their own intrinsic information necessary for the refinement of the circle movement.     

Circles on pommel horse with a suspended aid: mass-centre rotation and hip joint moment

This is the second study of the series, and its aim was to investigate the influence of using the suspended aid on circle kinetics. In addition to the kinematic data recorded for part one (Fujihara & Gervais, 2012), the pommel reaction forces and the force applied from the suspended aid (aid reaction force) were analysed in relation to the motion of a whole-body mass centre. The hip joint moment was also computed by combining all segments in the lower extremities into a single rigid segment. Generally, the use of the aid changed the magnitude of the mass-centre trajectory or horizontal pommel reaction forces but not their patterns. The results also showed that the net hip joint moment was altered during circles with the aid. In summary, a suspended aid can be used as a progression for a variety of goals because it allows gymnasts to practise circles which would not be possible without the aid. When a suspended aid is used, however, practitioners should be aware of the possible kinetic alteration caused by the external force from the aid.     

Circles on pommel horse with a suspended aid: Mass-centre rotation and hip joint moment

Abstract

This is the second study of the series, and its aim was to investigate the influence of using the suspended aid on circle kinetics. In addition to the kinematic data recorded for part one (Fujihara & Gervais, 2012), the pommel reaction forces and the force applied from the suspended aid (aid reaction force) were analysed in relation to the motion of a whole-body mass centre. The hip joint moment was also computed by combining all segments in the lower extremities into a single rigid segment. Generally, the use of the aid changed the magnitude of the mass-centre trajectory or horizontal pommel reaction forces but not their patterns. The results also showed that the net hip joint moment was altered during circles with the aid. In summary, a suspended aid can be used as a progression for a variety of goals because it allows gymnasts to practise circles which would not be possible without the aid. When a suspended aid is used, however, practitioners should be aware of the possible kinetic alteration caused by the external force from the aid.     

The effect of combined self- and expert-modelling on the performance of the double leg circle on the pommel horse

In this study, we investigated whether video modelling can enhance gymnasts' performance of the circle on a pommel horse. The procedure associated expert-modelling with self-modelling and quantitative performance analysis. Sixteen gymnasts were randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) a modelling group, which received expert- and self-modelling, and performance feedback, or (2) a control group, which received no feedback. After five sessions of training, an analysis of variance with repeated measures indicated that the gains in the back, entry, front, and exit phases of the circle were greater for the modelling group than for the control group. During the training sessions, the gymnasts in the modelling group improved their body segmental alignment during the back phase more quickly than during the other phases. As predicted, although both groups performed the same number of circles (300 in 5 days, with 10 sequences of 6 circles), the modelling group improved their body segmental alignment more than the control group. It thus appears that immediate video modelling can help to correct complex sports movements such as the circle performed on the pommel horse. However, its effectiveness seemed to be dependent on the complexity of the phase.     

The effect of combined self- and expert-modelling on the performance of the double leg circle on the pommel horse

Abstract

In this study, we investigated whether video modelling can enhance gymnasts' performance of the circle on a pommel horse. The procedure associated expert-modelling with self-modelling and quantitative performance analysis. Sixteen gymnasts were randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) a modelling group, which received expert- and self-modelling, and performance feedback, or (2) a control group, which received no feedback. After five sessions of training, an analysis of variance with repeated measures indicated that the gains in the back, entry, front, and exit phases of the circle were greater for the modelling group than for the control group. During the training sessions, the gymnasts in the modelling group improved their body segmental alignment during the back phase more quickly than during the other phases. As predicted, although both groups performed the same number of circles (300 in 5 days, with 10 sequences of 6 circles), the modelling group improved their body segmental alignment more than the control group. It thus appears that immediate video modelling can help to correct complex sports movements such as the circle performed on the pommel horse. However, its effectiveness seemed to be dependent on the complexity of the phase.     

Biomechanical analysis of circles on pommel horse

The aim of this study was to analyse the principal mechanics of circles. Seventeen university male gymnasts performed circles on an instrumented pommel horse model that enabled the pommel reaction forces to be recorded at 1000 Hz with two force plates. The circles were also videotaped using two digital video cameras operating at 60 frames per second. During circles, the vertical component of the reaction forces peaked in the double-hand support phases. Changes in the velocity of the centre of mass corresponded to the change in the tangential components of horizontal reaction forces. The velocity of the centre of mass had its peaks in the single-hand support phases and its local minimums in the double-hand support phases. The velocity of the ankles and that of the centre of mass of the head and trunk were minimal in the single-hand support phases and were maximal in the double-hand support phases. These results suggest that the circles were composed of vertical movements and two kinds of rotations: rotation of the centre of mass and rotation of the body itself about the centre of mass. These two kinds of rotations, which influence the legs' rotational velocity, are phase dependent. To further our understanding of circles, research on circles in different orientations on the pommel horse will be beneficial.     

伦敦奥运周期鞍马动作发展趋势

采用文献资料和录像观察法,分析第41届和42届世界体操锦标赛鞍马单项决赛参赛运动员完成的成套动作,得出伦敦奥运周期鞍马动作的发展趋势,以期为我国男子体操队备战过程中鞍马训练提供依据。研究表明：世界优秀鞍马选手对动作类型的选择表现出更加集中的趋势;第Ⅰ组别动作逐渐向李宁和反交叉转体90°经单环起倒立落下成骑撑集中;马桥尔打滚成为第Ⅱ组别动作的首选难度动作;第Ⅲ组别集中在马桥尔前移和斯维多后移高度两个动作;第Ⅳ组别动作的使用将以E组或D组Flops、吴国年、（环中或马头）俄式挺身转体,以及E组或D组Flop组合为主;第Ⅴ组别动作将以D组或E组难度的斯托克里起倒立下为首选。     

Performance scores and standings during the 43rd Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, 2011

Abstract Scores in artistic gymnastics are subject to changes in the rules that occur each Olympic cycle as outlined in the Code of Points, because rules influence the composition of routines and therefore performance. The aim of this study was to identify the most important routine apparatus for success in a World competition. The data were the official results for the 478 gymnasts (262 men, 216 women) who competed in the 43rd Artistic Gymnastic World Championships in 2011 in Tokyo, Japan. The factors least influenced by the technical standard of competitors were performance scores on uneven bars and balance beam for women, and those on pommel horse for men. For uneven bars, balance beam, and pommel horse, scores were consistently good predictors of final standing. Our results suggest that high scores on these apparatus have a greater influence on overall performance than scores on the other apparatus, regardless of the competitors' standard.     

当今世界男子鞍马成套加分动作结构编排特征与发展趋向

依据第28届奥运会体操比赛实况录像及2005年国际男子体操新评分规则变化的相关信息，采用调研访问法、录像统计法和文献资料法，分析世界男子鞍马成套加分动作结构编排的特征及发展趋向。采用纵向移位动作为主体，以多个高难动作的直接连接构成加分主干，并结合D组难度的下法，是鞍马成套动作结构编排的主要特征；而使用“D＋E”难度以上的多个动作“直接”和发展新“Flops规则”内容的单环高难度动作，将是未来大赛鞍马成套加分动作竞争的新内容。     

Functional phases and angular momentum characteristics of Tkatchev and Kovacs

Understanding the technical requirements and underlying biomechanics of complex release and re-grasp skills on high bar allows coaches and scientists to develop safe and effective training programmes. The aim of this study was to examine the differences in the functional phases between the Tkatchev and Kovacs skills and to explain how the angular momentum demands are addressed. Images of 18 gymnasts performing 10 Tkatchevs and 8 Kovacs at the Olympic Games were recorded (50 Hz), digitised and reconstructed (3D Direct Linear Transformation). Orientation of the functional phase action, defined by the rapid flexion to extension of the shoulders and extension to flexion of the hips as the performer passed through the lower vertical, along with shoulder and hip angular kinematics, angular momentum and key release parameters (body angle, mass centre velocity and angular momentum about the mass centre and bar) were compared between skills. Expected differences in the release parameters of angle, angular momentum and velocity were observed and the specific mechanical requirement of each skill were highlighted. Whilst there were no differences in joint kinematics, hip and shoulder functional phase were significantly earlier in the circle for the Tkatchev. These findings highlight the importance of the orientation of the functional phase in the preceding giant swing and provide coaches with further understanding of the critical timing in this key phase.     

艺术体操运动员脊柱曲度异常与躯干两侧活动度和力量对称性的关系

目的:描述艺术体操运动员在日常状况下和完成专项动作时脊柱异常的表现及左右对称性,探讨与之相关的因素。方法:以9名艺术体操运动员为研究对象,进行站立位脊柱X光片拍摄,获得脊柱额状面和矢状面的弯曲方向和角度;使用三维摄像方法定量评价运动员完成后搬腿动作和侧搬腿动作时的脊柱活动幅度;运用后伸肌群和双侧屈肌群测试系统对运动员的坐姿躯干后伸和双侧侧屈等长收缩力量进行测试。比较躯干活动幅度和躯干肌肉力量的左右对称性,比较不同脊柱侧凸方向间躯干活动差异。检验脊柱弯曲角度与躯干活动特征的相关性。结果:后搬左侧腿时的活动幅度显著小于后搬右侧腿(P<0.01),对应躯干向左扭转的幅度显著大于向右扭转幅度(P<0.05)。侧搬腿时躯干活动幅度越大对应的躯干扭转角度越大。胸曲角度与右侧搬腿活动幅度角存在正相关(P<0.05),与右侧搬腿躯干扭转角之间为显著负相关(P<0.05),腰曲角度与左侧搬腿活动幅度角之间存在显著正相关(P<0.05),与右侧搬腿躯干扭转角之间存在显著负相关(P<0.05)。肌肉力量方面,胸曲角度越大,3个位置躯干后伸力矩峰值越小。侧屈力量上,运动员绝大多数角度下的右屈力量显著大于左屈力量。胸曲角度、腰°曲角度分°别与不同躯干侧屈角度下右屈力矩峰值存在显著负相关。腰曲角度与左屈0、15°、30和右屈15°位置的躯干左屈力矩峰值存在显著负相关。结论:艺术体操运动员躯干两侧活动度和肌肉力量存在不对称,后伸幅度左侧大于右侧,侧屈肌力右侧大于左侧;但这种不对称与脊柱额状面上异常弯曲无明显关系;集中于躯干右侧和躯干后伸动作的训练,可能是导致胸曲变直的原因。     

对世界男子鞍马成套动作编排特征与发展趋向的研究

采用调研访问、录像统计和文献资料调研等方法,系统分析了世界男子鞍马成套加分动作结构编排的特征及发展趋向。结果表明,采用纵向移位动作为主体,以多个高难动作的直接连接构成加分为主干,并结合D组难度的下法,是鞍马成套动作结构编排的主要特征;使用“D E”难度以上的多个动作“直接”和发展新“F lops规则”内容的单环高难度动作,将是未来比赛中鞍马成套加分动作竞争的新内容。     

我国少年男子体操运动员腕部运动损伤的调查分析

对我国优秀少年男子体操运动员腕部运动损伤的情况进行了调查。结果表明,运动员的损伤主要为三角纤维软骨盘损伤,过多的支撑练习是造成损伤的主要原因,腕部的损伤多发生在鞍马、双杠和自由操项目中。     

艺术体操运动员的身体形态特征

对165名艺术体操运动员进行了身体形态指标的测试,对测试数据进行统计分析并与20世纪80年代的研究结果进行了对比研究.研究表明：艺术体操运动员具有身材较高、四肢长而直、身体围度较小、肩稍宽、髋较窄、手足较大等外部形态特征.指间距-身高、坐高/下肢长C及跟腱长/小腿长A能够较好地反映艺术体操运动员的身体形态特征.     

The influence of the vaulting table on the handspring front somersault

The traditional “horse” was replaced by a new vaulting “table” in artistic gymnastics competitions in 2001.The aim of this study was to determine whether the table led to a change in vaulting technique. This was achieved by comparing three-dimensional video-based analyses (50 Hz) of selected biomechanical discrete and continuous variables across four elite male gymnasts performing a series of handspring front somersault vaults on the traditional horse and the new table. Individual joint and inter-segment coupling (continuous relative phase) were used to quantify techniques used on the two apparatuses. Differences were attributed in part to the design and construction of the new table. No differences were observed for the approach and take-off from the board. Significant differences in hip flexion at board take-off and strike angle on the table were observed. One of the effects of the latter was an increase in vertical take-off velocity compared with the horse. Individual strategies were observed in hip and shoulder coordination patterns that were obscured when group data were considered. Close monitoring of the evolution of skill on this new apparatus is paramount for gymnastics coaching, and further studies of current elite competitive vaulting techniques are required.     

躯干力量和专项动作对称性对艺术体操运动员脊柱曲度异常的影响

目的:描述艺术体操运动员完成专项动作过程中的脊柱形态,结合躯干侧屈肌力的对称性特征,讨论专项动作和躯干肌力对脊柱产生的不对称负荷特征及其对脊柱曲度异常的影响。方法:红外动作捕捉系统获取脊柱椎体三维坐标,曲线拟合脊柱弯曲状态;等长肌力测试系统获得躯干两侧侧屈肌肉峰值力矩;配对t检验比较左右对称性,计算对称系数分析脊柱弯曲形态与肌肉力量的关联。结果:后扳腿动作脊柱矢状面上曲率最大椎体位置在左、右后扳腿两种情况之间存在显著相关(p=0.003),后扳、侧扳腿动作脊柱额状面上曲率最大值和对应椎体位置左右侧间均未发现显著相关、亦无显著差异。躯干处于同15°位、反15°位和反30°位进行侧屈时,右屈的肌肉峰值力矩显著大于左屈。脊柱弯曲曲率最大值和椎体位置的两侧对称系数与侧屈肌力对称系数之间均未发现显著相关。结论:艺术体操专项动作对脊柱矢状面的影响更显著,与脊柱额状面的曲度异常无直接关联。对于已经存在脊柱曲度异常的艺术体操运动员来说,不能通过对躯干侧屈肌肉力量进行对称性训练的方式,直接调整专项动作已对脊柱产生的不对称影响。