Citation

Farana R, Jandacka D, Uchytil J, Zahradnik D, Irwin G. J. Hum. Kinet. 2017; 56: 51-59.

Affiliation

Sport Biomechanics Research Group, Cardiff School of Sport, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Academy of Physical Education Poland, Publisher Walter de Gruyter)

DOI

10.1515/hukin-2017-0022

PMID

28469743

PMCID

PMC5384052

Abstract

The importance of technique selection on elbow injury risk has been identified for the key round off skill in female gymnastics, with a focus on the second contact limb. The aim of this study was to shift the focus to the first contact limb and investigate the biomechanical injury risk during parallel and T-shape round-off (RO) techniques. Seven international-level female gymnasts performed 10 trials of the RO to back-handspring with parallel and T-shape hand positions. Synchronized kinematic (3D motion analysis system; 247 Hz) and kinetic (two force plates; 1235 Hz) data were collected for each trial. The t-test with effect size statistics determined differences between the two techniques. No significant differences were found for vertical, anterior posterior and resultant ground reaction force, elbow joint kinematics and kinetics. Specifically, the results highlighted that change in technique in RO skills did not influence first contact limb elbow joint mechanics and therefore, injury risk. The findings of the present study suggest the injury potential of this skill is focused on the second limb during the parallel technique of this fundamental gymnastic skill.

Language: en

Keywords

fundamental skill; gymnastics; prevention; upper extremity