Option selection in whole-body rotation movements in gymnastics

Abstract When a gymnast performs a somersault, the linear and angular momentum along with a particular control of inertia during the flight phase constrain the possibilities for action. Given the complexity and dynamic nature of the human moving system, one could argue that there exist a particular amount of stable coordination states when performing somersaults. The goal of this study was to explore the manifold of movement options and coordination states along with their differentiating parameters for a single somersault in gymnastics based on a simple mathematical model reflecting gymnast’s rotation behavior during the flight phase. Biomechanical parameters determining rotation behavior during a somersault were systematically varied with regard to a particular set of biomechanical constraints defining a successful somersault performance. Batch simulations revealed that from 10229760 simulation cycles only 655346 (approximately 6.41%) led to successful somersault performance. A subsequent analysis of the movement option landscape for the optimum angular momentum revealed ten coordination states for a single somersault that could be clearly distinguished based on the simulation parameters. Taken the results together, it becomes apparent that it may be most advisable to perform a single somersault with a larger moment of inertia when achieving the tucked position, a longer duration to achieve the tucked position, a longer duration of staying tucked, and an intermediate moment of inertia during landing. This strategy comprises the largest amount of movement options associated with an upright landing and thus the highest probability of success when performing a single somersault

Panorama da ginástica artística feminina brasileira de alto rendimento esportivo: progressão, realidade e necessidades

The Brazilian Women's Artistic Gymnastics results in international championships are refl ecting the high level of the athletes in the modality and expressing the evolution of this sport in Brazil in the last 10 years. Therefore, this article has the goal to present data about such evolution since the fi rst participation of the Brazilian gymnasts in the Olympic Games (1980), and to refl ect the development of the modality in Brazil. The data have been collected through a bibliographic and documental research. The data analysis showed a unstructured and immature process of the development of this sport in Brazil, revealing a very different reality from what has been exposed in the media.Os resultados das atletas brasileiras da Ginástica Artística feminina nos últimos 10 anos, refletidos principalmente nas competições de nível internacional, apontam para uma expressiva evolução do esporte no país. Assim, este artigo tem o propósito de apresentar dados acerca desta transformação, principalmente a partir da participação das ginastas em Jogos Olímpicos (desde 1980), e estabelecer reflexões em relação ao desenvolvimento da modalidade no país. A partir de uma pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, estes dados foram obtidos, reunidos e contextualizados com outras informações já disponíveis na literatura. Ao analisá-los foi possível não só apontar com especificidade como se deu esta evolução, como também apresentar uma realidade deflagradora de um processo ainda imaturo de desenvolvimento do esporte no país, que não condiz em grande parte com o que é posto pela mídia (de que a modalidade está em pleno avanço e de forma estruturada)

The impact of intensive high performance training on adult height of female artistic gymnasts: a retrospective study

Abstract The purpose of this study was to identify the potential impact of the high performance training on the anthropometric and maturational characteristics of female artistic gymnasts and to compare the adult target height with international standards of growth. A sample consisted of 23 elite Brazilian female former gymnasts was evaluated. From a historic retrospective, about 29.56 yrs. ago (average of all) they devoted themselves to the training for 9.3 (2.6) years, with a weekly 24.26 (4.2) training hours, and had been retired from competition around at 13.61 (5.12) years old. From the anthropometric data of the gymnasts (while still competing), their parents and their older sister (1) and younger sister (2), the target height was calculated by Tanner method {[(father’s height -13 cm) + mother’s height] ÷ 2}. Additionally, training history, age of menarche occurrence, and growth classifying in accordance with the international standards was recorded, aimed at comparisons. The average stature shown normal adult stature (NCHS), and some cases surpassed the standard 75th, 90th and 95th percentile. They are higher than their mother (p = 0.039), but not their sister 1 (0.952) or sister 2 (p = 0.998), but the age of menarche was significantly later only than their sisters 1 (p = 0.008) and 2 (p = 0.017). According to the Brazilian percentiles reference (IBGE), the final height of the former gymnasts was always higher of the standard, slightly smaller than their sisters 2 (5th and 10th), but was taller than their mothers and sisters 1. In conclusion, there is no evidence of artistic gymnastics high performance training having adverse effects on the final adult height