A study on takeoff motion of wheel gymnastics vault by biomechanical analysis

Abstract

    The purpose of this study was to reveal effective takeoff skills for dynamic pike mount in wheel gymnastics vault. Takeoff motions of the players who have different features in motion were comparatively analyzed in the biomechanical view points to clarify the effective takeoff skills. Four subjects (2 males and 2 females) were analyzed. Effective takeoff skills were revealed as indicated as follows : 1) Using hinged-movement to convert horizontal velocity with run-up into greater vertical velocity for jump-up by leaning the body backward at touchdown. It helps to jump up higher. Positional relation of the body and the wheel at takeoff must be considered preliminarily because the wheel rolls forward while the legs on the ground. 2) Getting larger angular impulse thorough takeoff to rotate the body forward by leaning the body backward at touchdown. It helps to raise the feet higher. 3) Minimizing extension torques at shoulder joints by taking hold the wheel with the elbows extension preliminarily and with the shoulders keep narrowing. That leads to flex the shoulders during mounting phase. It helps to raise the hip higher.