Friction characteristic of honey for anti-slip material in gymnastics parallel bars

Abstract

Gymnasts use honey as an anti-slip agent in the parallel bars. The friction between the gymnast’s palm and the parallel bars is crucial for their performance. This research aimed to develop an adulterated honey with higher anti-slip performance by adding an alternative substance to the pollen grains contained in honey as the homogenate solution. The frictional force was measured by applying a surface pressure to a rubber ball in point contact with beech wood used for parallel bars and measuring the triaxial component of the force. The results showed that the frictional force varied depending on the substance mixed. The players reorganized for the different sensitivities when they examined several different substances.