Analysis of Landing Performance and Landing Load in Artistic Gymnastics

Abstract

For the purpose of studying evaluation methods of shock absorption and stability of gymnastics landing mats, we did experiments of jumps and landings in men's gymnastic vault with five toy-level male gymnasts. The landing performances and landing loads on four common skills were examined by 3-D high-speed video analysis and measurement of landing load with force plate. Consequently, we clarified the ranges of and the correlations between the parameters, namely, velocity and angle of the center of gravity, angular velocity of spin and twist, and maximum vertical and, horizontal load, etc. in the landing. The results were as follows: 1) The verticla velocity of the center of gravity on landing averaged from -5.2 to -6.0m/s in each vaulting skill. The horizontal velocity (longitudinal direction) averaged from 3.4 to 3.9m/s. 2) The angular velocity of spin on landing averaged 310, 620, 550, 500deg/s in 'Handspring forward and salto forward tucked', 'Cuervo stretched', 'Kasamatsu stretched' and 'Kasamatsu stretched with 1 / 1 twist', respectively. The angular velocity of twist averaged 20, 90, 215, 265deg/s. 3) The landing angles were different according to the landing direction. Namely, the landing angle of' Cuervo stretched', 'Kasamatsu stretched' and 'Kasamatsu stretched with 1 / 1 twist' averaged from 50 to 55 deg, and that of' Handspring forward and salto forward tucked' averaged 70 deg. 4) The extents of maximum vertical load, in the four skills ranged from 5.0kN to 9.5kN and their weight-ratios ranged from 8 r to 15. The maximum horizontal load extents ranged from 0.8kN to 3.8kN and their weight-ratios ranged from 1.5 to 6.5.