Major research findings

Gymnasts must generate enough linear and angular momentum during the approach and table contact to complete the rotational requirements in the post-flight phase of a vault. 5 investigated the effects of touchdown conditions and contact technique on the peak post-flight height of a straight handspring somersault vault. A planar seven-segment torque-driven computer simulation model of the contact phase in vaulting was used to evaluate the effects of varying joint torque activation time histories to match three performances of a straight handspring somersault vault by an elite gymnast. The simulation that most closely matched the recorded performance was used as a starting point to optimize the peak post-flight height of the mass center for a straight handspring somersault. The study found that optimizing either the touchdown conditions or the contact technique increased post-flight height by 0.1 m, while optimizing both together increased post-flight height by 0.4 m above that of a simulation matching the recorded performance. This suggests that touchdown technique and contact technique make similar contributions to post-flight height in the straight handspring somersault vault. Increasing touchdown velocity and angular momentum lead to additional post-flight height; however, there was a critical value of vertical touchdown velocity beyond which post-flight height decreased.

As children grow, their moments of inertia increase. The magnitude and timing of these changes can affect the rotations of the body. 8 evaluated inter-individual differences in the transverse centroidal moment of inertia for 12 boys between 5 and 16 years, using intra-individual data from three successive years. Segmental masses and moments of inertia were estimated using the elliptical zone model, and the model was then repositioned into two configurations: a layout position from a back handspring and a tuck position from a back somersault. In each case, the mass centroid and the moment of inertia about the transverse axis were calculated. With growth indexed by age, it was shown that the rate of change increases with age. For the children 10 years and younger, the rate of change of moment of inertia was approximately 30% of the rate for the older children. Also, at each age level, there was a wide range of moments of inertia. To improve the prediction of moment of inertia, height and mass were tried as predictors, resulting in a noticeable improvement in correlation and linearity. However, the best predictor was found to be the product of mass and height squared (M X H2) with correlations of 0.99 and 0.97. It is suggested that, because of the effects of growth on the moment of inertia, M X H2 could be used in conjunction with age in order to better appreciate the potential effects of change of moment of inertia.

10 examined the effects of two different hand placement techniques used by gymnasts to perform Tsukahara and Kasamatsu long horse vaults. Selected linear and angular flight descriptors were calculated to determine whether gymnasts making initial hand contact on the end of the horse gained additional lift, range, or rotation when compared to those gymnasts making the more traditional initial hand contact on top of the horse. Three-dimensional cine-film analysis using the Direct Linear Transformation (DLT) was used to obtain data on 17 elite gymnasts competing in the 1991 World Student Games at Sheffield, UK. The gymnasts were divided into two groups according to the techniques used: group E in which the first hand contact was made on the vertical surface of the near end and the second on the top of the horse, and group T in which both hands were placed on top of the horse. The vertical and horizontal motion of each gymnast’s mass center and the somersault rotation during pre-flight (board take-off to horse contact) and post-flight (horse take-off to ground landing) were determined. The projections of linear displacements of each gymnast’s mass center onto a vertical plane were determined from the three-dimensional mass center coordinates, and somersault angles were calculated using the line joining the midpoints of each gymnast’s shoulders and knees. Whole body mass center linear velocity and somersault angular velocity were determined using quintic splines.

Benefits and Risks

Benefit Summary

Gymnasts must generate enough linear and angular momentum during the approach and table contact to complete the rotational requirements in the post-flight phase of a vault. 5 investigated the effects of touchdown conditions and contact technique on the peak post-flight height of a straight handspring somersault vault. A planar seven-segment torque-driven computer simulation model of the contact phase in vaulting was used to evaluate the effects of varying joint torque activation time histories to match three performances of a straight handspring somersault vault by an elite gymnast. The simulation that most closely matched the recorded performance was used as a starting point to optimize the peak post-flight height of the mass center for a straight handspring somersault. The study found that optimizing either the touchdown conditions or the contact technique increased post-flight height by 0.1 m, while optimizing both together increased post-flight height by 0.4 m above that of a simulation matching the recorded performance. This suggests that touchdown technique and contact technique make similar contributions to post-flight height in the straight handspring somersault vault. Increasing touchdown velocity and angular momentum lead to additional post-flight height; however, there was a critical value of vertical touchdown velocity beyond which post-flight height decreased.

As children grow, their moments of inertia increase. The magnitude and timing of these changes can affect the rotations of the body. 8 evaluated inter-individual differences in the transverse centroidal moment of inertia for 12 boys between 5 and 16 years, using intra-individual data from three successive years. Segmental masses and moments of inertia were estimated using the elliptical zone model, and the model was then repositioned into two configurations: a layout position from a back handspring and a tuck position from a back somersault. In each case, the mass centroid and the moment of inertia about the transverse axis were calculated. With growth indexed by age, it was shown that the rate of change increases with age. For the children 10 years and younger, the rate of change of moment of inertia was approximately 30% of the rate for the older children. Also, at each age level, there was a wide range of moments of inertia. To improve the prediction of moment of inertia, height and mass were tried as predictors, resulting in a noticeable improvement in correlation and linearity. However, the best predictor was found to be the product of mass and height squared (M X H2) with correlations of 0.99 and 0.97. It is suggested that, because of the effects of growth on the moment of inertia, M X H2 could be used in conjunction with age in order to better appreciate the potential effects of change of moment of inertia.

10 examined the effects of two different hand placement techniques used by gymnasts to perform Tsukahara and Kasamatsu long horse vaults. Selected linear and angular flight descriptors were calculated to determine whether gymnasts making initial hand contact on the end of the horse gained additional lift, range, or rotation when compared to those gymnasts making the more traditional initial hand contact on top of the horse. Three-dimensional cine-film analysis using the Direct Linear Transformation (DLT) was used to obtain data on 17 elite gymnasts competing in the 1991 World Student Games at Sheffield, UK. The gymnasts were divided into two groups according to the techniques used: group E in which the first hand contact was made on the vertical surface of the near end and the second on the top of the horse, and group T in which both hands were placed on top of the horse. The vertical and horizontal motion of each gymnast’s mass center and the somersault rotation during pre-flight (board take-off to horse contact) and post-flight (horse take-off to ground landing) were determined. The projections of linear displacements of each gymnast’s mass center onto a vertical plane were determined from the three-dimensional mass center coordinates, and somersault angles were calculated using the line joining the midpoints of each gymnast’s shoulders and knees. Whole body mass center linear velocity and somersault angular velocity were determined using quintic splines.

Risk Summary

7 described the mechanism, location, and types of injury for all patients treated for trampoline-associated injuries at St Olav’s University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway, from March 2001 to October 2004. The study found that most trampoline-related injuries occurred from falling off the trampoline. Most injuries were caused by falls or landings, but fractures, dislocations, and contusions were also reported.

6 conducted a prospective cohort study of children under 17 years old who presented to a pediatric emergency department following an injury at an indoor trampoline park. During a 6-month period in 2014, 40 such children (55% female) presented to the department. Common mechanisms of injury included individual jumpers falling while attempting a somersault or trick, landing awkwardly on an obstacle, and multiple users on a single trampoline. Most sustained soft tissue injuries (n = 22, 55%) and fractured bones (n = 15, 37.5%). One child sustained an unstable cervical fracture/dislocation. Unlike domestic trampolines, where the majority of injuries occur from falling off, most trampoline-park injuries occur on the trampoline surface. These differences require injury prevention strategies that engage children, carers, and businesses to meet best practice design and management standards.

Comparison of Research

Commonalities

These studies all demonstrate that somersaults are advanced techniques that require the generation of linear and angular momentum. They also all aim to identify factors that influence somersault performance. For example, 5 investigated the effect of touchdown conditions and contact technique on post-flight height in a straight handspring somersault vault. 8 analyzed the impact of the growth of children’s moments of inertia on their somersault abilities. 10 compared the effects of two different hand placement techniques on the performance of Tsukahara and Kasamatsu long horse vaults. All three studies suggest the importance of understanding these factors and mastering appropriate techniques to improve somersault performance.

Differences

These studies focus on different types of somersaults. For example, 5 looked at a straight handspring somersault vault. 8 focused on the moment of inertia in children performing back handsprings and back somersaults. 10 compared different hand placement techniques on long horse vaults. These studies suggest that different factors may be more or less important for different types of somersaults.

Consistency and Contradictions of Results

The studies have successfully identified factors that influence somersault performance. However, the studies each focus on different somersaults, making direct comparisons difficult. Therefore, it is challenging to draw overarching conclusions about how to improve somersault performance based on these studies. Further research is required to investigate the influence of these factors across a wider range of somersaults. Furthermore, these studies focus on identifying factors that influence somersault performance, rather than the health effects of performing somersaults. Future research should investigate the health benefits of somersaulting.

Cautions Regarding Applying Results to Real Life

Somersaults require specialized skills that must be learned and mastered. Performing somersaults correctly is vital to ensure safety. It is also important to warm up adequately before attempting somersaults. Children and older adults should consult with a medical professional before performing somersaults due to increased risk of injury. Somersaults can contribute to physical fitness and athletic development, but the risks associated with this activity should be understood.

Limitations of Current Research

These studies each focus on different somersaults, making direct comparisons difficult. Therefore, it is challenging to draw overarching conclusions about how to improve somersault performance based on these studies. Further research is required to investigate the influence of these factors across a wider range of somersaults. Furthermore, these studies focus on identifying factors that influence somersault performance, rather than the health effects of performing somersaults. Future research should investigate the health benefits of somersaulting.

Future Research Directions

Future research should investigate the influence of these factors across a wider range of somersaults. Furthermore, these studies focus on identifying factors that influence somersault performance, rather than the health effects of performing somersaults. Future research should investigate the health benefits of somersaulting.

Conclusion

These studies demonstrate the complexity of performing somersaults, which require mastering specialized techniques. Understanding the factors that influence performance can guide improvements in athletic development. However, it is essential to approach somersaulting with caution, proper training, and awareness of potential risks.