TARGET-DIRECTED RUNNING IN GYMNASTICS: THE ROLE OF THE SPRINGBOARD POSITION AS AN INFORMATIONAL SOURCE TO REGULATE HANDSPRINGS ON VAULT
Journal Title: Biology of Sport - Year 2011, Vol 28, Issue 4
Abstract
Empirical evidence highlights the role of visual information to control gymnastics vaulting and thus neglects a stereotyped approach run. However, there is no evidence on which informational source this regulation is based on. The aim of this study was to examine the position of the springboard as an informational source in the regulation of the handspring on vault. The hypothesis tested was that the action of running towards the springboard brings about changes in the approach run kinematics and handspring kinematics that relate directly to the position of the springboard. Therefore, kinematics of N = 14 female expert gymnasts’ handsprings on vault and their approach runs were examined while manipulating the position of the springboard. The results revealed that expert gymnasts placed their feet on average in the same position on the springboard and adapted to the springboard position during the last three steps of the approach run. A smaller springboard distance to the front edge of the vaulting table resulted in a different hand placement on the vaulting table, a shorter first flight phase, a take-off angle closer to 90° and a longer second flight phase. Findings suggest that the position of the springboard is a relevant informational source in gymnastics vaulting. We state that knowledge about relationships between informational sources in the environment and the resulting regulatory processes in athletes may help coaches to develop specific training programmes in order to optimize performance in complex skills.
Authors and Affiliations
T. Heinen, D. Jeraj, M. Thoeren, P. M. Vinken
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP59070
- DOI -
- Views 99
- Downloads 0
NO EFFECT OF CORDYCEPS SINENSIS SUPPLEMENTATION ON TESTOSTERONE LEVEL AND MUSCLE STRENGTH IN HEALTHY YOUNG ADULTS FOR RESISTANCE TRAINING
The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of oral Cordyceps sinensis supplementation combined with resistance training in young male adults. A group of 16 subjects were randomly allocated to two groups (double...
Absolute lactate threshold predicts endurance performance in master athletes
In master athletes the relationship between lactate threshold (LT) and endurance performance is unclear, possibly due to age-related decrease in VO2peak. To determine whether an absolute measure of LT was a significant p...
SALIVARY ANTIMICROBIAL PROTEIN RESPONSE TO PROLONGED RUNNING
Prolonged exercise may compromise immunity through a reduction of salivary antimicrobial proteins (AMPs). Salivary IgA (IgA) has been extensively studied, but little is known about the effect of acute, prolonged exercis...
Effects of different frequencies of whole body vibration on muscular performance
The effects of different frequencies (20, 30, and 40Hz) of whole body vibration were analyzed in order to determine which one of them is the most effective for muscular performance training. Thirty-one subjects participa...
Differences in morphological and biodynamic characteristics in maximum speed and acceleration between two groups of female sprinters
The purpose of the study was to identify those morphological characteristics and biomotor parameters that differentiate between trained female sprinters in terms of 100-m sprint results. Morphological characteristics wer...