Blocking and Postflight Techniques of Male Gymnasts Performing the Compulsory Vault at the 1988 Olympics

1992 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshiaki Takei
Keyword(s):  
Olympic Games ◽  
Body Position ◽  
Angular Speed ◽  
Moment Of Inertia ◽  
Horizontal Distance ◽  
Body Rotation ◽  
Successful Performance ◽  
Extended Body ◽  
Subsequent Performance ◽  
Mechanical Factors

The purpose of this study was to identify the mechanical factors that are crucial to successful performance of blocking and body control for salto forward and kickout in the handspring and salto forward tucked vault. A 16-mm camera operating at 100 Hz was used to record the performances. The subjects were 51 male gymnasts participating in the 1988 Olympic Games. It was hypothesized that some mechanical factors identified in the model were significantly correlated with successful performance of blocking and body control for salto forward and kickout as rated by the judges. Significant correlations indicated that a large horizontal velocity at touchdown on horse is an important prerequisite for effective blocking and subsequent performance of postflight. The results also indicated that the body’s moment of inertia should be minimized by assuming the full tuck position just before or near the peak of flight, which maximizes the time and height available for executing the kickout in midair. The small angular speed of body rotation due to early kickout and the long-held extended body position as it travels a large horizontal distance are not only effective in the expression of artistic amplitude for virtuosity points but are also crucial for control in landing.

Techniques Used in High- and Low-Scoring Hecht Vaults Performed at the 1995 World Gymnastics Championships

2000 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 180-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshiaki Takei ◽  
J. Hubert Dunn ◽  
Erik P. Blucker ◽  
Hiroshi Nohara ◽  
Noriyoshi Yamashita
Keyword(s):  
Angular Momentum ◽  
Kinetic Energy ◽  
Short Duration ◽  
Motion Picture ◽  
Vertical Velocity ◽  
Body Position ◽  
Body Rotation ◽  
Successful Performance ◽  
Extended Body

The 25 highest scored Hecht vaults (G!) performed during the 1995 World Championships were compared with those receiving the 25 lowest scores (G2). Hypotheses were: GI would achieve (a) larger kinetic energy at takeoff from the board and the horse, (b) greater displacements of CM and greater forward body rotation in prellight. (c) greater changes in velocities and angular momentum on horse, (d) more rapid, forceful blocking/pushing off the horse, and (e) greater “amplitude” and better “form” during the post-flight than G2. A 16-mm motion picture camera, operating at 100 Hz. recorded the vaults during the compulsory competition. The results of t tests (p < .005) indicated Gl had (a) larger kinetic energy at takeoff from the board and the horse, (b) greater displacements of CM and greater forward body rotation in pre-flight. (c) greater changes in vertical velocity and angular momentum on the horse. greater vertical impulse of high force and short duration exerted on the horse, and greater “amplitude,” greater backward body rotation, and greater body extension in post-flight than G2. In conclusion, successful performance of the Hecht vault is likely when focus is on sprinting the approach, blocking and pushing off the horse rapidly and vigorously downward, and maintaining the fully extended body position throughout the post-night to display “form” or fish-like body position for a virtuosity bonus point and simultaneously to prepare for a controlled landing on the mat.

Techniques Used by Elite Gymnasts in the 1992 Olympic Compulsory Dismount from the Horizontal Bar

1999 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 207-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshiaki Takei ◽  
Hiroshi Nohara ◽  
Mamoru Kamimura
Keyword(s):  
Optical Axis ◽  
Body Position ◽  
The Body ◽  
Successful Performance ◽  
Extended Body ◽  
Body Style ◽  
Axis Parallel ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Mechanical Factors ◽  
Bonus Points

The purpose of this study was to identify the mechanical factors that are crucial to a successful double salto backward tucked dismount from thehorizontal bar. The subjects were 35 American and 43 Japanese gymnasts competing in their respective 1990 national gymnastics championships. A 16-mm camera, placed with its optical axis parallel to the horizontal bar and operating at 100 Hz, was used to record the performances of the subjects. Significant correlations indicated that a large vertical velocity at bar release, which ensures great height and long time of flight, is important. Successful performance is also likely when efforts are made to (a) achieve the tightest tuck position during the salto backward near the peak of flight, (b) extend the body rapidly and fully early in rotation before the vertical body position is reached well above the bar, (c) maintain the extended body position during the remainder of the flight to display body style for virtuosity bonus points, and (d) simultaneously prepare for a controlled landing on the mat.

Comparison of Blocking and Postflight Techniques of Male Gymnasts Performing the 1988 Olympic Compulsory Vault

1991 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 371-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshiaki Takei
Keyword(s):  
Angular Velocity ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Olympic Games ◽  
Moment Of Inertia ◽  
High Speed Camera ◽  
Mechanical Factors ◽  
The U.S

This study compared the techniques used by elite male gymnasts in performing blocking or pushoff against the horse and postflight in the handspring and salto forward tucked vault. Forty-one American gymnasts were compared with 51 Olympic gymnasts on the mechanical factors governing the blocking and body control for salto forward and kickout in postflight. A 16-mm high-speed camera recorded the performance of the gymnasts during the 1986 USA Gymnastics Championships and the 1988 Olympic Games. The results indicated that Olympic gymnasts assumed the tightest tuck position significantly nearer the peak of the parabolic path of CG and thus achieved significantly greater height of CG at the tightest tuck position during the somersault than did the U.S. gymnasts. The superiority of body control by the former after the tightest tuck to landing was evidenced by significantly longer time, larger horizontal and angular distances, greater average moment of inertia, and smaller angular velocity.

Techniques Used by Elite Male Gymnasts Performing a Handspring Vault at the 1987 Pan American Games

1989 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshiaki Takei
Keyword(s):  
Angular Momentum ◽  
Deterministic Model ◽  
Optical Axis ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Vertical Force ◽  
Relative Height ◽  
Breaking Force ◽  
Successful Performance ◽  
Mechanical Factors ◽  
Pan American

The purpose of this study was to determine mechanical factors, through development of the deterministic model, that govern successful performance of the handspring vault. The subjects were 40 elite male gymnasts participating in the 1987 Pan American Games. A motion-picture camera placed with its optical axis at right angles to the runway was used to record the subjects’ performances. Significant correlations indicated that the following were important determinants for success: (a) large horizontal velocity and angular momentum at takeoff from board, (b) shorter time of preflight and smaller relative height of takeoff in preflight, (c) large horizontal breaking force and large vertical force exerted as well as a large loss of angular momentum during horse contact, and (d) large vertical velocity of takeoff from horse. Significant correlation of “on-horse” factors with the judges’ scores indicated that the more the gymnast focused on horse contact and the more vertical the direction of his effort at takeoff, the better the final result. A significant negative correlation revealed that the less the height of CG at touchdown on mat, the more points awarded by judges. This relationship was almost entirely a consequence of the landing angle.

A New Bicycle Design Based on Biomechanics and Advanced Technology

1987 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 287-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Dal Monte ◽  
L.M. Leonardi ◽  
C. Menchinelli ◽  
C. Marini
Keyword(s):  
Composite Material ◽  
Los Angeles ◽  
Olympic Games ◽  
Body Position ◽  
Gold Medal ◽  
Advanced Technology ◽  
World Record ◽  
Minimum Drag ◽  
Bicycle Frame ◽  
Bicycle Design

Advanced technology and biomechanics were applied in the development of a new bicycle. Factors investigated included the position of the cyclist, geometry of the bicycle, transmission system, and the drag characteristics. Several wind tunnel tests were conducted to determine the minimum drag conditions for bicycle configurations and positions of the athlete. The results showed a clear advantage for nonspoked disc wheels of high composite material without discontinuity between the tire and the wheel. The conventional bicycle frame was redesigned and the optimum body position of the cyclist was determined. These findings were utilized in the development of the bicycle ridden by Francesco Moser in establishing a new 1-hour world record in 1984, and also in aiding the gold-medal-winning 4 × 100 km Italian team in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Techniques Used by Elite Women Gymnasts Performing the Handspring Vault at the 1987 Pan American Games

1990 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshiaki Takei
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Velocity ◽  
Large Change ◽  
Great Distance ◽  
Successful Performance ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Mechanical Factors ◽  
Pan American ◽  
Female Gymnasts ◽  
Short Time

The purposes of this study were (a) to determine the mechanical factors associated with successful performance of women’s handspring vault and (b) to contrast the findings to those of men to gain insight for improvement of performance. The subjects were 24 female gymnasts in the 1987 Pan American Games. Significant correlations indicated that the following were important determinants for successful results: (a) large horizontal velocity (VH) and distance of hurdle; (b) large vertical velocity (Vv) at touchdown (TD) on board, a large change of Vv on board, and a short time of board contact; (c) large VH and Vv at takeoff (TO) from board; (d) short time of horse contact; (e) large VH and Vv at TO from horse; (f) high body CG at TO from horse; and (g) great distance and height and a long time of postflight. Comparisons revealed that women had significantly smaller VH and Vv at TD on horse and departed from it with significantly smaller VH and Vv than men. This resulted in significantly less height and distance as well as a shorter time of postflight for women even after adjusting for horse height and subject physique.

scholarly journals The smaller your mouth, the longer your snout: predicting the snout length of Syngnathus acus , Centriscus scutatus and other pipette feeders

2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (14) ◽  
pp. 561-573 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc H.E de Lussanet ◽  
M Muller
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Model ◽  
Cross Section ◽  
Angular Speed ◽  
Moment Of Inertia ◽  
Small Cross Section ◽  
Snout Length ◽  
Evolutionary Advantage ◽  
Feeding Kinematics

Like most ray-finned fishes ( Actinopterygii ), pipefishes ( Syngnathoidei ) feed by suction. Most pipefishes reach their prey by a rapid dorso-rotation of the head. In the present study, we analysed the feeding kinematics of the razor fish, Centriscus scutatus , and of the greater pipefish, Syngnathus acus in detail. We found capture times of as little as 4–6 ms for C. scutatus and 6–8 ms for S. acus . We then hypothesized that the long snout of pipefishes is optimal for such fast feeding. To test this, we implemented in a mathematical model the following considerations. To reach the prey as fast as possible, a low moment of inertia increases the head's angular speed, whereas a long snout decreases the angle over which the head must be turned. The model accurately predicted the snout lengths of a number of pipefishes. We found that the optimal snout length, with which a prey will be reached fastest, is inversely related to its cross-section. In spite of the small cross-section, the development of a long snout can be an evolutionary advantage because this reduces the time to approach the prey.

scholarly journals Body Configuration in Multiple Somersault High Bar Dismounts

1990 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
David G. Kerwin ◽  
Maurice R. Yeadon ◽  
Sung-Cheol Lee
Keyword(s):  
Angular Momentum ◽  
Simulation Model ◽  
Olympic Games ◽  
Body Position ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
The Body ◽  
Abduction Angle ◽  
Successful Completion ◽  
Dimensional Simulation

An 11-segment three-dimensional simulation model was used to modify the body configurations of eight gymnasts performing multiple somersault dismounts during the Men’s High Bar competition in the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. Four layout double somersault performances were modified to change a characteristic backward arch to a straight body position. This modification reduced the somersault rotation by 0.03 to 0.10 somersaults. Four tucked triple somersault performances were modified so that the thigh abduction angle was reduced to zero. This modification resulted in underrotations ranging from 0.01 to 0.34 somersaults depending on the amount of thigh abduction in the original movement. The additional angular momentum needed for successful completion of the modified movements was small in general and in no case greater than 13%.

scholarly journals Integration of vestibular and hindlimb inputs by vestibular nucleus neurons: Multisensory influences on postural control

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek M. Miller ◽  
Carey D. Balaban ◽  
Andrew A. McCall
Keyword(s):  
Single Unit ◽  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Balance Control ◽  
Vestibular Nucleus ◽  
Body Position ◽  
Additive Model ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Body Rotation ◽  
Single Unit Recordings

1.AbstractWe recently demonstrated in both decerebrate and conscious cat preparations that hindlimb somatosensory inputs converge with vestibular afferent input onto neurons in multiple CNS locations that participate in balance control. While it is known that head position and limb state modulate postural reflexes, presumably through both vestibulospinal and reticulospinal pathways, the combined influence of the two inputs on the activity of neurons in these brainstem regions is unknown. In the present study, we evaluated the responses of vestibular nucleus (VN) neurons to vestibular and hindlimb stimuli delivered separately and together in conscious cats. We hypothesized that VN neuronal firing during activation of vestibular and limb proprioceptive inputs would be well-fit by an additive model. Extracellular single-unit recordings were obtained from neurons in the caudal aspects of the VN. Sinusoidal whole-body rotation in the roll plane was used as the search stimulus. Units responding to the search stimulus were tested for their responses to 10° ramp-and-hold roll body rotation, 10° extension hindlimb movement, and both movements delivered simultaneously. Composite response histograms were fit by a model of low and high pass filtered limb and body position signals using least squares nonlinear regression. We found that VN neuronal activity during combined vestibular and hindlimb proprioceptive stimulation in the conscious cat is well-fit by a simple additive model for signals with similar temporal dynamics. The mean R2 value for goodness of fit across all units was 0.74 ± 0.17. It is likely that VN neurons that exhibit these integrative properties participate in adjusting vestibulospinal outflow in response to limb state.New and NoteworthyVestibular nucleus neurons receive convergent information from hindlimb somatosensory inputs and vestibular inputs. In this study, extracellular single unit recordings of vestibular nucleus neurons during conditions of passively applied limb movement, passive whole-body rotations, and combined stimulation, were well fit by an additive model. The integration of hindlimb somatosensory inputs with vestibular inputs at the first stage of vestibular processing suggests vestibular nucleus neurons account for limb position in determining vestibulospinal responses to postural perturbations.

scholarly journals Performance Indicators of Winning and Defeated Female Handball Teams in Matches of the 2012 Olympic Games Tournament

2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 247-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dragan Milanović ◽  
Dinko Vuleta ◽  
Katarina Ohnjec
Keyword(s):  
Long Range ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Olympic Games ◽  
Successful Performance ◽  
Performance Effectiveness ◽  
Performance Variables ◽  
Strict Selection ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine performance indicators of winning and defeated women teams of the 2012 Olympic Games handball tournament. The sample of entities consisted of 27 games played during the preliminary round of the competition. The sample of variables consisted of the completed and unsuccessfully executed technical and tactical handball elements in attacking and defensive actions during handball matches (14 variables describing performance in attack and three variables related to defensive play). The differences between the winning and defeated teams in performance variables were determined using the Mann-Whitney U-test. The results showed statistically significant differences between the winning and defeated teams in the following variables: successful fast-break shots (5.11 ± 2.79 vs. 3.00 ± 1.88), unsuccessful wing shots (2.33 ± 1.24 vs. 3.67 ± 1.98), unsuccessful long-range shots (10.70 ± 3.98 vs. 13.37 ± 4.33), steals (5.48 ± 2.28 vs. 4.04 ± 2.07), and assists (13.81 ± 4.04 vs. 11.37 ± 3.59). The winning teams were better in the variables defining offensive performance effectiveness, especially with regard to successful performance of counter attacks; they also had higher efficiency of attacking actions with a strict selection of distance shots and wing shots, as well as a higher number of assists and steals.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document