Parâmetros biomecânicos determinantes para a execução do salto de mãos na Ginástica Artística Feminina

Abstract

This study aims to understand the most important biomechanical parameters for the execution of the forward handspring on the floor apparatus of Artistic Gymnastic. In addition, we intent to understand how the variables are related and which are the most importants for a good performance on the perspective of the coaches. The sample consisted of 13 athletes aged between 9 and 11 years, members of Women's Artistic Gymnastic's teams from the northern region of Portugal. Infrared cameras and reflective markers were used for kinematic forward handspring analysis, and force plates for kinetic analysis. The executions of the athletes were evaluated by coaches of the sport, who established a ranking order among them. Through the multiple linear regression, the "shoulder angle at the hand support phase" and the "hip angle in the flight phase" were identified as the determinant parameters for a good execution of the forward handspring. There was no agreement between the parameters indicated by the coaches and those determined by the statistical procedure. Through Spearman's correlation, we identified many correlations between variables, such as: "shoulder angle at the hand support phase" and "upper limb push force"; "distance between the foot of support and the support of the hands" and "upper limb push force"; "hand contact time on the ground" and "angle of center of gravity at the take-off". We conclude that the execution of the forward handspring can be improved with the correct positioning of the shoulders at the hand support phase, with the maintenance of the arched position during the flight phase, with a take-off closer to the vertical, and with the increase of the lower limb push force. We also conclude that the analyzed parameters are related to each other, which may help the teacher and coach to evaluate the performance of their students and athletes and provide better correction strategies.