Acessibilidade / Reportar erro

Study of the physical components implied with the angle of landing in the rolling movement executed at the floor apparatus in artistic gymnastic

Abstracts

INTRODUCTION: Biomechanics is a sub-area of physics responsible for the study of the human movement. The artistic gymnastics is a sport modality that intrigues the researchers, in this context; this work comes to analyze one of the movements most important of this modality, the rolling. SCOPE: To analyze the implied physical components with the execution of the movement of the rolling, looking for to establish some relation between these and the angle of landing measured to the end of this acrobatic element. METHODS: The sample was composed for seven gymnasts, with age varying between 14 and 20 years, with a time of training of at the very least five years. This research was used of tools based on principles of the classic mechanics, techniques of photogrammetry and statistical treatments. RESULTS: From the implied physics related with the execution of the rolling, the external torque presented greater relevance. The results were obtained from analysis of groups with distinct levels of experience. The variability of the experimental data was statically treated providing a set of conclusions relevant to this study. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed the relation between the values of angle and external torque. The increase of the torque was related with low values of the angle. It was verified the influence of the torque by the initial acceleration, according with preliminary works.

Biomechanics; Gymnasts; External torque; Acceleration


INTRODUÇÃO: A biomecânica pode ser considerada uma subárea da física responsável pelo estudo do movimento humano. No contexto do estudo do movimento, a ginástica artística é uma modalidade esportiva que intriga muito dos pesquisadores dessa área do conhecimento pela sua complexidade. Este trabalho analisa um dos movimentos mais importantes dessa modalidade, o rodante. OBJETIVO: Analisar os componentes físicos implicados na execução do movimento do rodante no aparelho solo, procurando estabelecer alguma relação entre essas e o ângulo de aterrissagem medido ao final desse elemento acrobático. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi composta por sete ginastas, com idade variando entre 14 e 20 anos, com tempo de treinamento de no mínimo cinco anos. Esta pesquisa utilizou-se de ferramentas metodológicas fundamentadas em princípios da mecânica clássica, técnicas de fotogrametria e de tratamentos estatísticos. RESULTADOS: Dentre as grandezas físicas implicadas na execução do rodante, o torque externo apresentou maior relevância para este estudo; assim, tratando este de uma pesquisa com seres humanos, a variabilidade dos resultados obtidos é compreensível; além desse fator, a diferença de nível técnico entre as ginastas e as oscilações da técnica empregada por uma mesma ginasta, observadas durante as execuções dos testes, foram responsáveis pela diversidade dos resultados obtidos. CONCLUSÕES: Por meio dos resultados obtidos no presente estudo foi possível concluir que, quanto menor o ângulo de aterrissagem do rodante, maior será o torque externo. Também foi verificado que a aceleração inicial, ou seja, o momento de corrida, influencia diretamente nesse ângulo e, por conseqüência, na produção do torque externo.

Biomecânica; Ginastas; Torque externo; Aceleração


INTRODUCCIÓN: La biomecánica puede ser considerada una subárea de la física responsable por el estudio del movimiento humano. En el contexto del estudio del movimiento, la gimnasia artística es una modalidad deportiva que intriga mucho a los investigadores de esta área de conocimiento por su complejidad. Este trabajo analiza uno de los movimientos más importantes de esta modalidad, el rodamiento. OBJETIVO: Analizar las componentes físicas implicadas con la ejecución del movimiento de rodamiento en el aparato solo, buscando establecer alguna relación entre éstas y el ángulo de aterrizaje medido al final de este elemento acrobático. MÉTODOS: La muestra fue constituida por siete gimnastas, con edades variando entre 14 y 20 años, con un tiempo de entrenamiento mínimo de cinco años. Esta investigación utilizó herramientas metodológicas fundamentadas en principios de mecánica clásica, técnicas de fotogrametría y de tratamientos estadísticos. RESULTADOS: Entre las grandezas físicas implicadas con la ejecución del rodamiento, el torque externo presentó mayor relevancia para este estudio. Así, tratándose este estudio de una investigación con seres humanos, la variabilidad de los resultados obtenidos es comprensible, además de este factor, la diferencia de nivel técnico entre las gimnastas y las oscilaciones de la técnica empleada por una misma gimnasta, observadas durante las ejecuciones de los tests, fueron responsables por la diversidad de los resultados obtenidos. CONCLUSIONES: Por medio de los resultados obtenidos en el presente estudio fue posible concluir que cuanto menor el ángulo de aterrizaje de rodamiento, mayor será el torque externo. También fue verificado que la aceleración inicial, es decir, el momento de corrida influencia directamente en este ángulo y por consecuencia en la producción del torque externo.

Biomecánica; Gimnastas; Torque externo; Aceleración


ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Study of the physical components implied with the angle of landing in the rolling movement executed at the floor apparatus in artistic gymnastic

Estudio de las componentes físicas implicadas con el ángulo de aterrizaje en el movimiento de rodamiento, ejecutado en el aparato solo de gimnasia artística

Edward RasquinhaI; Carlos Alberto KelenczII; Marcio MaginiIII

IMestrando do Curso de Bioengenharia da Universidade do Vale do Paraíba – UNIVAP

IIMestrando em Engenharia Biomédica – UNIVAP, Professor da Universidade de Santo Amaro – UNISA

IIIProfessor Doutor da Universidade do Vale do Paraíba – UNIVAP

Correspondence to Correspondence: Marcio Magini Universidade do Vale do Paraíba, Instituto de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Av. Shishima Hifumi, 2.911, Urbanova 12244-000 – São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil E- mail: magini@univap.br

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Biomechanics is a sub-area of physics responsible for the study of the human movement. The artistic gymnastics is a sport modality that intrigues the researchers, in this context; this work comes to analyze one of the movements most important of this modality, the rolling.

SCOPE: To analyze the implied physical components with the execution of the movement of the rolling, looking for to establish some relation between these and the angle of landing measured to the end of this acrobatic element.

METHODS: The sample was composed for seven gymnasts, with age varying between 14 and 20 years, with a time of training of at the very least five years. This research was used of tools based on principles of the classic mechanics, techniques of photogrammetry and statistical treatments.

RESULTS: From the implied physics related with the execution of the rolling, the external torque presented greater relevance. The results were obtained from analysis of groups with distinct levels of experience. The variability of the experimental data was statically treated providing a set of conclusions relevant to this study.

CONCLUSIONS: The results showed the relation between the values of angle and external torque. The increase of the torque was related with low values of the angle. It was verified the influence of the torque by the initial acceleration, according with preliminary works.

Keywords: Biomechanics. Gymnasts. External torque. Acceleration.

RESUMEN

INTRODUCCIÓN: La biomecánica puede ser considerada una subárea de la física responsable por el estudio del movimiento humano. En el contexto del estudio del movimiento, la gimnasia artística es una modalidad deportiva que intriga mucho a los investigadores de esta área de conocimiento por su complejidad. Este trabajo analiza uno de los movimientos más importantes de esta modalidad, el rodamiento.

OBJETIVO: Analizar las componentes físicas implicadas con la ejecución del movimiento de rodamiento en el aparato solo, buscando establecer alguna relación entre éstas y el ángulo de aterrizaje medido al final de este elemento acrobático.

MÉTODOS: La muestra fue constituida por siete gimnastas, con edades variando entre 14 y 20 años, con un tiempo de entrenamiento mínimo de cinco años. Esta investigación utilizó herramientas metodológicas fundamentadas en principios de mecánica clásica, técnicas de fotogrametría y de tratamientos estadísticos.

RESULTADOS: Entre las grandezas físicas implicadas con la ejecución del rodamiento, el torque externo presentó mayor relevancia para este estudio. Así, tratándose este estudio de una investigación con seres humanos, la variabilidad de los resultados obtenidos es comprensible, además de este factor, la diferencia de nivel técnico entre las gimnastas y las oscilaciones de la técnica empleada por una misma gimnasta, observadas durante las ejecuciones de los tests, fueron responsables por la diversidad de los resultados obtenidos.

CONCLUSIONES: Por medio de los resultados obtenidos en el presente estudio fue posible concluir que cuanto menor el ángulo de aterrizaje de rodamiento, mayor será el torque externo. También fue verificado que la aceleración inicial, es decir, el momento de corrida influencia directamente en este ángulo y por consecuencia en la producción del torque externo.

Palabras-clave: Biomecánica. Gimnastas. Torque externo. Aceleración.

INTRODUCTION

Since ancient Greece, Biodynamics is a research field that interests researchers, among them, Aristotle, who may be considered the first researcher in Biodynamics in history(1). Such knowledge field, strongly multidisciplinary, can be characterized as a sub area of Physics and Physiology. It is straightly related to sport and the study of human movement, and even as the time passes by, it has been receiving massive researchers' dedication(2-3).

A specific case where Biodynamics plays an important role is in Artistic Gymnastics, which is characterized by its complexity of movements that calls researchers' attention. They have been producing countless scientific works with the aim to improve the techniques and many movements related to such sport(4-5). Among this sport's apparels, the Land is one of the most complex, being by definition, consisted of dynamic elements developed by gymnasts on an elastic surface(6).

Within the great complexity of movements, one may highlight the rolling scope. Observing the physical variables involved in this movement, one may say that a typical sequence begins with an approximation run, which can be quantified through the linear momentum greatness. When the rolling scope begins, there is an energy transformation, that is, the initial energy that was only kinetic, is decomposed in two other forms of energy: rotation kinetic and potential. These changes occur concomitantly with two new physical greatnesses: the angular momentum and the External Torque. The rotation movements, which relate to the mass core of a given body, has a great influence in the calculation of the acting energy over it(7), hence, the external forces acting over a gymnast during her movements on land, may reach from 5 to 17.5 times her own body's weight(8). Such evidence explains the difficulty faced by gymnasts during the landing of acrobatic elements(9). Moreover, it is important to remind that the higher the level of difficulty of a given acrobatic movement, the higher the risk of an injury(10), since the size of the external forces that act over the athlete, substantially increases her weight. Thus, it is clear the importance to know the size of the physical components implied in each acrobatic element. The rolling scope is extremely important, once it is the precursor and propagator of all acrobatic sequences done backwards. Therefore, the study of the physical components implied in its performance, allows its technique improvement, which consequently, will help in the acrobatic movements following it, decreasing the penalizations from the referees board(11-12).

The performance of more complex acrobatic elements such as double mortals and mortals with spinning, quantitatively depends on the physical components: linear momentum, angular momentum and External Torque, generated during the approximation and exit of the rolling scope(13). Among them, only the angular momentum and External Torque directly relate with this movement, once only these components are implied in the rotation action promoted by it. However, the External Torque is the most relevant component in this study, since this physical greatness represents the variation of the angular momentum in relation to time. Therefore, the aim of this study has become to establish a relation between this physical component and landing angle. Tests with groups with different technical performance levels were conducted with this purpose.

METHODS

The majority of the recent studies use computerized technology to virtually simulate exercises, as well as sophisticated mathematical models of the studied movements(14-15). The present study on the other hand, has as its objective to conduct a simplified experimental study strongly rooted in theoretical ideas within the Physical context of movement, though. For that reason, it has used mathematical equations involved with the physical components related to the Rolling Scope movement, as well as statistical tools for the treatment of the obtained results.

Besides that, the necessary tools for the data inference related to the External Torque calculation and with the landing angle measurement, were quite simple, adapting to this study's objective The values referring to the External Torque were calculated through the equation (1)(16).

Where t represents the value for the External Torque, m the mass value, | a | the module of the acceleration concerning the execution of each movement, r is the size of the leg segment of each gymnast and q is the landing angle.

The landing angles were obtained through photometry, where the filmed image of the movement was frozen on screen, making it possible to measure the landing angle, called figure 1 graphically demonstrates how this measurement happened.


The tools used in this research consisted of a measuring tape, used to measure the dislocations and the length of the leg's segment of each gymnast; a scale of domestic use to weight the gymnasts; two digital stopwatches of ordinary use, to measure the times related to the dislocations; a camcorder and a reproduction system, where the photometric technique was applied to measure the landing angle of each Rolling scope. The study group consisted of 7 gymnasts, with ages between 14 and 20 years, with a training time of at least five years. Five gymnasts did four tests each, and two, eight tests each, being in that case, the four pilot tests done by each one included, which resulted in a total of 36 completed tests. Figure 2 graphically demonstrates the performance of this movement, as well as the referential instants and phases of segmentation of the movement, where the data related to the dislocations and implied times like these were extracted from.


In step A, consisted of an impulse run, the time and the dislocation of the 0 instant were measured, where the gymnast is in her fundamental position to 1, where she touches the ground with her hands, characterizing the Rolling Scope movement's beginning. In step C the values referring to times and dislocation necessary to perform the complete movement were measured, that is, of the instant 0 to 2, where the gymnasts' feet arrival determines its end. The calculation of the difference between the obtained values for the A and C steps show the values for the dislocation and time referring exclusively to the Rolling Scope, characterized by the step B. The manipulation of these data may provide the value of the acceleration concerning each movement, which finally made the calculation of the External Torque involved with each Rolling Scope possible.

RESULTS

The values calculated for the External Torque (t) and measured for the landing angles (q) were then concentrated in table 1.

Observing table 1 a great dispersion of values presented for the landing angle q can be seen and consequently, in the values calculated for the External Torque t. Such data behavior is even more evident when graph 1 is observed. Such dispersion is expected due to the applied technique in the experiment: present results with this variability due to the measures lack of precision in some tests.


A remarkable descending inclination may be observed through the analysis of the data behavior in graph 1, despite the dispersion to the represented curve tendency. Some data were distant from this curve; therefore, to establish a more clear relation between the angle and External Torque variables, a selection using known statistical techniques was used in order to clarify the behavior of these variables for the different groups of athletes studied. The data were selected in intervals and the averages of External Torque per interval as well as the dispersion of these values in the same intervals were calculated. This grouping per interval technique generates more clear behavior patterns. A better elaborated statistical test is not necessary for this case, since the measures suffer little influence of external variables.

In table 2, the value of the External Torque for different angles is shown. Graph 2 shows the data representation presented in table 2. The values in grey were ignored for analysis.


In graph 2, smaller dispersion of the values related to the tendency curve is observed. Even with this dispersion, the tendency curve presents a similar behavior. The second step of the treatment through interval is the calculation of the average External Torque per interval. These values are shown in table 3. In this case the values are not separated by athlete.

Graph 3 shows the representation of data shown in table 3. The angular intervals are in the horizontal axis and the values of the External Torque averages, represented by t, in the vertical axis.

Graph 3


DISCUSSION

The values for the External Torque should behave alike, once as may be observed in the equation (1), the External Torque is directly proportional to the seno value of the angle. Such fact occurs due to the other variables direct influence in the External Torque value in the Rolling Scope movement case. As the mass and length of each gymnast's leg are constant, these two variables do not influence the External Torque value. The remaining variable is the acceleration. This variable is not constant, therefore, may present some direct relation with the External Torque values presented. In order to solve and confirm this fact, an analysis through the graphic representation of the average behavior of the accelerations related to the respective angular intervals was chosen, which may be observed in graph 5.

Graph 5

Through graph 5 analysis it is possible to observe that the acceleration decreases when the angular interval increases. Thus, the values of the acceleration seem to be more relevant to the behavior of the final External Torque values, due to their similar behavior. In other words, when the acceleration variable decreases, the External Torque also does, even if the seno values increase in the angular interval in which the measure is taken.

Such result corroborates with the results in consulted bibliography, presenting important biodynamic implications to the movement. In an acrobatic sequence where the best Rolling Scope feedback is expected, it is relevant to implement acceleration values which are more suitable to the objectives following the movement. For instance: when one wants to end a sequence, the deceleration or a smaller acceleration should be the objective to its ending, as confirmed by this study. The angles position is also essential, since it serves as balance between the acceleration when inversely proportional Torque values to growth values of the landing angle value. The observed relations between the physical components through this cinematic analysis determine a group of relations among these variables which is little described in specific bibliography.

The results obtained in the gymnasts' jumps present a great dispersion, which may be due to the decrease or increase of the acceleration during the run phase, which may modify the entrance angle of the jump. As it is an acrobatic exercise, any change in this sense can greatly modify the landing angle and consequently in the correct movement. Since this study is limited to measure the landing angle and the external torque, the influence of the entrance angle of the jump in relation to its finalization was not observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study reached the conclusion that the smaller the landing angle of the rolling scope, the bigger the external torque will be. It was also verified that the initial acceleration, that is, the run moment, directly influences in this angle and consequently, in the external torque production.

The best landing angle obtained among the studied gymnasts was of 40 to 48°. Whenever the athlete's objective is to give sequence to the collection of movements that begin after the rolling scope, the balance between acceleration and angles position should be observed in order to obtain higher External Torque values

REFERENCES

Received in 10/8/04. Final version received in 27/10/05. Approved in 24/4/06.

All the authors declared there is not any potential conflict of interests regarding this article.

  • 1. Martin RB. A genealogy of biomechanics. 23rd Annual Conference of the American Society of Biomechanics. University of Pittsburgh, 1999.
  • 2. Nagano A, Komura T. Longer moment arm results in smaller joint moment development, power and work outputs in fast motions. J Biomech 2003;36:1675-81.
  • 3. Ertan H, Kentel B, Tümer ST, Korkuzus F. Activation patterns in forearm muscles during archery shooting. Human Mov Sci 2003;22:37-45.
  • 4. Yeadon MR, Brewin MA. Optimized performance of the backward longswing on rings. J Biomech 2003;36:545-52.
  • 5. Brewin MA, Yeadon MR, Kerwin DG. Minimizing peak forces at the shoulders during backward longswings on rings. Human Mov Sci 2000;19:717-36.
  • 6. Sands WA. Injury prevention in women's gymnastics. Sports Med 2000;30:356-73.
  • 7. Lucksted EF, Satran AL, Patel DR. Sport injury profiles, training and rehabilitation issues in American sports. Pediatr Clin North Am 2002;49:753-67.
  • 8. McNitt-Gray JL, Hester DME, Mathiyakom W, Munkasy BA. Mechanical demand and multijoint control during landing depend on orientation of the body segments relative to the reaction force. J Biomech 2001;34:1471-82.
  • 9. Schade F, Arampatizis A, Brüggemann GP. Influence of different approaches for calculating the athlete's mechanical energy on energetic parameters in the pole vault. J Biomech 2000;33:1263-8.
  • 10. Pierce BE, Burton B. Scoring the perfect 10: investigating the impact of goal-setting styles on a goal-setting program for female gymnasts. Sport Psycho 1998; 12.
  • 11. Plessner H. Expectation biases in gymnastics judging. J Sport Exerc Psycho 1999;21.
  • 12. Yeadon MR, Kerwin DG. Contributions of twisting techniques used in backward somersaults with one twist. J Appl Biomech 1999;15.
  • 13. Koh MTH. Dynamic optimization: inverse analysis for the Yurchenko layout vault in women's artistic gymnastics. J Biomech 2003;36:1177-83.
  • 14. Arampatizis A, Brüggemann GP. A mathematical high bar-human body model for analyzing and interpreting mechanical-energetic processes on the high bar. J Biomech 1998;31:1083-92.
  • 15. Tipler PA. Física para cientistas e engenheiros. 4Ş ed. Rio de Janeiro: Livros Técnicos e Científicos Editora, 2000;v1:651p.
  • 16. Arampatzis A, Brüggemann GP, Metzler V. The effect of speed on leg stiffness and joint kinetics in human running. J Biomech. 1999;32(12):1349-53.
  • Correspondence:
    Marcio Magini
    Universidade do Vale do Paraíba, Instituto de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento
    Av. Shishima Hifumi, 2.911, Urbanova
    12244-000 – São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
    E- mail:
  • Publication Dates

    • Publication in this collection
      12 June 2007
    • Date of issue
      Aug 2006

    History

    • Accepted
      24 Apr 2006
    • Received
      27 Oct 2005
    Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina do Exercício e do Esporte Av. Brigadeiro Luís Antônio, 278, 6º and., 01318-901 São Paulo SP, Tel.: +55 11 3106-7544, Fax: +55 11 3106-8611 - São Paulo - SP - Brazil
    E-mail: atharbme@uol.com.br