Dissertations and Theses @ UNI
Availability
Open Access Thesis
Keywords
Gymnastics; Tumbling;
Abstract
Tumbling is one of the major components in a floor exercise routine. One of the basic tumbling sequences in a routine is a roundoff back handspring tuck back salto. This sequence is the building block for more difficult back tumbling such as the double back salto. By increasing the height of the back salto, more amplitude, aesthetic impression, and difficulty may possibly be performed. These improvements should lead to a higher score. This study was an analysis of a tuck back salto to determine those factors which contribute to tumbling height, and to establish their relative contribution to the action. 1he study included a cinematographical analysis of a roundoff back handspring tuck back salto, four strength measures, vertical jumping performance, and subject personal data including height, weight, percent body fat, and sex. Nine gymnasts from the University of Northern Iowa were used as subjects. Each subject was filmed performing three trials of a roundoff back handspring tuck back salto. The gymnasts tumbled on a 40' double layer Nissen strip mat. The best trial (highest vertical displacement of COG) was analyzed with the use of a Numonic's Graphics Digitizer and Lafayette Motion Analyzer in conjunction with an Apple II Micro Computer. The x, y coordinates were obtained for 19 anatomical landmarks in 17 selected frames. These x, y coordinates were then used to calculate the movement of the center of mass and other selected points from one frame to another. Knowing the filming speed was 64 ft/sec, time could be entered into calculations with the distance measurements, and velocities could be c011puted. Joint angles were also arrived at through the digitizing process. All calculations were performed with the Apple II Micro Computer. Strength measures were performed on a Cybex II isokinetic device. Extension strength at the ankle, knee, and hip joints, and arm abduction strength were the strengths assessed. Vertical jumping performance was measured using an adjustable jump board and percent body fat through skinfold measurements. The data was then entered into five step-wise regression equations to determine which variables predicted tumbling height, and to what degree. Vertical arm lift, leg extension strength, COG horizontal velocity during the roundoff back handspring, and sex were the variables found to be most related to tumbling height. Other factors which were found to help predict tumbling height, were the efficient conversion of horizontal velocity to vertical force through proper blocking, vertical jumping performance, and % body fat.
Year of Submission
1981
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services
First Advisor
Whitfield Brown East
Second Advisor
Iradge Ahrabi-Fard
Third Advisor
Larry D. Hensley
Date Original
1981
Object Description
1 PDF file (60 leaves)
Copyright
©1981 Mark Douglas Ball
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Ball, Mark Douglas, "Factors Which Contribute to Tumbling Height in College Gymnasts" (1981). Dissertations and Theses @ UNI. 1974.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/etd/1974
Comments
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