Usage
  • 225 views
  • 763 downloads

Biomechanical evaluation of circles with a suspended aid

  • Author / Creator
    Fujihara, Toshiyuki
  • The objective of this thesis was to biomechanically examine the potential usage and limitations of a suspended aid for practicing circles on a pommel horse. The first study examined the influence of a suspended aid on the pommel reaction forces. Twenty gymnasts performed three sets of 10 circles with and without a suspended aid on a pommel horse under which two force plates were set. The results confirmed that the aid could reduce the magnitude of the pommel reaction forces during circles while maintaining the general loading pattern. The second and third studies analysed circles performed by 18 gymnasts with and without the aid from kinematic and kinetic standpoints, respectively. Three-dimensional motion analysis was conducted based on the coordinates of anatomical landmarks, the pommel reaction forces, and the cable tension in the suspended aid. The results demonstrated that circles with the aid actually appeared to be more desirable in terms of the movement amplitude. However, the slowness of circles was inevitably involved with the use of the aid. Also, the net hip joint moments were altered during circles with the aid due to the external force applied from the aid to the leg segments. Finally, the fourth study tested how circles with a suspended aid would vary depending on the gymnast’s level of expertise. Based on the scores given by four judges, the gymnasts were classified into the expert and intermediate groups. Additionally, a developing group of eight gymnasts performed three sets of 10 circles with the suspended aid. They could perform circles on a training apparatus, called a mushroom, but not on a pommel horse. This study revealed that the suspended aid could be used in a progressive manner depending on the gymnast’s level of expertise. Taken together, a suspended aid could function as kinematic assistance to let gymnasts experience a desired movement pattern or reduce the pommel reaction forces for a purpose such as control of training volume or rehabilitation. We suggest that practice of circles with a suspended aid should emphasize (1) shorter total duration, (2) larger shoulder rotation, and (3) greater hip joint stability.

  • Subjects / Keywords
  • Graduation date
    Fall 2011
  • Type of Item
    Thesis
  • Degree
    Doctor of Philosophy
  • DOI
    https://doi.org/10.7939/R37H9M
  • License
    This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.
  • Language
    English
  • Institution
    University of Alberta
  • Degree level
    Doctoral
  • Department
  • Supervisor / co-supervisor and their department(s)
  • Examining committee members and their departments
    • Irwin, Gareth (Cardiff School of Sport, Sports Biomechanics, University of Wales Institute Cardiff)
    • Misiaszek, John (Occupational Therapy and Centre for Neuroscience)
    • Baudin, Pierre (Physical Education and Recreation)
    • Maraj, Brian (Physical Education and Recreation)
    • Chiu, Loren (Physical Education and Recreation)