Volume 11, Issue 2 (9-2025)
J Sport Biomech 2025, 11(2): 114-130 |
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Tahan M J, Zandi S, Mousavi S H. Prediction of Gymnastics Back Salto Biomechanics by Anthropometric Characteristics. J Sport Biomech 2025; 11 (2) :114-130
URL: http://biomechanics.iauh.ac.ir/article-1-382-en.html
URL: http://biomechanics.iauh.ac.ir/article-1-382-en.html
1- Department of Sport Injuries and Biomechanics, Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract: (380 Views)
Objective Jumping performance is a critical skill in gymnastics, and previous research has highlighted the role of anthropometric characteristics in jump ability, particularly for talent identification. This study aimed to examine the predictive relationships between anthropometric features and key biomechanical variables during the execution of a gymnastics back salto.
Methods Sixty-eight elite male gymnasts (mean age: 20.60 ± 2.51 years) performed a back salto. Anthropometric variables—including lower limb length, foot length, sitting height-to-height ratio, thigh circumference, and calf circumference—were measured. The back salto performance was recorded using a Redmi Note 8T camera at 240 frames per second. Biomechanical variables analyzed included jump height, vertical take-off speed, flight time, hip joint angular velocity, and knee joint angular velocity, assessed using Kinovea software. Linear regression analysis was conducted to predict biomechanical outcomes based on anthropometric factors (SPSS v27, α = 0.05).
Results Lower limb length (negative association) and foot length (positive association) significantly predicted jump height (R² = 0.256, p = 0.001) and flight time (R² = 0.317, p = 0.001). Foot length also significantly predicted vertical take-off speed (R² = 0.147, p = 0.001). However, none of the anthropometric variables significantly predicted hip or knee joint angular velocity.
Conclusion The findings suggest that specific anthropometric characteristics—particularly lower limb and foot length—may serve as useful indicators for talent identification and selection of athletes with potential in performing the back salto. Moreover, designing tailored training programs based on athletes' anthropometric profiles may enhance jump performance and help prevent sport-related injuries.
Methods Sixty-eight elite male gymnasts (mean age: 20.60 ± 2.51 years) performed a back salto. Anthropometric variables—including lower limb length, foot length, sitting height-to-height ratio, thigh circumference, and calf circumference—were measured. The back salto performance was recorded using a Redmi Note 8T camera at 240 frames per second. Biomechanical variables analyzed included jump height, vertical take-off speed, flight time, hip joint angular velocity, and knee joint angular velocity, assessed using Kinovea software. Linear regression analysis was conducted to predict biomechanical outcomes based on anthropometric factors (SPSS v27, α = 0.05).
Results Lower limb length (negative association) and foot length (positive association) significantly predicted jump height (R² = 0.256, p = 0.001) and flight time (R² = 0.317, p = 0.001). Foot length also significantly predicted vertical take-off speed (R² = 0.147, p = 0.001). However, none of the anthropometric variables significantly predicted hip or knee joint angular velocity.
Conclusion The findings suggest that specific anthropometric characteristics—particularly lower limb and foot length—may serve as useful indicators for talent identification and selection of athletes with potential in performing the back salto. Moreover, designing tailored training programs based on athletes' anthropometric profiles may enhance jump performance and help prevent sport-related injuries.
Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/05/10 | Accepted: 2025/05/24 | Published: 2025/05/24
Received: 2025/05/10 | Accepted: 2025/05/24 | Published: 2025/05/24
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