BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF SEVEN FORWARD GIANT SWINGS AT THE UNEVEN PARALLEL BARS

Abstract

The structure itself of the uneven bars causes considerable difficulty for the gymnasts during the execution of the giant swing. In fact , they are forced to either pike slightly, legs close together, or to open their legs apart , during the downswing phase of the exercise, t o avoid hitting the lower bar with their feet or shanks. Seven performances of the forward giant swing were filmed during an International competition, and then processed. Four of them were executed with legs close together and assuming a slightly piked position , by the gymnasts VOLPI, MACHADO. RUEDA, and DOBRE. The other three performances were executed assuming a straddled position . Dy YANKOSkAIA. PIPE, and SONG. Biomechanical reasons were searched t o explain why the gymnasts performing the giant swing with legs close together and piking are likely to assume an arched position during the upswing phase, while the others tend t o pike slightly . Both techniques help the gymnasts reach the handstand position above the bar. by reducing t heir moment of inertia about the bar, but the arched position is more likely to produce injuries .