VARIATION IN LANDING DURING GYMNASTICS SKILLS

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine joint motion during landing from a variety of gymnastics skills. Twelve gymnasts performed a range of gymnastics skills with a landing component. Joint angles of the ankle, knee and hip were examined during landing from five different skills. There were significant differences between skills at all joints for peak flexion and extension (ankle, knee and hip: p<0.001), as well as range of motion (ankle: p<0.001; knee: p<0.05; hip: p<0.001). These differences are attributed mostly to the constraints of the preceding skills and may affect the risks of injury during landing. These results suggest that studies of strategies during landing from drops and simple jumps may have to be carefully considered before they can be applied to gymnastics landings.