KINEMATIC AND DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF LANDINGS IN VAULTING

Abstract

Vaulting is a sport discipline combining gymnastics and dancing on a moving horse. Sport specific injuries are most frequently located in the region of the lower extremities, specifically the ankle joint. Landings were identified as one of the main causes of these injuries (Peiler, 2005). The authors assume that, among other causes, the landing height in combination with the forward motion of the horse may cause high lower extremity loading. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the ground reaction forces and pressure distribution during vaulting specific landings as well as their contribution to kinematic characteristics of the corresponding motion sequences.