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A kinematic analysis of the Yurchenko layout vault
Author
Chan, Chee Wei
Supervisor
Koh, Michael (Michael Teik Hin)
Abstract
Despite its increasing popularity, there is a paucity of information on the Yurchenko layout compared to other families of vaults. More specifically, little is known if the characteristics of the pre-flight phase of the vault are different between gymnasts from different levels of performance. The purpose of the study is to analyse the characteristics of the pre-flight phase of the Yurchenko layout vault performed by a local National gymnast who competed in the recently concluded 2003 South East Asian Games and to compare the data with that of Olympic level gymnasts. This study seeks to determine if differences exist in the following parameters: a) pre-flight trajectory of the body center of mass (CM), b) shoulder flexion angle and c) the body angle of attack at the end of pre-flight. In addition, the study also seeks to determine if the CM linear velocities at initial horse impact, at end of horse impact, as well as the duration of impact, differ between the levels of performance. Video recording, at 200 Hz, of a female gymnast performing the Yurchenko layout vault was used in the two-dimensional (2D) kinematic analysis. Digitizing was carried out using the PEAK-Motus software to obtain the mechanical variables during the pre-flight and impact phase. In this study, the mean shoulder flexion angles recorded was 160.5 (±9.6) degrees, and this was consistent with those of Olympic gymnasts. The CM trajectory was also observed to be rising during preflight, a pathway required for good vaults. The largest body angle of attack for the local gymnast was only 27.3 degrees which was low compared to Olympic level gymnasts. At initial horse impact subject had a mean CM horizontal velocity of 3.4 (±1.24) m/s. This was reduced by 2.5 m/s to 0. 9 (±0.26) m/s at the end of horse impact. This is low compared to Olympic gymnasts reported in previous studies. The mean vertical velocity at initial horse impact was 1.4 (±0.56) m/s. At horse take-off, the vertical velocity increased by 1.0 m/sto 2.4 (±0.43) m/s. This is comparable to the published data on Olympic gymnasts. The results of the study will provide specific mechanical variables of the pre-flight phase of the Yurchenko vault for coaches to look out for during training. Additionally, the provision of empirical data will enable the coach to use it as the basis for future objective intervention programmes. Specifically, the subject needs to improve on her pre-flight body angle of attack and also to prevent the loss of CM horizontal velocity during horse impact.
Date Issued
2005
Call Number
GV517 Cha
Date Submitted
2005