A comparison of protocols for measuring forces during landing on competition mats in gymnastics

During apparatus dismounts gymnasts land from up to 4 m above the landing surface. The gymnast needs withstand high impact forces and use of mats allows attenuate with their strategy interaction mats. Competition landings various gymnastics involve a 200 mm thick mat, an additional 100 mat placed on top. purpose this research was investigate experimental protocols for measuring using force platforms during competition Three were compared, each which used platform underneath in set-ups. In Protocol 1 directly onto platform; 2 enlarged raised extension; 3 smaller extension. Differences between vertical velocities calculated kinematic data assess how much impulse transferred protocols. preferred method collecting resulted mean percentage velocity absolute difference less than 2% both one-mat two-mat conditions. This study demonstrates importance keeping clear surroundings whole phase.