Effects of Experience on Gymnasts’ Kinematics and Performances

In studying the effects of expertise on different performance aspects gymnastic vault event, various springboard types with similar compression forces were evaluated between expert and novice-level gymnasts. Surface EMGs (sEMG) placed four major muscles (biceps femoris, rectus gastrocnemius medialis, tibialis anterior) to find each gymnasts’ maximum voluntary contraction. Similarly, board knee flexion angles also captured at phases performed vaults. Given that gymnasts more consistent in their landing spot boards, they had outputs as a result. Expert did this by accurately hitting sweet spot, consistently activating hamstring gastrocnemius, decreasing variability during initial contact phase. By doing this, both optimized. Coaches can use information accelerate development novice targeting these aspects.