BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN RESEARCH AND PRACTICE: INTEGRATING BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF LANDING MATS IN GYMNASTICS.

Authors

Pavel Brtva, University of OstravaFollow
Bethany Canty, University of CanberraFollow
Rebecca Straker, Cardiff Metropolitan UniversityFollow
Gareth Irwin, Cardiff Metropolitan UniversityFollow
Roman Farana, University of OstravaFollow

Category

Gym sports

Document Type

Paper

Abstract

This study examined variations in vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) and lower limb kinematics during landings on three different mat structures (TYPE1, TYPE2, TYPE3) compared to FIG mat in young unskilled (pupils) and gymnast’s female. Significant effects of mat type were observed for VGRF_max, time to VGRF_max, peak ankle and knee angles, and peak knee angular velocity. TYPE1 mats exhibited the highest VGRF and shortest time to peak, indicating inadequate force attenuation and potential injury risk. Gymnasts demonstrated lower VGRF_max and lower ankle flexion, likely due to landing technique. No significant differences between TYPE2, TYPE3, and FIG-certified mats suggest a trend toward optimal impact force reduction. These findings highlight the importance of biomechanical analysis in landing mat development to enhance safety across skill levels.

Recommended Citation

Brtva, Pavel; Canty, Bethany; Straker, Rebecca; Irwin, Gareth; and Farana, Roman (2025) "BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN RESEARCH AND PRACTICE: INTEGRATING BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF LANDING MATS IN GYMNASTICS.," ISBS Proceedings Archive: Vol. 43: Iss. 1, Article 11.
Available at: https://commons.nmu.edu/isbs/vol43/iss1/11