The Effect of Explosive Strength Exercises on Selected Biomechanical Variables and the Improvement of Technical Performance of the Tippelt Skill among Advanced Artistic Gymnasts

Abstract

The variability and technical performance of the Tippelt skill on the parallel bars among the talented artistic gymnasts. The experimental method using a one-group pretest–posttest design was adopted. Six male advanced-level gymnasts, who were able to perform the Tippelt skill, formed the research sample. High speed video cameras and motion analysis software (Kinovea) were used to collect data for biomechanical variables such as angular velocity, angular acceleration, movement time, shoulder joint angle and center of mass trajectory, along with the technical performance level of the skill. These exercises were utilized for a total of 12 weeks during the training block based on the concepts of progressive overload and training variation for explosive strength exercises. The results showed that all biomechanical variables and all technical performance scores indicated statistically significant differences between the post and pre tests in favor of the post test. More specifically, an increase in angular velocity and angular acceleration, as well as a decrease in movement time and an improvement in center of mass control, were achieved and resulted in an improvement of the execution quality of the Tippelt. The study concludes that explosive strength exercises should be included in training programs based on biomechanical principles for advanced gymnasts and that these exercises are important for biomechanical efficiency and technical performance of the Tippelt skill on the parallel bars.