Optimised performance of the backward longswing on rings

Abstract Many elite gymnasts perform the straight arm backward longswing on rings in competition. Since points are deducted if gymnasts possess motion on completion of the movement, the ability to successfully perform the longswing to a stationary final handstand is of great importance. Sprigings et al. (1998) found that for a longswing initiated from a still handstand the optimum performance of an inelastic planar simulation model resulted in a residual swing of more than 3° in the final handstand. For the present study, a three-dimensional simulation model of a gymnast swinging on rings, incorporating lateral arm movements used by gymnasts and mandatory apparatus elasticity, was used to investigate the possibility of performing a backward longswing initiated and completed in handstands with minimal swing. Root mean square differences between the actual and simulated performances for the orientations of the gymnast and rings cables, the combined cable tension and the extension of the gymnast were 3.2°, 1.0°, 270 N and 0.05 m respectively. The optimised simulated performance initiated from a handstand with 2.1° of swing and using realistic changes to the gymnast's technique resulted in 0.6° of residual swing in the final handstand. The sensitivity of the backward longswing to perturbations in the technique used for the optimised performance was determined. For a final handstand with minimal residual swing (2°) the changes in body configuration must be timed to within 15 m s while a delay of 30 m s will result in considerable residual swing (7°).