A comparison of the mechanical variables of the front handspring vault and the Yamashita vault with a half twist performed by elite gymnasts

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the mechanical variables of a handspring vault and a Yamashita vault with a half twist, and identify differences that may be significant when progressing from one vault to the other. A total of 48 subjects was utilized for the comparison, with 24 subjects performing a handspring vault at the 1987 Pan American Games and 24 subjects performing a Yamashita vault with a half twist at the 1992 Summer Olympic Games. A total of 36 different variables was analyzed in the comparison. The study identified differences (ps.001) in body orientation angles, vertical velocity, and angular momentum to be important variables to concentrate on when progressing from a handspring vault to a Yamashita vault with a half twist. The gymnasts who performed the Yamashita vault with a half twist departed the board in a more forward body position with a higher vertical velocity. They also contacted and departed the horse with a higher vertical velocity, attributing to a greater time and CG trajectory height of postflight. The gymnasts performing the Yamashita vault with a half twist also exhibited a smaller angular momentum at board departure than the gymnasts performing the handspring vault, with both groups reducing their angular momentum while on horse. It may be important to focus on body orientation angles, vertical velocity, and angular momentum when progressing from a handspring vault to a Yamashita vault with a half twist.