A biomechanical study of the jumping muscles of gymnasts for specific abilities
Abstract
This biomechanical study investigates the muscle group-specific abilities of gymnasts during the jump take-off, focusing on the hip, knee, and ankle joints. Using 3D kinematic and kinetic analysis, the study explores the role of these joints in jump height, reaction time, and stability. Key findings show that centrifugal contraction of the hip extensor muscles enhances jump stability, while the knee joint’s transition from centrifugal to centripetal contraction is critical for responding to ground reaction forces and generating vertical velocity. The ankle joint’s power output during centripetal contraction is crucial for vertical acceleration. Moreover, the synchronization between these joints significantly influences the overall efficiency of the jump, highlighting the importance of joint coordination in maximizing performance. The ability of the knee to rapidly switch from a flexion to extension phase also plays a vital role in controlling the impact forces and optimizing take-off velocity. This research provides important insights into the biomechanics of gymnastics jumping and informs targeted plyometric training to optimize jump performance.
References
1. Zhang, H., & Li, Q. (2023). Biomechanical analysis of the jump take-off performance in gymnasts. Journal of Sports Biomechanics, 42(1), 75-85.
2. Hay, J.G., & Nohara, H. (1990). The biomechanics of jumping events: An analysis of biomechanical factors influencing performance. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 6(3), 123-145.
3. Lees, A., Graham-Smith, P., & Fowler, N. (1994). A biomechanical analysis of the last stride, touchdown, and takeoff characteristics of the men’s long jump. Journal of applied Biomechanics, 10(1), 61-78.
4. Wei, W. Y. (1998). Kinetic characteristics of long jumpers: A biomechanical perspective on impact absorption and stability. Sports Biomechanics Journal, 12(2), 89-103.
5. Zhang, Y. (2002). Strength ratios of knee muscle groups in explosive sports: Isokinetic force measurements and implications for stability. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 15(4), 213-230.
6. Lee, T. H., & Park, S. H. (2021). Kinematic and kinetic analysis of the ankle joint during vertical jump. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 37(6), 440-450.
7. Wang, Y., Liu, L., & Chen, W. (2022). The effects of lower limb joint coordination on jump height in gymnasts: A 3D motion analysis. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 21(2), 182-193.
8. Zhang, J., & Zhou, Y. (2019). The role of the knee joint in vertical jump biomechanics. Biomechanics and Medicine in Sport, 22(1), 35-46.
9. Dempster, W. T. (1955). Body segment parameters in biomechanics: Standardization of human body measurements. Journal of Biomechanics, 7(1), 45-67.
10. Smith, L. M., & Harris, B. (2024). Comparative analysis of concentric and eccentric muscle actions during jump take-off. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 38(3), 190-201.
11. Yang, Y., & Xu, L. (2020). Muscle activation patterns and their impact on jumping ability in gymnasts. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 15(3), 467-475.
12. Tan, L., & Zhang, X. (2021). The influence of joint stiffness on jump performance in gymnasts. Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology, 235(2), 120-130.
13. Liu, Z., & Wang, K. (2023). Optimization of jump training for gymnasts: Focus on joint power and stability. Sports Biomechanics, 22(4), 312-324.
14. Chen, H., & Guo, Z. (2022). The biomechanics of lower limb joints during take-off and landing in high-impact sports. Journal of Human Kinetics, 39(5), 195-206.
15. Brown, C. A., & Wong, P. T. (2018). Biomechanics of the lower limb joints in athletes: Implications for training and injury prevention. Journal of Sports Medicine, 57(5), 492-501.
16. Brown, C. A., & Wong, P. T. (2018). Biomechanics of the lower limb joints in athletes: Implications for training and injury prevention. Journal of Sports Medicine, 57(5), 492-501.
17. Lees, A., Graham-Smith, P., & Fowler, N. (1994). A biomechanical analysis of the last stride, touchdown, and takeoff characteristics of the men’s long jump. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 10(1), 61-78.
18. Liu, Z., & Wang, K. (2023). Optimization of jump training for gymnasts: Focus on joint power and stability. Sports Biomechanics, 22(4), 312-324.
19. Martin, L., & Davies, R. (2021). Kinematic analysis of the lower extremities during vertical jumps in elite gymnasts. Journal of Sports Science and Engineering, 19(7), 60-73.
20. Taylor, J. M., & Anderson, P. S. (2023). Biomechanical considerations for effective plyometric training in gymnasts. Sports Performance Science, 11(4), 134-142.
21. Ellis, J. T., & Roberts, J. H. (2022). The role of hip flexion in maximizing take-off performance in gymnastics. Journal of Sports Biomechanics, 18(2), 89-100.
22. Wilson, C., & James, L. (2020). Force production and joint kinetics during the take-off phase of elite gymnasts. Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 15(8), 1032-1041.
Copyright (c) 2025 Zhen Bai, Shaolong Li, Yijun Bai, Qiqi Liu, Kangshuai Fan
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Copyright on all articles published in this journal is retained by the author(s), while the author(s) grant the publisher as the original publisher to publish the article.
Articles published in this journal are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International, which means they can be shared, adapted and distributed provided that the original published version is cited.
Submit a Paper
