Whole-body and multi-joint kinematic control strategy variability during backward rotating dismounts from beam

The aim of this study was to develop insight into the whole-body and multi-joint kinematic control strategy variability associated with the execution of fundamental backward rotating dismounts from beam. Two-dimensional joint centre coordinate data were obtained for ten backward piked and backward tucked somersault dismount skills performed by four female gymnasts (N = 80 trials). Gymnast-specific and group variability in whole-body and multi-joint discrete kinematic measures were compared for the aerial and impact phase of backward piked and backward tucked skills. The backward tucked skill was executed using a more variable knee joint angular velocity at take-off (mean difference in standard deviation ± SD: -2.6 ± 1.0 rad · s(-1); P < 0.01) than the backward piked skill. The variability in the whole-body and multi-joint kinematic responses produced between the impact phases of each skill was gymnast-specific. The greater variability in the localized knee joint action at take-off was considered indicative of the diverse shape element demands and key performance outcomes of the two skills. Self-selected modulations to the multi-joint kinematic strategy used in the impact phase suggested customization of the joint loading adjustments in executing the fundamental dismount skills.