Gaze, head and eye movements during somersaults with full twists

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Human Movement Analysis

Background:

• Somersaults with twists are key elements in gymnastics and trampolining.
• Optimal aerial orientation and body control are vital for high-difficulty elements and safe landings.
• Gaze behavior, closely linked with head movement, is crucial for in-air orientation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze head motion and gaze behavior in skilled trampoline gymnasts performing back somersaults with a full twist (back full).
• To investigate the coordination between eye and head movements during aerial phases.

Main Methods:

• 15 skilled trampoline gymnasts performed back fulls on a trampoline.
• Eye movements were recorded using a portable eye-tracking device.
• Head movements were captured using a motion capture suit.

Main Results:

• Gymnasts utilize the trampoline bed as a fixation point for orientation and control.
• Fixation onset occurred significantly later in higher-performing athletes.
• A strong coordination was observed: eyes moved with the head against the rotation to stabilize gaze and counteract body rotation.

Conclusions:

• Gaze and head movement coordination is essential for controlling somersaults with twists.
• Later fixation onset in skilled athletes suggests more efficient orientation strategies.
• Less skilled gymnasts may exhibit greater head rotation angles due to earlier orientation needs, potentially impacting execution quality.