Biomechanical analyses of the handstand: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Science
• Human Movement Analysis

Background:

• The handstand is a fundamental gymnastics skill requiring intricate balance and coordination.
• Understanding the biomechanical underpinnings of the handstand is crucial for performance enhancement and injury prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and analyze the existing biomechanical literature on the handstand.
• To identify key kinetic, kinematic, and muscle activity parameters influencing handstand performance.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across SPORTDiscus, ScienceDirect, and PubMed up to August 2025.
• Inclusion of 21 studies that performed a biomechanical analysis of the handstand.
• Data extraction focusing on balance control, kinetics, kinematics, and electromyography (EMG).

Main Results:

• The
• wrist strategy
• is primary for maintaining handstand balance, with other joints (wrists, shoulders, hips, elbows) recruited as a mixed strategy.
• Kinetic and kinematic analyses were most common (57%), followed by balance control strategies (31%).
• Factors like visual conditions, head position, gymnast strength, age, and participation level influence handstand stability.

Conclusions:

• The handstand relies on a primary wrist-based balance strategy, supplemented by a mixed control strategy involving multiple joints when balance is disturbed.
• Visual input and head orientation are critical for maintaining stability.
• Physical attributes such as strength play a significant role in a gymnast's ability to control the handstand.