KINEMATIC ANALYSIS OF BACKWARD UPRISE AND 5/4 SALTO FWD STRADDLED TO HANG ON PARALLEL BARS

ABSTRACT The technique of gymnastics elements is an important factor for the development in gymnastics. Parallel bars is one of the six apparatuses in men’s artistic gymnastics all-around. Each gymnastic combination should include elements from four structural groups, which are: Elements in support or through support on 2 bars, elements starting in upper arm position, long swings in hang on 1 or 2 bars, and underwings and dismounts. Gymnasts strive to increase the difficulty of the per-formed combination over time by including elements with higher difficulty in the 10 (8 for juniors) elements included in the difficulty score. Due to its complexity and the specificity of the starting position, the elements from second structural group on parallel bars appear to be a crucial factor in the formation of difficulty score in the competitive exercises. A new element in group two is backward uprise and 5/4 salto fwd straddled to hang on parallel bars. The purpose of this study was to explain the mechanics of the Backward uprise and 5/4 salto fwd straddled to hang on Parallel Bars, and to identify how the release conditions were created. 2D video-based data was used to analyze the new element recorded at NSA Sofia. APAS was used for digitizing and DLT techniques were used (APAS-Edition 2020, version 14.3.7). The space was calibrated with 8 points with previously known coordinates, and the movement digitized with 7 points of the main joints and the head. Hip action was characterized by a double large input which peaked close to the horizontal on the downswing and after the down vertical due to the active swing action, followed by a smaller positive arms power contribution as the release was approached. Because of swing action, the ankles velocity peaked close after the down vertical. The dominant role of positive hip extension, swing and arms pushing action was highlighted as a major factor contributing to the creation of the final body orientation and desirable release conditions.