Does the Impact Force Depend on Arm Position and Run-up Speed during Forward Handspring on the Vault in Elite Gymnasts? A Pilot Study

Background: This pilot study's aim was to examine the relationship between impact force, arm position and run-up speed, as well as to test new methods of measuring direct impact force on the vault while performing a forward handspring. (2) Methods: Data were collected from three elite, male artistic gymnasts (age 28.7±3.6 years, body weight 66.7±4.4kg; body height 169.7±3.2cm; experience 22±5.1 years), who performed two trials of the forward handspring. A high-speed camera, photocells and force plate were used to obtain and analyze the mechanical characteristics of the vault. Impact force (N), arm angle (degrees) and run-up speed (m/s) parameters underwent normality testing via the Shapiro-Wilks test, and bivariate correlations were used to explore relationships between them (p