gymnastics, round-off, upper extremity, elbow joint, injury prevention

This research examined how the biomechanical characteristics of impact loading and elbow kinematics and kinetics, change as a function of technique selection. Seven international level female gymnasts performed 10 trials of the round-off from a hurdle step to flic-flac with ?parallel? and ?T-shape? hand position. Synchronized kinematic and kinetic data were collected for each trial. Wilcoxon non-parametric test and effect size statistics determined differences between the hand positions examined in this study. In conclusion, the T-shape hand position reduces vertical, anterior-posterior and resultant contact forces and a decreased loading rate indicating a safer technique for the round-off. Significant differences observed in joint elbow moments highlighted that the T-shape position may prevent overloading of the joint complex and consequently reduce the potential for elbow injury.