The Science of Gymnastics

The Science of Gymnastics provides the most comprehensive and accessible introduction available to the fundamental physiological, biomechanical and psychological principles underpinning performance in artistic gymnastics. The second edition introduces three new sections: applied coaching, motor learning and injury prevention and safety, and features contributions from leading international sport scientists and gymnastics coaches and instructors. With case studies and review questions included in each chapter, the book examines every key aspect of gymnastic training and performance, including: - physiological assessment - diet and nutrition - energetics - kinetics and kinematics - spatial orientation and motor control - career transitions - mental skills training and perception - injury assessment and prevention, with clinical cases - advanced case studies in rotations, vault approach and elastic technologies in gymnastics. A fully dedicated website provides a complete set of lecture material, including ready-to-use animated slides related to each chapter, and the answers to all review questions in the book. The book represents an important link between scientific theory and performance. As such, The Science of Gymnastics is essential reading for any student, researcher or coach with an interest in gymnastics, and useful applied reading for any student of sport science or sports coaching.

Monèm Jemni PhD is currently a tutor and a consultant at the University of Cambridge UK. He developed the first ever curriculum in sport science in the history of the University, launched at the Institute of Continuing Education. He is also a visiting Professor at Ningbo University, China after occupying several senior positions in France, in Qatar and in the UK. With a history as a gymnast and international coach who contributed to Olympic medal winners, he is now one of the pillars at the FIG Coaching Academy. His cross expertise in exercise science for health and performance has led him to win outstanding awards from several countries and enjoys world-leading reputation thanks to his cutting-edge research and investigations.

PART I: Physiology for Gymnastics Learning Outcomes, Introduction and Objectives. 1. Energetics of Gymnastics 2. Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems of the Gymnasts 3. Diet, Nutrition, Supplementation and Related Health Issues in Gymnastics Review Questions. PART II: Applied Coaching Sciences in Gymnastics Learning Outcomes, Introduction and Objectives. 4. Fitness Model of High Level Gymnasts 5. Training Principles in Gymnastics 6. Specific Physical and Physiological Assessments of Gymnasts 7. Jumping Skills: Importance, Assessment and Training Review Questions. PART III: Biomechanics for Gymnastics Learning Outcomes, Objectives and Introduction. 8. Linear Kinematics 9. Angular Kinematics 10. Linear Kinetics 11. Angular Kinetics 12. Use of Body Inverse Dynamics to Evaluate Reaction Force During Vault and Floor Somersaults in Artistic Gymnastics Review Questions. PART IV: Psychology for Gymnastics Learning Outcomes, Introduction and Objectives. 13. Task Demands and Career Transitions in Gymnastics: From Novices to Experts and the Stages of Learning Across the Career 14. Coaching and Parenting 15. Mental Skill Development and Variation in Gymnasts 16. Omsat-3 Mental Skills Assessment 17. Closing the Circle of Mental Skills Training: Providing Mental Skills Feedback to Gymnasts 18. Perception of Complex Movements Review Questions. Part V: Interaction between Physiological, Biomechanical and Psychological Aspects of Gymnastic Performance Learning Outcomes, Introduction and Objectives. 19. The Physiologists Point of View 20. The Biomechanists Point of View 21. The Psychologist Point of View Conclusion Review Questions. PART VI: Motor Learning in Gymnastics Learning Outcomes, Introduction and Objectives. 22. Motor Learning Versus Pedagogy 23. Fundamental Concepts and Definitions in Motor Learning 24. Stages of Motor Learning 25. Feedback 26. Transfer of Learning Tasks to a Final Skill 27. Transfer Strategies 28. Practice 29. Special Considerations in Gymnastics Learning 30. Advanced Applied Example of Motor Control 1: The Running Approach When Vaulting 31. Advanced Applied Example of Motor Control 2: Rotations and Twisting in Gymnastics, Is There a Universal Rotational Scheme? 32. Advanced Applied Example of Motor Control 3: The Impact of Elastic Technologies on Artistic Gymnastics - A Special Case Study From Brazil Review Questions. PART VII: Injuries in Gymnastics Learning Outcomes, Introduction and Objectives. 33. Injury is a Serious Issue 34. What is an Injury? 35. Characteristics of Gymnastics Injuries 36. Injury Location 37. Injury Countermeasures 38. Clinical Injury Cases in Artistic Gymnastics, the Big and the Small Ones 39. Monitoring Gymnasts for Injury Prevention Review Questions