Energy transformation on vault in elite artistic gymnastics: comparisons between simple and difficult Tsukahara and Yurchenko vaults

Performance on vault in artistic gymnastics depends on the difficulty and the execution quality of the performed vault. However, differences of kinetic energy between simple and difficult vaults remain elusive. Therefore, in this study, 48 Tsukahara and Yurchenko vaults, performed by 20 top-level gymnasts, were recorded with 3D-motion capture and the flux of translational (TKE), angular kinetic (AKE), potential (PE), and total energy were calculated and compared. Results revealed that upon initial springboard contact, almost all of the kinetic energy for Tsukahara vaults is comprised of TKE, whereas Yurchenko vaults were characterized by substantially less TKE, but far greater AKE (and similar PE). During springboard contact of Tsukahara vaults, AKE is increased (+70%) and thereafter mostly preserved during push off from the table (−6%). For Yurchenko vaults, AKE is preserved during springboard contact but reduced (−30%) in exchange for PE at push off. During the second flight phase of Yurchenko vaults, total energy was 10% higher than at initial springboard contact (Tsukahara: −1%). For vaults of increasing difficulty, 5.9% more AKE is needed for each additional 180° of longitudinal-axis rotation. This knowledge may help coaches evaluate athletes’ potential and focus training on appropriate physical and/or technical aspects of the vault performance