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Although the back handspring step out (BHS) is a foundational skill in balance beam routines, it can be performed using different take-off techniques. Back injuries are highly prevalent in the BHS due to the combination of high spine extension and joint loading. However, it is unclear which technique minimises injury risk or leads to better BHS performance. The purpose of the study was to identify techniques used for the BHS take-off and analyse the resulting BHS performance. Gymnasts were found to use either: Simultaneous Flexion—trunk and knees flex at the same time; Sequential Flexion—trunk reaches its maximum flexion followed by knee flexion; or Double-Bounce—knees and trunk both flex and then the knees extend and flex again. To assess performance, point deductions were calculated, and dynamic balance, ground reaction forces (GRFs) and relevant joint angles were analysed. The techniques had no differences in point deductions or dynamic balance, but there were differences in GRFs, spine extension and knee flexion. The Sequential Flexion technique had the lowest spine extension, which potentially reduces back injuries and the lowest knee flexion, which is a BHS requirement. These results support the use of Sequential Flexion technique when performing the BHS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When performing the back handspring step out (BHS) on the balance beam, most gymnasts use one of three take-off techniques: Simultaneous Flexion, Sequential Flexion or Double-Bounce. However, it remains unclear which technique results in the lowest muscle demand that could help reduce energy expenditure and fatigue and improve overall performance. The purpose of this study was to use musculoskeletal modelling and simulation to quantify the influence of take-off technique on muscle demand (integrated muscle power) and contributions to the critical biomechanical functions of whole-body angular momentum generation and control and trunk propulsion (mechanical power delivered to the trunk). Simulations of female gymnasts (n = 21; age: 15.3 ± 3.6) were generated using their self-selected BHS technique on a balance beam. Differences in muscle demand were small across the techniques. However, the vasti, ankle plantarflexors, gluteus maximus and hamstring muscle groups experienced large demand during the BHS take-off. The gluteus medius and ankle plantarflexors were crucial for maintaining balance. The hamstrings, ankle plantarflexors and vasti generated needed momentum and delivered power to the trunk. These results provide targets for muscle strengthening and conditioning to improve balance control and increase the height and distance of the BHS, which is needed before adding additional skills in combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]