EFFECTS OF THE METHOD OF BODY SEGMENT PARAMETER-ESTIMATION ON AIRBORNE ANGULAR-MOMENTUM

Ten body segment parameter (BSP) estimation methods were selected to c ompute the BSPs of 3 collegiate male gymnasts: cadaver-based methods ( Group C, 4 methods), mass scanning-based methods (Group M, 4 methods) and geometric methods (Group G, 2 methods). Angular momenta of nine do uble somersault with full twist H-bar dismounts performed by die 3 gym nasts were computed. Each trial was processed 10 times using 10 sets o f BSPs obtained from the estimation methods. Intergroup and intermetho d comparisons of the airborne angular momenta were made. It was conclu ded that the method of BSP estimation affected the magnitude of airbor ne angular momentum but did not affect the magnitude of angular moment um fluctuation during the airborne phase.