LANDING STRATEGY ADJUSTMENTS MADE BY FEMALE GYMNASTS IN RESPONSE TO DROP HEIGHT AND MAT COMPOSITION

In this study, drop height and landing mat composition were hypothesiz ed to influence the landing strategies preferred by female gymnasts. A djustments in strategy in response to changes in drop height and mat c omposition were identified by comparison of mechanical variables chara cterizing two-foot competition-style drop landings from three heights onto two different mats varying in composition (i.e., soft vs. stiff). Force-time characteristics of the landings were quantified (1000 Hz) by a force plate fully supporting the mat. Segment kinematics were rec orded simultaneously with shuttered video (60 Hz). Significant differe nces (ANOVA; p < .05) in peak vertical force, landing phase time, time to peak vertical force, and lower extremity kinematics were found acr oss drop heights. Only time to vertical impact peak and minimum knee a ngular position produced significant differences between the soft and stiff mats. These results indicate changes in drop height and mat comp osition may elicit changes in landing strategies of female gymnasts.