Yeadon1996[1].pdf (317.3 kB)
Download fileThe control of non-twisting somersaults using configuration changes
Theoretical analyses have shown that rotations of a rigid body about the principal axis cor-
responding to the intermediate principal moment of inertia are unstable. This poses a potential
problem for gymnasts who perform double somersaults without twist in a layout configuration. A
computer simulation model is used to investigate configurational strategies for controlling such move-
ments. It is shown that the build up of twist is not reduced by abduction of the arms but can be
controlled by adopting a configuration with sufficient body flexion. For somersaults with a straight
body, control in the form of asymmetrical arm abduction accelerations, based upon twist angular
velocity and angular acceleration, is capable of preventing a build up of twist providing that the
feedback time delay is less than a quarter somersault.
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