Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part B (2025)

The back handspring is an advanced and complex kinetic skill in artistic gymnastics, requiring a high level of integration between physical and skill capabilities. Successful performance of this skill requires precise coordination of biomechanical variables, such as propulsion force, joint angles, angular velocity, center of mass, and flight time. These factors directly affect the quality of technical performance. Hence, the importance of analyzing these variables as an effective means of diagnosing errors and identifying strengths and weaknesses in players, which contributes to improving technical performance and raising the level of excellence in international championships. This research aims to analyze the biomechanical variables associated with the performance of the back handspring on the floor mat, diagnose associated kinetic errors, and study the force-time curve and some other bio-kinetic indicators. It also aims to identify the specific strength and torques of the research sample while performing this skill, with the aim of identifying the factors influencing technical performance and correcting deficiencies that impact technical rankings in international competitions. The researchers believed that analyzing biomechanical variables is a scientific approach to understanding the mechanism of performance and identifying errors resulting from imbalances in these variables, thus enhancing opportunities for improving performance and developing the players' level. The researchers emphasized the importance of studying kinetic and kinematic variables (such as joint angles, performance speed, center of mass) and kinetic variables (such as time, force, torques), as improving these variables contributes to reducing errors and increasing execution accuracy.
Analyzing the specific strength and torques during the performance of the back handspike also contributes to revealing the direct effects on kinetic control and overall body dynamics, which positively impacts performance efficiency and reduces the risk of injury. The researchers adopted a descriptive approach using a survey method as a methodology appropriate to the nature of the research. This approach allows for the study and evaluation of the current state of technical performance in a precise, scientific manner, which contributes to reaching conclusions that contribute to the development of athletic performance. The research population consisted of (6) players from the Iraqi national advanced artistic gymnastics team, in addition to (1) Iranian player. These players were deliberately selected according to the classifications of the Iraqi and Arab Gymnastics Federations.
The research results revealed clear differences in the performance of the back handspike skill between the Iraqi and Iranian national team players, particularly in the variables of propulsion force and joint angles, which significantly impacted the quality of technical performance. Some technical errors and variations in specific strength, force moments, and angular velocity were also identified. This calls for the implementation of specialized training programs based on biomechanical analysis to improve performance and correct errors, while utilizing advanced kinematic analysis techniques to accurately evaluate performance and increase efficiency.