3D kinematic analysis of salto backward in acrobatic rock and roll: a case study

Background and Study Aim. The aim of the study was to determine and compare basic kinematic characteristics in the key phases of the acrobatic element Salto backward tucked. Material and Methods. The research sample was created from two couples of the acrobatic rock and roll category Main class free style. The time, spatial, and time-spatial characteristics for both couples were determined based on a three-dimensional kinematic analysis. Measurements were carried out with Simi Motion 3D. The acrobatic element Salto backward tucked was chosen based on the fact that it is usually learned as the first overturn acrobatic element with the airborne phase. Results. In the time duration of the acrobatic element, a very similar duration was observed for both couples  (CZ couple: 3.59 s and SK couple 3.55 s). The maximal height of the center of gravity the partner from the Czech Republic reach 3.54 m and partner from the Slovak Republic 3.35 m. The biggest difference noticed was between the male partners 14.59° in knee angle in the staff phase. Among the female partners, a difference was noted in the angle  between the torso and the vertical plane at the moment of the end of the vertical displacement, when SK female partner has twice as much deviation of the torso, by exactly 19.49°. In the staff phase, differences in acceleration were also observed, when the male partner (16.56 m.s-2) and female partner (25.08 m.s-2) from the Slovak Republic achieved higher maximum acceleration. In the airborne phase was the biggest difference between female partners in the culmination point, namely in the angle in the knee joint (35.98°) and the angle between the torso in the vertical plane at the moment of opening the somersault (25.52°). Conclusions. The findings showed similarities and differences in various aspects of the performance, providing valuable insights into the kinematic structure of this acrobatic element in acrobatic rock and roll. Our study should contribute to the extension of knowledge of the kinematic structure of acrobatic element in acrobatic rock and roll.