The influence of verbal kinematic information feedback during the performance of a serial gymnastic skill

Authors

Mavvidis Alexandros

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of variations in relative frequency of verbal kinematics feedback on learning and retention of body positions during the performance of handspring on the vaulting horse. Forty-five male undergraduate students at the Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, aged 18-23 (20.60±1.29) and with no previous experience of gymnastic vaulting, participated in this study. Subjects were assigned in three (3) groups depending on the frequency of feedback. Feedback was given during a period of four (4) weeks, with three (3) practice sessions per week (a total of 12 practices). In each practice session, the subjects performed 18 vaults. Vaulting technique was assessed one day before practice to ascertain the initial level of performance, and the post test was done one day after the end of practice in order to identify the level of learning. On the third and the sixth day after the end of practice three different evaluations were done in order to ascertain the degree of learning and retention of learning. The results showed that the participants failed to maintain the body alignment, especially the vertical body position. This last phase has a significant effect on the subsequent repulsion and flight phase of the vault. For this reason, although kinematic information feedback is a useful tool for learning this serial gymnastic skill, it is recommended that participants engage other special motor skills in order to maintain an appropriate body position in each phase of vaulting.

Keywords

Feedback, artistic gymnastics, knowledge of performance, kinematic information, motor skill

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