Abstract
The double backflip is a complex gymnastics skill that requires the gymnast's muscles to overcome body weight and gravity, the primary resistances during execution on the floor exercise. Despite repeated training, many gymnasts struggle with balance and landing accuracy in front and backflips. This study aimed to analyze electromyography (EMG) signals and their relationship with physical and biomechanical variables during the take-off phase to improve double backflip performance. The research focused on the rectus anterior femoris and biceps brachii muscles, measuring EMG variables such as peak activity and area under the curve, alongside explosive power tests like the vertical jump and medicine ball throw. The performances of four young athletes were filmed at 30 frames per second and analyzed using Canova software. Key results showed that the rectus femoris muscle had an average peak EMG activity of 537.47 μV (± 70.83) and area under the curve of 44.20 μV· s (± 7.20). Explosive power from the vertical jump averaged 141.66 cm (± 15.38). The biceps brachii had a peak EMG activity of 385.63 μV (± 32.82), an area under the curve of 28.76 μV· s (± 5.50), and explosive power measured by a medicine ball throw of 166.66 cm (± 15.27). Biomechanical analysis recorded average joint angles during take-off of 159.2° (hip), 190.39° (knee), and 128.71° (ankle). Statistical analysis revealed very strong positive correlations between EMG variables and explosive power: the peak EMG of the rectus femoris correlated at r=0.989, and for the biceps brachii at r = 0.995. Strong correlations were also found between explosive power and joint angles, especially at the hip (r = 0.892). The study recommends that coaches emphasize developing these EMG activity variables in training programs to improve performance. This research contributes to scientifically grounded training methods and achieves one of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals in Iraq Quality Education.
Article Type
Special Issue Article
First Page
363
Last Page
370
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Al-Hamash, Bushra Kadhim Abdul-Ridha
(2026)
"Correlation Study of EMG Activity with Physical and Biokinematic Variables in Double Backward Somersault Take-Off,"
Modern Sport: Vol. 25:
Iss.
3, Article 15.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54702/2708-3454.2149
