title: High-frequency video capture and a computer program with frame-by-frame angle determination functionality as tools that support judging in artistic gymnastics.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The main aim of this study was to verify the usefulness of selected simple methods of recording and fast biomechanical analysis performed by judges of artistic gymnastics in assessing a gymnast's movement technique.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study participants comprised six artistic gymnastics judges, who assessed back handsprings using two methods: a real-time observation method and a frame-by-frame video analysis method. They also determined flexion angles of knee and hip joints using the computer program.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the case of the real-time observation method, the judges gave a total of 5.8 error points with an arithmetic mean of 0.16 points for the flexion of the knee joints. In the high-speed video analysis method, the total amounted to 8.6 error points and the mean value amounted to 0.24 error points. For the excessive flexion of hip joints, the sum of the error values was 2.2 error points and the arithmetic mean was 0.06 error points during real-time observation. The sum obtained using frame-by-frame analysis method equaled 10.8 and the mean equaled 0.30 error points.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Error values obtained through the frame-by-frame video analysis of movement technique were higher than those obtained through the real-time observation method. The judges were able to indicate the number of the frame in which the maximal joint flexion occurred with good accuracy. Using the real-time observation method as well as the high-speed video analysis performed without determining the exact angle for assessing movement technique were found to be insufficient tools for improving the quality of judging.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gymnastics and Dance, University School of Physical Education, Kraków, Poland.
authors.forename: Jarosław
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Omorczyk
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomechanics, University School of Physical Education, Kraków, Poland.
authors.forename: Leszek
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nosiadek
authors.affiliation: Department of Gymnastics and Dance, University School of Physical Education, Kraków, Poland.
authors.forename: Tadeusz
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ambroży
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Education, State Higher Vocational School, Tarnów, Poland.
authors.forename: Andrzej
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nosiadek
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006173:Gymnastics; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007600:Judgment; D012984:Software; D014741:Video Recording