Technical elements on the rings in men's artistic gymnastics—a systematic review

Abstract

Although rings can move freely in all possible directions, by which they differ from all other apparatuses, physical performance at highest level is essetial in men’s artistic gymnastics to fulfill the exercise’s technical requirements in the interest of effective and accurate performance. We have aimed to compile the scientific evidence regarding exercises on the rings in men’s artistic gymnastics and, based on it, to investigate the necessary requirements for their successful realization. In regard to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, the database search (Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science and Research Gate) has identified 5759 potential studies. Original cross-sectional studies published between 2000 and 2022 written in English, active male gymnasts who do not suffer from injury as a sample of participants, and studies that have evaluated different types of elements on the rings were reconsidered. Lastly, 15 full-text studies were identified. A total of seven elements were evaluated, four strength elements (swallow, Azarian, iron cross and support scale), two dismounts (double backflip straight and double backflip straight with a 360◦ turn), and one swing element (backward giant swing). Two studies have conducted a dismount kinematic analysis, another four strength elements electromyography, while two studies have used force plates to evaluate the required specific strength for their successful performance. Hence, handgrip strength, pectoralis muscles, teres major, deltoids and serratus anterior are crucial. In addition, handgrip strength, proper swing movement, lateral arm movement during the descending phase, and hip flexor/extensor muscle activity are also essential for both giant swings and dismounts. Progressive strength upgrade of key movements in younger gymnasts is necessary to make successful generations on the rings. Therefore, in order to upgrade the above, researchers and scientists should discover a method for providing more relevant and updated information for practitioners, i.e., coaches and gymnasts.