IMPACT SHOULDER ANGLES CORRELATE WITH IMPACT WRIST ANGLES IN STANDING BACK HANDSPRINGS IN PREADOLESCENT AND ADOLESCENT FEMALE GYMNASTS.

Background And Purpose: In gymnastics, the wrist is exposed to many different stresses including increased extension, especially during back handsprings. Currently a wrist extension angle during impact that places the wrist in danger has not been established. The purpose of this study was to: (1) determine the mean impact wrist angle during a standing back handspring in female preadolescent and adolescent gymnasts and (2) determine which factors predict impact wrist angles.