Impact of Improved Feedforward Control on Flight Time in Trampoline Competitions

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to clarify the effect of improved feedforward control resulting from better occlusal balance through a mouthguard intervention on flight time in trampoline competition. Method: Participants were 13 male trampoline gymnasts (17.8 ± 2.2 years). Feedforward control was evaluated with the cross test by using a center-of-gravity sway meter. The value obtained by dividing the rectangular area obtained from the product of the longitudinal movement distance and the lateral movement distance of the center of foot pressure by the outer peripheral area (i.e., R/E value) was used as an index of feedforward control. The trial was 10 consecutive straight jumps. The HDTS all-in-one measurement system was used to measure the flight time. Measurements were performed under two conditions: not wearing a mouthguard and wearing a mouthguard. Comparisons of the R/E value or flight time between the wearing and not wearing mouthguard conditions were analyzed using a paired t-test. Correlation between the R/E value and flight time under each measurement condition was analyzed using Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient. Results: The R/E values and flight time were significantly higher with the mouthguard than without (P P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study show that feedforward control assessed by the cross test is improved by wearing a mouthguard, which helps to extend the flight time of straight jumps in competitive trampoline gymnastics.