The influence of a visual target point on the onset of visual regulation and kinematics on the approach run while performing the Tsukahara vault in artistic gymnastics

Purpose The study examined if a visual target for the hurdle take-off affects the onset of visual regulation and hurdle kinematics during the approach run in a vaulting event. Methods Ten high-level male artistic gymnasts (23.9 ± 4.2 years; body mass = 63.7 ± 6.4 kg; body height = 168.00 ± 0.11 cm) performed the Tsukahara vault using a visual target marking the last touchdown of the approach run and the commencement of the hurdle (tape condition) and under standard vaulting regulations (non-tape condition). Gymnast’s trials were performed under training conditions, with five high-speed cameras (four stationary and one panning) used for the collection of the spatiotemporal characteristics of the approach run and hurdle. Results Although a faster onset of visual regulation was revealed in the tape condition, no statistically significant differences were found between the two conditions in the kinematic characteristics of athletes’ run-ups. Furthermore, the profile of the average standard deviation for the contact positions of gymnasts’ feet/soles differed in the two examined conditions. Conclusions The presence of a visual target positively affected the onset of visual regulation when high-level artistic gymnasts performed the Tsukahara vault.