The biomechanics of twisting somersaults. Part III: Aerial twist.

A simulation model and a rigid body model are used to evaluate aerial twisting techniques. It is found that when somersault is not present, a number of cycles of segment counter-rotation are required to produce one twist. When somersault is present, twist may be introduced by producing tilt using asymmetrical movements of the arms, chest or hips about the sagittal plane. The same asymmetrical movements may be used to remove tilt, although the effectiveness of these techniques is dependent upon body configuration and the direction of somersault.