Ankle biomechanics and landing forces in gymnastics beam and floor tumbling: Associations with stability, range of motion, and strength

Abstract

Gymnastics landings subject the ankle joint to high mechanical loading, with peak vertical ground reaction forces (PvGRFs) contributing to the risk of acute and overuse injuries. Limited evidence exists regarding how intrinsic ankle factors affect PvGRFs during gymnastics-specific landings. This study examined the relationships between PvGRFs and self-reported ankle instability, dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), isokinetic eccentric plantarflexor strength during vertical split-leap landings (SPL_VERTICAL) and horizontal split-leap landings (SPL_HORIZONTAL) in female gymnasts. Twenty-two gymnasts (age 13–28 years) participated in this cross-sectional correlational study. The Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) assessed ankle instability, dorsiflexion ROM using the weight-bearing lunge test (DFWBLT), and eccentric plantarflexor strength (PFECC) via isokinetic dynamometry. Both SPL landings were performed on dual force plates (VALD ForceDecks, 1000 Hz). Data was analysed in SPSS v.31 using Pearson’s (r) and Spearman’s correlations (rₛ). Correlations between CAIT, DFWBLT, and PFECC with PvGRF were small and non-significant, with Pearson’s r used for CAIT and DFWBLT in SPL_VERTICAL and Spearman’s rs used for PFECC in SPL_VERTICAL (all r/rs ≤ .256, all p ≥ .251), and Spearman’s rs used for all SPL_HORIZONTAL landings (all r/rs ≤ .215, all p ≥ .338). The absence of significant and strong associations warrants further investigation using larger, ecologically valid studies. The findings suggest that greater ankle ROM and strength capacity do not guarantee functional use during gymnastics tasks, where stiff, precise landings are prioritised for scoring. Practitioners should recognise the trade-off between performance and increased repetitive high PvGRF exposure and injury risk. Understanding ankle biomechanics in controlled gymnastics settings provides insights and principles that translate across sports, offering guidance on how athletes can optimise landing performance while minimising excessive impact exposure and injury risk. These insights support the development of training approaches that enhance force absorption and movement resilience in variable, real-world environments.