Spiros Prassas

• PhD.
• Professor at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

Comparative data between skilled and unskilled performances in order to examine mechanical determinants affecting the level of technical execution can arguably be beneficial to coaches and sport specialists. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to provide descriptive and comparative kinematic data on giant swings backward on the parallel bars j...

Elite performance is typically associated with a low level of technique variability over repeated performances. The purpose of this study was to test the variability of technique performance of an elite level gymnast performing two fundamental skills on the balance beam, salto backward, tucked (SBT) and front aerial walkover (FAW). Results showed t...

Elite performance is typically associated with a low level of technique variability over repeated performances. The purpose of this study was to test the variability of technique performance of an elite level gymnast performing two fundamental skills on the balance beam, salto backward, tucked (SBT) and front aerial walkover (FAW). Results showed t...

Biomechanical research into artistic gymnastics has grown substantially over the years. However, most research is still skill oriented with few tries at generalization. Consequently, our understanding of the principles and bases of the sport, although improved, is still marginal with gaps in knowledge about technique attributes throughout the sport...

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Mean kinematic results for all 8 giants are shown in Table 1. Since the height of the cast varied between gymnasts, results are presented commencing with each gymnast's center of mass positioned 45 degrees above the bars. Bar levels I/II represent the instant when the gymnast's center of mass (CM) was level with the bars in...

The purpose of this study was to compare the reverse two and one half somersault dive in a tuck position (305C) performed by females (n = 24), and the reverse two and one half somersault dive in a pike position (305B) performed by males (n = 21), to determine changes required by females to successfully perform 305B. Key performance variables in rev...

The purpose of this study was to compare the reverse two and one half somersault dive in a tuck position (305C) performed by females (n = 24), and the reverse two and one half somersault dive in a pike position (305B) performed by males (n = 21), to determine changes required by females to successfully perform 305B. Key performance variables in rev...

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the applicability and usefulness of an index, calculated as the ratio of the dynamic work during plyometric jumping to static work during knee joint extension from 130-170°, in sports and particularly in sprinting. Six sprinters were tested during static and dynamic conditions. Results suggest that,...

Two fundamental forward support swing skills on the parallel bars, the salto backward dismount and the salto backward to handstand, were investigated with the purpose of: a. to identify variables that may distinguish forward support swing skills on the parallel bars which look similar from a qualitative point of view, b. to identify variables that...

The emotional and psychological benefits of musical experiences for human behavior are well documented by research in music therapy and psychology of music. It is also documented that music and rhythm have been utilized universally to accompany motor activity. The effect, however, of music and rhythm on motor activity including mechanics of hemipar...

This study investigated the effect of auditory (musical) rhythm on temporal parameters of the stride cycle and electromyographic (EMG) activity in gait of stroke patients. Ten subjects were studied over three trials. Each trial consisted of a baseline walk without rhythm and a walk with rhythm as pacemaker, marched to the step cadence of the baseli...

This research investigated the effect of auditory (musical) rhythm on temporal parameters of the stride cycle and electromyographic (EMG) activity in normal gait at three different walking cadences. Sixteen normal subjects were studied. For each walking cadence, a baseline walk without rhythm and a walk with rhythmic cuing, matched to the baseline...

The purpose of this study was to determine EMG activation patterns of the lower extremity musculature during drop jumping from different heights. Ten subjects participated in the study. EMG activity of the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, and gastrocnemious muscles as well as ground reaction forces were simultaneously recorded during drop jumping fr...

INTRODUCTION: The instep kick is the kick of choice in soccer scoring and passing over medium to long distances. Its success depends on many factors including the strength of the muscles responsible for the actions of the (kicking lower) extremity, the rate of muscle force production, the synchronization and energy transfer between lower extremity...

According to the statistical results of the XXV European Basketball Championships held in Athens in 1987, 19.05% of the total points scored were from free shots. It was also found that the percentage of successful free shots, of the 40 highest scores, in this championship had the highest correlation coefficient (r) with the remaining successful typ...