Handstand is a fundamental element across gymnastic disciplines. It is a relatively unstable body position used in static or dynamic form and as a part of more complex elements. Several balancing strategies are used to maintain balance during handstands, where shoulder joint function and postural stability are claimed to play an important role. This research plans to investigate the influence of postural stability during an upright stance and shoulder joint function on stability during handstands. A sample of male artistic gymnasts will perform a handstand and several variants of upright stances on a balance platform (Footscan) to measure their handstand and postural stability (via shifting of the center of pressure (SCoP)).
Subsequently, the Y Balance Test will be used to measure the Lower (LQYBT ) and Upper
(UQYBT) quarter dynamic postural stability. We will use regression models to test the influence of static postural stability (SCoP of upright stance variants), dynamic postural stability (LQYBT), and shoulder joint function (UQYBT) on the stability during handstand execution (SCoP of handstand).