The Science Behind the Sport: Gymnastics History, Physics, Motor Development and Skill Progression

Course overview

This course is part 1 of a 10-part series which may be taken independently or as a part of Gymnastics Sports Medicine Certification (GSMC) offered by MedGym. The course will discuss the origins of the sport of gymnastics, development over the years, and the physics and kinematics of gymnastics movement. The sport of gymnastics requires an immense amount of strength, balance, flexibility, and skill that need to be progressively taught and mastered before advancing. The skills and their values which create the points and scoring system are based on this progression. Proper performance of skills will diminish the likelihood of injury and increase performance quality. This course will walk the medical professional through understanding body shaping, equipment demands, the mental and physical stress on the body and possible barriers to success, as well as proper technique.