Abstract: Gymnasts are exposed to a high incidence of impact load due to the execution of repeated dismount performances in daily exercise and competition in gymnastics, which increased the potential injuries of musculoskeletal system. Therefore, it is necessary to sort out the impact load mechanisms during landing. While laboratory-based studies have traditionally been favored, the difficulty in controlling and isolating mechanisms of interest has partially restricted the further understanding of the impact load mechanisms in gymnastic-style landings. An increase in the use of theoretical approaches, especially the development of computer simulation of human movement, has been evident over the past two decades. Both laboratory-based and theoretical research has successfully enhanced the insight into impact load mechanisms. Theoretical studies have advanced knowledge in impact landing mechanics, but some data from laboratory-based researches can be input into theoretical model. This review examines gymnastic-style impact load mechanisms during landing using biomechanical approaches which include laboratory-based research and model-simulation research. It is hoped to deepen the understanding of the impact load mechanisms, to provide scientific evidence for selecting the appropriate biomechanical approach to examine the relation between gymnastic-style impact load and potential injuries, and to provide a reference for assessment about potential injuries in gymnastics.

Key words: gymnastics-style landing, impact load, inherent mechanisms, regulatory mechanisms, model and simulation