The purpose of this study was to analyse the effects of supplementary mats on ground reaction forces (GRF) and neuromuscular activation of selected leg muscles during gymnastics landings. Participants (n=10) performed landings from 1 m and 2 m height onto a landing mat and landing mat plus a soft supplementary mat. EMG of lower extremity muscles and ground reaction forces were measured. Results showed a decrease between 15% and 40% of the peak GRF and the peak rate of force development (RFD), respectively, when using supplementary mats. While the duration of pre-activation remained unchanged, the amount of pre-activation was reduced when landing on supplementary mats. From a biomechanical point of view supplementary mats can be recommended in gymnastics landings.
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