Understanding Body Rotation in Movement and Exercise

Rotation refers to any whole or partial turn through imaginary lines that cross the human body. Main Axes of Rotation: Longitudinal or vertical axis (e.g., spinning). Transversal or horizontal axis (e.g., somersaults). Anthro-posterior axis (e.g., rolling sideways).

Concept and Importance in Exercise

Students must propose rotational defects of the body, keeping in mind that these will represent:

• A new engine problem and an increase in their possibilities and repertoire of motor abilities.
• Precision and therefore the development of general dynamic coordination (and also much balance).
• Its main characteristic is delicacy in body control in space, impulse control to overcome the effects of inertia (the turns) and the action of gravity.
• Also an instrument that implies global knowledge and awareness of one's own body.
• The first form of perceiving spacing, which relates very precisely to spatio-temporal spacing.

Types of Turns

Turns can be classified based on:

• Type of Support:
  • Contact or support on the ground.
  • Suspension turns.
  • Turns with constant grip of the hands.
  • Support and multiple and successive suspensions.
• Axis of Rotation:
  • Longitudinal or vertical axis.
  • Anthro-posterior axis.
  • Transversal or horizontal axis.
  • Combinations.
• Preferential Direction:
  • Left.
  • Right.
  • Forward.
  • Backward.
• Initial Position:
  • Vertical normal.
  • Vertical inverted.
  • Horizontal.
  • Inclined.

Evolution of Turns

It is difficult to establish evolutionary patterns due to the great variety of existing turns. We summarize the evolution of spins generically:

• During the first two years, elementary bearings are performed as a result of postural changes, such as rolling on the floor.
• At 3 months, the child is able to rotate about its longitudinal axis or vertical.
• Between 3 and 6 years, the child begins to tumble and perform simple stunts on the longitudinal and transverse axes. Mastery of suspension turns has not yet been achieved.
• Between 7 and 9 years, the variety and complexity increase, improving the efficiency and control of falls and the final phases of the spins. Turns on the anteroposterior axis begin.
• From 9 years old, the child begins to dominate spins on the three axes and some of their combinations, which will be refined with age and practice.