Still rings are a unique gymnastics apparatus allowing for a combination of dynamic and static elements in a specific technique. This review aimed to compile the dynamic, kinematic, and EMG characteristics of swing, dismount, handstand, strength, and hold elements on still rings. This systematic review was conducted in concordance with PRISMA in PubMed, EBSCOhost, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. In total, 37 studies were included, describing the strength and hold elements, the kip and swing elements, swing through or to handstand, and dismounts. The current evidence suggests that the execution of gymnastics elements on still rings and training drills requires a high training load. Specific preconditioning exercises could be used to train for the Swallow, iron cross, and support scale. Negative impacts of load during hold elements can be reduced by special support devices such as the Herdos or support belts. Another aspect is improving strength prerequisites by exercises such as bench presses, barbell exercises, and support belts, where the main focus should be on muscular coordination similar to the other considerable elements. Electromyography is an appropriate tool for the investigation of muscular coordination and force platforms for assessing a sufficient strength level to successfully perform elements on still rings.

Handstand is a basic element common across gymnastic disciplines and physical education classes that is frequently evaluated for quality in competition or skill acquisition. The correct handstand execution relies on maintaining balance, for which the shoulders seem particularly important. This study explores the relationship between shoulder joint function and the quality of handstand execution in novice college athletes (n = 111; aged 19–23 years). We assessed the shoulder joint function using standardized field tests (Upper Quarter Y Balance Test and Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test) and evaluated handstand execution on official rating scale. Ordinal logistic regression models showed no relationship between the quality of handstand execution (E-score) and measures of shoulder joint stability or mobility in our sample (POR = 0.97 [0.91, 1.03] and 1.00 [0.91, 1.09] for E-score). Two major factors may have caused an observed pattern of results. Firstly, the standardized tests assess shoulder joints in different loads and ranges of motion compared to handstands. Secondly, our novice sample was not able to perform the handstand sufficiently well. In our sample of novice college athletes, shoulder function seems not related to handstand execution as other latent factors hindered their performance.

Maleček, J, Malíř, R, Mašek, D, Matoušek, O, Ojanen, T, Oláh, V, Omcirk, D, Šimsa, J, Tufano, J, Vágner, M, and Třebický, V. From test to task: Relevance of basic physical fitness metrics in the context of military-specific performance. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2026—Physical fitness assessments, such as push-ups, sit-ups, and 12-minute runs, remain central to military readiness evaluation; however, their capacity to explain variance in military-specific task performance remains insufficiently understood. This study investigated the relationship between these physical fitness assessments and performance in 6 simulated military-specific tasks. Twenty-nine physically active men (mean age = 22.6 years, SD = 3.0) completed the following fitness tests: maximal oxygen uptake (V̇ o ₂ max), body composition, aerobic endurance (12-minute run), anaerobic agility (shuttle run), muscular endurance (push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups), explosive power (countermovement jump, seated medicine ball throw), grip strength, and maximal strength (1-repetition maximum hexagonal barbell deadlift). In addition, 6 military-specific tasks were performed in standardized 10.4-kg combat gear: 2 km loaded march, casualty drag, maximal single lift of a military pack, repeated lift and carry, modified fire and movement, and water can carry. Among the assessments, the only consistent field predictor was the 12-minute Cooper run, which related to both the 2 km loaded march ( β = −0.233, [–0.327 to −0.140]) and repeated lift and carry ( β = −0.062, [–0.089 to −0.034]). By contrast, strength and power measures were more task-specific: maximal single lift was associated with the seated medicine ball throw ( β = 0.112, [0.046 to 0.179]) and grip strength ( β = 0.685, [0.147 to 1.222]), while modified fire and movement time aligned with shuttle-run performance ( β = 0.963, [0.204 to 1.721]). These results suggest that military-specific tasks may provide a more valid criterion for occupational performance, with limited added predictive value of traditional tests beyond the Cooper run.