Hand guard
Hand guards are devices worn by athletes in artistic gymnastics. Various types of hand guards are used by gymnasts:
- still rings and parallel barsto enhance the gymnast's grip and, in the case of bar exercises, to reduce friction between the gymnast's hands and the bar.
- Hand braces do not offer the gymnast any performance advantage, but help to prevent injury by providing support and lessening impact on the wrists and hands. [clarification needed]
- floor exercise or vault. [clarification needed]