It is essentially the opposite of an out and back roller coaster, which is often a much more simplistic layout.
Twister roller coasters often have the illusion of having small or tight clearances due to the track usually travelling through several support structures.
John Miller is credited with inventing upstop wheels and secure lap bar restraints, both which led roller coaster designers to create more extravagant and intertwined layouts.
Apollo's Chariot uses a traditional out and back layout while Raging Bull is a twister.
This article about an amusement ride or roller coaster is a stub.