Abstract
This study examined the association between leg flexibility, leg length, jump height, and split leap movement scores at various levels of rhythmic gymnasts. Fifty-two young rhythmic gymnasts (age: 10.63 ± 2.9 years) were divided into two groups (qualifying, n = 32 and non-qualifying, n = 20) based on age and regional championship level. The gymnast underwent a series of fitness tests in the form of leg flexibility and leg explosive power as well as a split jump performance which was judged by 2 national and international certified judges. There was a significant difference and correlation between qualification and non-qualification in the split leap score (p = 0.00), body weight (p = 0.00; r = 0.351), limb length (p = 0.00; r = 0.420), High Jump (p = 0.01; r = 0.279), raised straight legs (p = 0.021; r = -0.279). There was no difference found in point feet but positively related at split leap score (p = 0.386; r = 0.373). The overall multiple regression analysis of all novice athletes revealed that Limb length, point feet, and high jump accounted for a medium part (32%) of the split leap score. In conclusion, the level of the gymnast (non-qualification), weight, Limb length, and arm length had a greater effect on the implementation of the split leap, whereas at the junior level (qualification) the leg explosiveness and flexibility of the leg effectively contributed to the split leap movement. Overall, the athlete's flexibility, body composition, and the explosive power of the limb variables effectively contribute to the split leap movement in youth rhythmic gymnastics.
Highlights
The split leap is the movement of stretching the leg asymmetrically opposite as much as possible and can be accompanied by manipulating tools
Another influential variable according to the study states that power is one of the main elements other than flexibility which determines the ability of Rhythmic Gymnastics [10,11,12]
Rhythmic gymnastics skills are a series of combinations of basic ballet movements, body flexibility, expressions combined with rhythm by manipulating rope, hoops, clubs, balls, and ribbons
Summary
The split leap is the movement of stretching the leg asymmetrically opposite as much as possible and can be accompanied by manipulating tools. The anthropometric view of the Rhythmic gymnast with the characteristics of a tall, slender body with long legs would be more advantageous in the beauty of her movements and the judges' judgment [1,2,3,4,5] This makes the split leap a complex movement because at the start of the movement, refusing the foot to float, can be combined with manipulating the throwing tool and catching it again on landing or in midair. They are not yet mature in their coordinative movements and combine with instruments and musical accompaniment This problem was interesting to study more deeply about how much limb flexibility, power, and leg length contribute to the split leap movement. The purpose of this study was to analyze the contribution of leg flexibility, leg strength, and leg length to the split leap movement
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