DISTANT MOTOR EFFECTS OF DISCONTINUATION OF RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS

Abstract

Introduction Rhythmic gymnastics is a discipline intended only for women with above-average motor skills such as speed, coordination and jumping ability. Advanced training begins in early childhood, and the selection of candidates is motivated by innate predispositions required by coaches, i.e. appropriate physical conditions, adaptation of the body to exercise and sense of rhythm. Selected gymnasts train by learning to perfectly perform routines with devices such as a ball, ribbon, rope, clubs or hoops. Aim The aim of the study is t show distant motor effects of discontinuation of rhythmic gymnastics. Material and methods Two groups of female gymnasts were compared in the study. The first of them consisted of current training, competitive gymnasts, while the other – female athletes who stopped practicing this discipline. The study checked, among others, the occurrence of possible injuries, pain and their location as well as the consequences of discontinuation of training. All of the obtained results were compared between the groups. Results Currently, training gymnasts suffer from less pain than former female gymnasts, however, already at such a young age, they experience first problems both in the spine and lower limbs. In both groups, the most common conditions are hypermobility, spinal overload syndromes and ankle sprains. Conclusions The results of former female gymnasts clearly show that problems with former female gymnasts are a consequence of practicing rhythmic gymnastics, and their intensity increases over time, leading to long-term effects of practicing this discipline. Keywords: rhythmic gymnastics, sports injuries, consequences of competitive sports, early competitive training.