Abstract
This study examined individual responses in leg stiffness, reactive strength index (RSI), movement proficiency (deep overhead squat and in-line lunge), and trunk muscular endurance (flexor and extensor tests) in young female gymnasts following an 8-week neuromuscular training intervention. Thirty-four pre-peak height velocity (PHV) female gymnasts were divided into either an experimental group (EXP n = 17) or control group (CON n = 17). The EXP replaced their normal gymnastics physical preparation with a neuromuscular training program, while the CON continued with their habitual gymnastics program. Chi square analysis showed that the EXP resulted in significantly more positive responders compared to CON for measures of leg stiffness (41% versus 12% responded positively), extensor muscular endurance, (76% versus 29%), and competency in the deep overhead squat, (76% versus 29%) and in-line lunge (left lead leg) (65% versus 18%). Conversely, the number of positive responders for RSI (53% versus 61%), the flexor endurance test (88% versus 53%), and the right in-line lunge (47% versus 35%) were not significantly different between groups. These findings suggest that most young gymnasts responded positively to neuromuscular training from the perspective of improving movement proficiency and trunk endurance; however, changes in leg stiffness and RSI were more variable and may require higher intensities to realise further adaptations.
Highlights
Female artistic gymnastics is an early specialisation sport, typically involving high volumes and intensities of training during the pre-pubertal years aimed at mastering the performance of complex skills [1]
Neither group showed significant improvements in reactive strength index (RSI); the control group showed a significant reduction in leg stiffness
The individual percentage change and the number of individuals that responded positively (n > smallest worthwhile change (SWC)) for the flexor and extensor endurance test, leg stiffness, and RSI is shown in Table 3, and Figures 1 and 2
Summary
Female artistic gymnastics is an early specialisation sport, typically involving high volumes and intensities of training during the pre-pubertal years aimed at mastering the performance of complex skills [1]. Since relative strength is a more important determinant of gymnastics performance than absolute strength [2], it is unsurprising that many coaches traditionally use body-weight training in the form of circuits and repetition of skills to physically prepare gymnasts [3]. While this training modality is often effective in developing highly sport-specific qualities, the addition of developmentally appropriate neuromuscular training could offer pre-pubertal gymnasts’ numerous benefits, that surpass body-weight and skills training alone [4,5,6]. Sports 2018, 6, 128 integrates the development of fundamental movement skills with muscular strength and power could facilitate technical competency of sport-specific skills [7,8], assist in correcting aberrant movement patterns [9,10,11], and help promote long-term participation in competitive and recreational sport [8].
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