STUDY CONCERNING THE IMPROVEMENT OF COORDINATION ABILITIES IN JUNIOR FEMALE GYMNASTS AGED 10-12

Abstract

Coordination abilities have a considerable influence on the acquisition and improvement of specific elements and their stability. They enable the execution of motor acts in various conditions with high efficiency and determine the performance of movements in optimal conditions. The main purpose of this research was to highlight the most appropriate means of training that would lead to improved balance and general coordination among junior female gymnasts aged 10-12. The study was conducted on a sample of 13 female gymnasts between September 2020 and January 2021. The tests applied were the following: Flamingo test, Standing static balance test, and Matorin test. The training programs included means for improving balance and general coordination, namely: maintaining the body in static positions on a small support surface, maintaining body stability in balance positions, maintaining body balance while performing acrobatic elements, and changing body positions depending on the working level. The results were interpreted using the ANOVA test and t-test. The Flamingo test indicated a significant change in results, with t = 19.13 (p ˂ 0.0001); in the Standing static balance test, the value improved, with t = 10.58 (p ˂ 0.0001); the results in the Matorin test recorded significant progress, with F = 6.854 (p ˂ 0.0001). Given the results obtained, it can be stated that the training programs applied to junior female gymnasts have proven to be effective tools for improving the coordination abilities analyzed in this study.