Training-Load Management in Rhythmic Gymnastics: Practices and Perceptions of Coaches, Medical Staff, and Gymnasts.

Abstract

This study described and analyzed practices and perceptions of rhythmic gymnastics coaches, medical staff, and athletes on training-load management. Online surveys were distributed among professionals and gymnasts involved in rhythmic gymnastics training across the world. One hundred (50 coaches, 12 medical staff, and 38 gymnasts) participants from 25 different countries completed the surveys. Respondents stated using coaches' perception on a daily basis as a method of monitoring external (57%) and internal (58%) load, recovery/fatigue (52%), and performance (64%). Variables and methods (eg,wearable devices, athlete self-reported measures, session rating of perceived exertion), and metrics (eg,acute and chronic load) commonly reported in the training-load literature and other sports were not frequently used in rhythmic gymnastics. The majority of coaches (60.3% [17%]) perceived that maladaptation rarely or never occurred. Medical staff involvement in sharing and discussing training-load information was limited, and they perceived that the measurement of athletes' recovery/fatigue was poor. Gymnasts noted good quality in relation to the measurement of performance. Most participants (≥85%) believed that a specific training-load management model for rhythmic gymnastics could be very or extremely effective. In conclusion, rhythmic gymnastics coaches' perception is the most commonly used strategy to monitor load, recovery/fatigue, and performance; although, this could be a limited method to guarantee effective training-load management in this sport.