Artistic Gymnastics Research Articles

KINEMATIC ANALYSIS OF HIP JOINT MODIFICATIONS IN SWITCH LEAP: COMPENSATORY MECHANISMS DUE TO REDUCED MOBILITY IN THIS AREA

ABSTRACT. Artistic gymnastics include a series of artistic elements where the joints’ mobility represents an essential factor for the accuracy of the execution in both beam and floor routines. The reduced mobility is responsible for the occurrence of compensatory movements. This type of repetitive and long-term compensations can damage the joints involved in execution of an accurate switch leap element. The aim of the study was to analyze the compensatory mechanisms due to reduced mobility in the hip joint that can occur during the execution of a switch leap. 6 female gymnasts (8-10 years) from C.S.S.1 Timisoara have been analyzed when they executed switch leap on the floor. The kinematic analysis was carried using inertial sensors for movement tracking technology. The evaluated parameters were: leg separation angle (LSA), lateral pelvic tilt (LPT) and pelvic rotation (PR). The data revealed a LSA of 137.5± 2.239° which corresponds to the second level of penalty (0.30 points). The compensatory movements were revealed by the level of LPT and pelvic rotation. Depending on the front leg, the compensatory tilt, represented by the elevation of the hip joint, was found on the right or left part accordingly. Regarding the pelvic rotation, this is performed in the backward direction on the same part with the tilt. The kinematic analysis of the switch leap element provides supplementary data that can be taken into consideration by the gymnasts and coaches during the training period in order to reduce the risk of injuries and the risk of falling from the beam.

INCIDENCE AND CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF CONCUSIONS IN ADOLESCENT AND PRE-ADOLESCENT ATHLETES PRACTICING OLYMPIC SPORTS

Background: Concussion is a frequent and sometimes severe complication of sport activity. The incidence in the USA is estimated at 538/100.000 person/year, while in Brazil there is no published estimate at that regard. The aim of our study was to evaluate the concussion incidence rate in adolescents and preadolescents athletes who practice different types of Olympic sports. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, retrospective study, which included volleyball, basketball, artistic gymnastics and judo adolescents (15-19 years old) and preadolescent (11-15 years old) athletes. An on line survey was sent to them by their coaches, and they were free to answer or not the questions. The central question was if they have had Traumatic Brain Injury/concussion in the last 12 months. If the answer was yes, then they had to respond to a questionnaire with several additional questions related to this concussion. Results: 66 athletes answered the survey; 23 out of 66 reported a concussion in the last 12 months. The overall incidence of concussion was 34.8%. The incidence per type of sport was 31,5% for volleyball, 20% for basketball, 57,1% for judo and 66,6% for artistic gymnastic. Those differences were not statistically significant, although there was a clear trend indicating the risk is higher for gymnastic and judo. There was no difference regarding the incidence according to gender or age distribution (adolescent versus preadolescents). The most frequent post-concussion symptoms were headache/migraine (73.9%), head pressure (26.1%), dizziness (13%), neck pain (13%) and changes in balance (13%). 12 out of the 23 (52.2%) athletes reporting a concussion had two or more symptoms (up to 8 symptoms). Conclusion: Our study showed that the incidence rate of sport concussions in our country is very high, at least in the universe of adolescent and preadolescent athletes. To our knowledge, this is the first report of concussion incidence in Brazil. It indicates that educational and medical measures should be employed as soon as possible, possibly under the lead of sport medicine specialists, in order to prevent or to deal with this complication in a standardized way.

Degrees of Difficulty: How Women's Gymnastics Rose to Prominence and Fell from Grace by Georgia Cervin

<i>Degrees of Difficulty: How Women's Gymnastics Rose to Prominence and Fell from Grace</i> by Georgia Cervin

Force requirement profiles for swing to strength hold elements on still rings in men´s artistic gymnastics

ABSTRACT Swing to strength hold elements are important for a top ranking on still rings, require a high level of upper body strength of the gymnasts and have not yet been scientifically investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine force requirement profiles for these elements using a dynamometric measuring system. Two force sensors attached to the cables of each ring and synchronised with video recorded the forces exerted by the gymnast. For eight swing to strength hold elements (Uprise backward to support scale straddled, Uprise backward to swallow, Uprise backward to cross, Honma to cross, Uprise backward to support scale, Kip to cross, Back kip to swallow and Uprise backward to inverted cross), the variables maximal force (Fmax), minimal force (Fmin), time over Fhold (t1–3), rate of maximal force development (RFD) and impulse (p) were analysed. Honma to cross shows the highest force requirements (Median: Fmax = 120.4% BW, Fmin = 109.8% BW, t1–3 = 882 ms, RFD = 143.93% BW/s, p = 9.85% BWs) whereas back kip to swallow shows the least (Fmax = 102.3% BW, RFD = 34.99% BW/s and p = 0.84% BW/s). The biomechanical demand profiles can be used to provide feedback to coaches and gymnasts. In future research, they should be extended with kinematic and electromyographic data.

TIME COURSE OF CHANGES IN STRADDLE JUMP AND VERTICAL JUMP PERFORMANCE AFTER ACUTE STATIC STRETCHING IN ARTISTIC GYMNASTS

The aim of the present study was to examine the time course of changes of the effects of static stretching on straddle jump, vertical jump height and flexibility after performing dynamic movements in artistic gymnasts. The study was participated by 14 female artistic gymnasts aged between 9 and 14. Vertical jump heights were measured using the New Test 2000 testing device. Flexibility measurement was performed with sit and reach flexibility test. Artistic gymnastics-specific jump movement was evaluated looking at the angle between lower extremities using the Dartfish motion analysis program. Baseline measurements taken before the standard warm-up and the measurements taken after static stretching were assessed. Four sets of gymnastics moves each lasting two minutes were performed. The tests were repeated after each set. Static stretching was found to affect vertical jump performance significantly. Significant differences were found between Jump2 and Jump1 (p=0.01), Jump2 and Jump3 (p=0.03), Jump2 and Jump4 (p=0.01), Jump2 and Jumop5 (p=0.004), and Jump2 and Jump6 (p=0.009). In flexibility-related changes, significant differences were found between Reach2 and Reach3 (p=0.03), and Reach2 and Reach6 (p=0.006). Static stretching was found to have no significant effect on the lower extremity straddle jump degree. In conclusion, although the static stretching protocol reduced vertical jump performance significantly, it did not affect the artistic gymnastics-specific jump move. The negative effects of static stretching on jump height approached the baseline value approximately 4 minutes later.

DEMANDS STATED BY ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS COACHES AT THE BEGINNING OF THEIR CAREERS

High quality performance of sports coaches involves the use of professional, interpersonal and intrapersonal skills (Côté &amp; Gilbert, 2009). The complexity of the work of sports coaches, especially in Artistic Gymnastics (AG), due to the profound technical and physical demands right from the basic categories, can be magnified for coaches with little experience entering the field. Thus, this study aimed to identify the perceptions of coaches at the beginning of their careers regarding the types of skills required for their professional routine. We interviewed five coaches affiliated with the Santa Catarina Gymnastics Federation (Brazil) with less than 10-year experience in AG. During the interviews, indicators, such as professional routine and knowledge required in this context, were addressed. We used Braun and Clarke's (2019) reflexive thematic analysis to analyze the data. The results show that the complexity of coaches' work requires an expanded repertoire of knowledge. In general, coaches realize that relevant professional and interpersonal skills to teach gymnastics are the most required types of knowledge in daily practice. Intrapersonal skills, on the other hand, seem to be less needed, which may contribute to the preservation of an authoritarian culture in sports training. The requirements discussed in this study lead to implications for and reflections on AG coaches’ training programs, especially in the structure of the body of knowledge that provides a good basis for dealing with their daily challenges.

Differences in Height and Weight in Young Female Gymnasts

Following the changes in basic anthropological characteristics of the young gymnast can help coaches to recognize how the process of training influence the growth and development of gymnasts. This also can be useful in the specialization of specific apparatus. The aim of this investigation was to find the differences in weight and height between young female gymnasts. The sample consisted of 26 female gymnasts: 10 years old who are competing at different levels – compulsory (16) and free (10) programs. Compulsory program training was three times per week, each lasting two hours. Training in the free program lasted two and a half-hour five times per week. K-S test was used for testing the normality of distribution. Differences between height and weight are calculated by ANOVA at the level of statistical significance of p&lt;0.05. Results show that there is a statistically significant difference in height and weight between categories. Girls from the compulsory program are taller and heavier than girls in free program. The free program is the hardest program and physically more demanding for execution than a compulsory program. It seems that the bigger volume of training influences height and weight.&#x0D; Keywords: artistic gymnastics, anthropological characteristics, children

Executive functions and psycho-behavioural skills in artistic gymnasts: age, developmental stage and sex-related differences

ABSTRACT During the talent development (TD) process in sport, cognitive and psycho-behavioural skills are necessary to successfully overcome TD-specific challenges. This cross-sectional study explored executive functions (EF) and psycho-behavioural skills (PCDE), in male and female high-level artistic gymnasts between 9 and 26 years old. The first objective was to investigate if an ideal profile would emerge for these gymnasts. In the youngest age group (9–12yo), a general improvement with age for EF was observed, and gymnasts scored higher on imagery use than the quasi-control group. The older age group showed that gymnasts had significantly higher scores on inhibition, imagery use and self-directed control and management than the quasi-control group. The second objective was to conduct a person-centred approach, investigating the individual profiles of a selected group of four high-level gymnasts. The radar charts revealed a relatively similar profile in all four gymnasts and the quasi-control group for the EF components, while there was a pronounced within group and between groups variation for the PCDE profiles. This study showed that inhibition, imagery use and self-directed control and management could be potential performance indicators in gymnastics. The radar charts support the idea that, once an athlete scores above a specific threshold on all variables, there is no necessity for trying to maximise each and every of these skills but rather, it might be better to leave room for individual profile variation. Since individually different profiles were indeed observed, we recommend an athlete-centred approach in all TD phases from a young age onwards.

A FOUR-YEAR CYCLE COMPARISON OF THE NUTRITIONAL AND CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH STATUS OF AN ELITE-LEVEL FEMALE ARTISTIC GYMNAST: CASE STUDY REPORT FROM SLOVENIA

Regular monitoring of body composition, nutrition, health, and motor skills are crucial for further training process planning and performance progress. With the same protocol and methods, we evaluated a four-year change (2018 vs. 2022) in the nutritional and cardiovascular health status of the currently most successful elite-level adult female artistic gymnast in Slovenia. Detailed body composition and dietary intake were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and a standardized food questionnaire FFQ. The blood lipids and safety factors, blood pressure, and serum micronutrients (e.g., B12, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron) status were measured. The four-year comparison showed an improved body composition status: decreased body fat mass/percentage, android fat percentage, and android/gynoid ratio, while other anthropometrical and body composition parameters remained essentially unchanged. We also measured an improvement of some and worsening of other cardiovascular health serum variables (i.e., decreased total cholesterol but increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and S-glucose), most likely due to the differences in assessed dietary intake (i.e., lower total fat, mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acid intake but higher cholesterol intake and still high free sugar and saturated fat intake, despite higher fiber). Notably, nutrient intakes that are generally of concern (fiber (borderline low intake), eicosapentaenoic omega-3 fatty acids and docosahexaenoic omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12 and D, calcium (borderline low intake), iron, and zinc) were within recommended ranges. However, the athlete’s vitamin E and potassium intakes were not adequate. Furthermore, in 2018, the athlete did not consume dietary supplements, while she now regularly uses several dietary supplements, including enriched plant-based protein powder, isolated vitamin B12, C, D, and iron. Moreover, the athlete had significantly lower than recommended serum levels of 25(OH)D, probably due to insufficient regular intake of vitamin D in the form of a dietary supplement (1000 IU/d). Moreover, from the micronutrient serum, phosphorus, and iron levels that deviated from the reference values in the 2018 study, in the current study, they were found to be within referenced ranges (i.e., iron status was markedly improved). This kind of screening toolbox, using valid, sensitive, and affordable methods and with rapid organizational implementation, may be a viable format for regular monitoring.

A one-year follow-up of the cognitive and psycho-behavioural skills in artistic gymnastics

A good set of cognitive and psycho-behavioural skills are beneficial for young athletes to overcome and benefit from developmental challenges. Unfortunately, there is still a dearth of knowledge on how both these cognitive (i.e., executive functions; EF) and psycho-behavioural (i.e., psychological characteristics of developing excellence; PCDE) skills develop in youth athletes. Especially for athletes in early specialisation sports such as artistic gymnastics, the early EF and PCDE development might be important to be able to cope with the pressure and challenges that comes with a transition to the next stage. In the current study, artistic gymnasts between 9 and 22 years old were tested twice with a 12-month interval to investigate the changes in EF and PCDE. Results showed that EF developed within the youngest stage, but plateaued at the later stages. Most PCDE did not seem to change over time within each stage. Furthermore, the transition to a new stage does not seem to coincide with an increased improvement of PCDE. However, with a case study approach in the oldest stages, still inter-individual differences in EF and PCDE scores over time were observed. This study shows that EF and PCDE develop over time, albeit in a non-linear way, and along a variety of developmental trajectories.

Kinetic and Kinematic Analysis of Landing during Standing Back Somersault Using Three Technical Arm Swings in Artistic Gymnastics

The crucial criteria when assessing technical performance in artistic gymnastics is the higher elevation of the gymnast's body and a stable landing (i.e., stick-landing). The purpose of this study was to compare kinetic and kinematic parameters during the landing phase of standing back somersaults (SBS) following three technical arm-swing performed during the preparatory phase in high-level male gymnasts. The three different arm-swing pertain to three "gymnastics schools", i.e., Russian, Chinese, and Romanian. Six high-level male gymnasts participated in this study. Three arm-swing with different angles (i.e., SBS270°, SBS180°, and SBS90°) were randomly performed. A 3D kinetic and kinematic analysis was conducted. Results showed significant variation in the landing angle (p = 0.009) across the three arm-swing techniques. The SBS90° arm-swing resulted in the closest angle to the vertical. Additionally, the SBS90° arm-swing technique induced the lowest horizontal and vertical force values upon landing compared to the other arm-swing techniques (SBS270°: p = 0.023 and 0.009, respectively; SBS180°: p = 0.004 and 0.080, respectively). The same was noted for the horizontal velocity (p = 0.021) with the lowest values noted for the SBS90° arm-swing technique. However, the best opening angle was observed during the SBS270° technique, since it presented the best vertical displacement. In conclusion, the SBS with a SBS90° arm-swing seems to favor a better absorption of the ground reaction force upon landing by reducing the intensity of the impact with the ground and by affording a landing angle closer to the vertical in high-level male gymnasts.

Isokinetic leg muscle strength relationship to dynamic balance reflects gymnast-specific differences in adolescent females.

Balance, together with other motor qualities, plays an important role in the successful execution of specific gymnastic skills. However, it is also not clear whether different demands on dynamic balance and power produced by lower limb can be observed in sport-specific differences among gymnasts of various modalities. The question also is as to what extent isokinetic leg muscle strength contributes to anterior and posterior postural stability in gymnasts. Therefore, the aim of the study was i) to compare variables of dynamic balance and isokinetic leg muscle strength in rhythmic, artistic, and aerobic gymnasts, and ii) to investigate the relationship of reach distances in anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions, as well as the composite score in the Y-balance test with an isokinetic muscle strength during knee extension and flexion at different velocities in female gymnasts of various disciplines. Altogether seven aerobic, five artistic, and six rhythmic gymnasts performed the Y-balance test and isokinetic leg muscle strength test at 60°/s, 180°/s, and 300°/s. Results showed significant between-group differences in the composite score in the Y-balance test of the dominant (F = 3.536, p = .041) and non-dominant symmetry (F = 4.804, p = .015). Similarly, average power produced during knee extension and knee flexion at 60°/s, 180°/s and 300°/s differed significantly among these groups (all at p˂0.05). In addition, there was a significant relationship between the composite score of the dominant limb symmetry and isokinetic dominant limb extension strength at 60°/s (r = .54), 180°/s (r = .87), and 300°/s (r = .84) in aerobic gymnasts. The composite score of the dominant limb symmetry was also associated with isokinetic dominant limb extension strength, albeit only at 60°/s in both artistic (r = .60) and rhythmic gymnasts (r = .55). Such between-group differences may be ascribed to their different demands on maintenance of balance under dynamic conditions and leg muscle power within their sport specializations. Taking into account significant association between the dominant limb symmetry and isokinetic dominant limb extension strength, it may be concluded that both muscle strength and fast speeds contribute to dynamic balance in adolescent gymnasts.

COMPETITIVE STATE ANXIETY AND PERFORMANCE IN YOUNG MALE ARTISTIC GYMNASTS

The purpose of this study was to investigate the competitive state anxiety and self-confidence on artistic gymnasts participating in the Greek national competition. 84 gymnasts, aged 9 – 11 years, completed the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2, one hour before the competition. The gymnasts, based on the total score they have received in all-around competition were divided into high and low performance, responded to the three subscales: Cognitive Anxiety, Somatic Anxiety, and Self-confidence. Results showed that there was significant difference in Self-confidence between high performance and low performance gymnasts. However, no significant differences were found in cognitive anxiety and somatic anxiety in these gymnasts. The Pearson coefficient revealed statistically significant between cognitive and somatic anxiety. The regression analysis failed to reveal any significant predictor of performance in these young male artistic gymnasts. The findings of the study underline the importance of examining competitive state anxiety and self-confidence in young male artistic gymnasts, mainly developing strategies to improve self-confidence to enable the athletes to better prepare for forthcoming competitions.

Effects of eliminating visual cues on kinetic and kinematic parameters in back tuck somersault: A comparison between artistic gymnasts and parkour athletes

Purpose The aim of this study was to compare the effect of vision (i.e., open and closed eyes) on the kinetic and kinematic parameters of the standing back tuck somersault (SBTS) in artistic gymnasts and parkour athletes. Methods Eleven male parkour athletes (age 22.53 ± 2.36 years; height 1.72 ± 0.08 m; weight 69.58 ± 3.72 kg) and seven male artistic gymnasts (age 21.96 ± 2.64 years; height 1.62 ± 0.02 m; weight 63.54 ± 1.35 kg) participated in this study. Each subject was asked to perform the SBTS in the same condition (i.e., first open-eyes then closed-eyes). 2D kinetic and kinematic analysis was conducted. Results The results showed significant interaction (i.e., vision and sport) obtained at the take-off angle (p &lt; 0.05 and d = 1.992), horizontal displacement (p &lt; 0.05 and d = 1.906) and technical execution (p &lt; 0.05 and d = 1.972). This interaction indicates that when vision is permitted, artistic gymnasts and parkour athletes were similar in all kinetic and kinematic parameters, and technical execution (p &gt; 0.05). However, the elimination of vision during SBTS only affected parkour athletes (i.e., landing angle, ground reaction force, vertical velocity and technical execution, p &lt; 0.05 and d &gt;1.20) while artistic gymnasts remain unchanged. Conclusions We conclude that the specificity of the practice in each of the two sports disciplines influences the kinetic and kinematic control of the SBTS and suggests that with closed-eyes, the integration of afferent information relating to the vestibular and proprioceptive systems is different and specific to each discipline’s goal. Artistic gymnasts seem to be better skilled in the mechanical and technical control of the SBTS than parkour athletes.

Technical elements on the rings in men's artistic gymnastics—a systematic review

Although rings can move freely in all possible directions, by which they differ from all other apparatuses, physical performance at highest level is essetial in men’s artistic gymnastics to fulfill the exercise’s technical requirements in the interest of effective and accurate performance. We have aimed to compile the scientific evidence regarding exercises on the rings in men’s artistic gymnastics and, based on it, to investigate the necessary requirements for their successful realization. In regard to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, the database search (Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science and Research Gate) has identified 5759 potential studies. Original cross-sectional studies published between 2000 and 2022 written in English, active male gymnasts who do not suffer from injury as a sample of participants, and studies that have evaluated different types of elements on the rings were reconsidered. Lastly, 15 full-text studies were identified. A total of seven elements were evaluated, four strength elements (swallow, Azarian, iron cross and support scale), two dismounts (double backflip straight and double backflip straight with a 360◦ turn), and one swing element (backward giant swing). Two studies have conducted a dismount kinematic analysis, another four strength elements electromyography, while two studies have used force plates to evaluate the required specific strength for their successful performance. Hence, handgrip strength, pectoralis muscles, teres major, deltoids and serratus anterior are crucial. In addition, handgrip strength, proper swing movement, lateral arm movement during the descending phase, and hip flexor/extensor muscle activity are also essential for both giant swings and dismounts. Progressive strength upgrade of key movements in younger gymnasts is necessary to make successful generations on the rings. Therefore, in order to upgrade the above, researchers and scientists should discover a method for providing more relevant and updated information for practitioners, i.e., coaches and gymnasts.

ANÁLISE DO EFEITO DO ENSINO DE GINÁSTICA ARTÍSTICA BASEADA NO TREINO DE FORÇA

ABSTRACT Introduction Artistic gymnastics is a traditional Chinese sport that enhances physical fitness, generates entertainment, and has a great visual impact. Its main objective is to develop human physical potential and improve motor coordination and body balance. The integration of strength training increases the athlete’s ability and can also contribute to teaching artistic gymnastics. Objective Study the effect of strength training on teaching artistic gymnastics based on strength training. Methods 40 male students who specialized in artistic gymnastics were selected as experimental subjects and divided into a control group and an experimental group (20 in each group). Both groups received training for 16 weeks, with the experimental group receiving two additional hours of resistance strength training daily. Results After the experiment, there were significant differences in parallel bar skills between the experimental group and the control group, and significant differences in horizontal bar mastery, but there were no significant differences in jumping technology. Conclusion The research shows that strength training can effectively assist in teaching artistic gymnastics, allowing greater performance in learning complex movements. Level of Evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Is the handgrip strength influential factor on the competition result in elite male artistic gymnasts?

High handgrip strength in men’s artistic gymnastics is crucial, mainly for improving performance and to potentially prevent injuries, as well as for the fact that gymnasts body movements are around immovable apparatuses (pommel horse, rings, parallel bars and high bar) for the extended period of time. Since there are not so many studies that have dealt with this topic and on actual competition, we have aimed to examine the handgrip strength influence on the competition result in elite male artistic gymnasts. The sample of participants were conducted of 37 elite male artistic gymnasts (8–21 years old), from 8 different countries as national team competitors at the International Competition “Laza Krstić and Marica Dželatović” held in Novi Sad, Serbia. Basic anthropometric measurements were included (body height, body weight and Body Mass Index (BMI)), along with training experience and handgrip strength measurement (both dominant and nondominant hand). Kolmogorov-Smirnov Z test (p &lt; 0.05) was used for distribution normality, along with regression analysis with Model 1 (participants age, training experience, body height, body weight and BMI), Model 2 (Model 1 + dominant handgrip strength) and Model 3 (Model 1 + nondominant handgrip strength). SPSS v.20 was used for all statistical analysis. Our study have revealed that there is significant influence of all 3 Models on the parallel bars final result (p = 0.33; p = 0.49; p = 0.31, respectively), in terms of all set of variables, whereas body weight Beta scores (28.6%; 30.3%; 32.7%, respectively) moslty explains the results. Both dominant and nondominant handgrip strength are influential factors only on the parallel bars final result. Since both hands are contributing equally, bilateral training is necessary. In order to expand the knowledge on this topic and completely understand the influential factors, future studies are needed on this sample. Regardless of our main findings, our results should be taken with caution.

ANALYSIS OF ANTHROPOMETRIC AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ATHLETES ENGAGED IN ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS AND ARTISTIC SWIMMING

Aesthetic sports, in addition to specific skills, also require athletes to have a certain appearance. This appearance contributes to the positive attitude of the audience and judges towards the respective athlete, but on the other hand, it helps in the execution of the complex elements of the combination. PURPOSE. The aim of the present study is to compare the body composition and somatotype of female artistic swimming and gymnastics and to evaluate lower limb strength and breath holding times in both groups. METHODS. Six female gymnasts (11.2 ± 2.6 years) and 6 artistic swimmers (11.2 ± 2.2 years) participated in the study. To achieve this goal, the female athletes visit the Center for Functional Research in Sports and Kinesitherapy at SWU “Neofit Rilski” once, where the research is carried out. RESULTS. The results of the conducted research show that even at this early childhood age, female athletes in both sports have received the appropriate adaptations characteristic of the given sport. Gymnasts have developed good explosive power of the lower limbs, with their vertical jump averaging about 10 cm greater than that of swimmers. While swimmers, on the other hand, hold their breath for a longer period of time, on average about 37 seconds longer than gymnasts. CONCLUSIONS. Properly targeted training in the given sport leads to appropriate adaptations that favor the performance of the athlete.

The effect of using simulation (electronic media) on learning the skill of the front hand jump on the artistic gymnastics jumping table for second-stage female students

The effect of using simulation (electronic media) on learning the skill of the front hand jump on the artistic gymnastics jumping table for second-stage female students

Acute effect of bounce drop jump and countermovement drop jump with and without additional load on jump performance parameters and reactive strength index on young gymnasts

Purpose.Reactive strength index defines an athlete’s stretch-shortening cycle function and rebound capabilities. The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of two types of drop jumps (bounce drop jump: BDJ and countermovement drop jump: CDJ) on the jump parameters and reactive strength index under two different conditions (with and without additional load) from different drop box heights.Methods.Twelve female artistic gymnasts aged 10–12 years old volunteered to participate in this study. Drop jumps (DJ) were performed from 20-, 25-, 30, and 35-cm heights under two conditions: without additional load (FREE) and with additional load (VEST).Results.No interaction effect was found between the drop jump height, drop jump type and condition parameters, between the drop jump type and load parameters, or between the drop jump height and condition parameters. However, an interaction effect was observed between the drop jump type and load parameters for the reactive strength index. The drop box height (DBH) did not affect any of the dependent variables and the drop jump type with the VEST condition was more effective in improving the examined variables.Conclusions.The CDJ produces a lower reduction in the jump height under both the FREE and VEST conditions from different DBHs with an optimum DBH of 30 cm, while stiffness can be improved with both types of jumps from a DBH 25 cm. The characteristics of jumps, such as BDJ and CDJ and DBH, are determinants of the resulting jump height.