Elite Rhythmic Gymnasts Research Articles

Post-activation Performance Enhancement of Countermovement Jump after Drop Jump versus Squat Jump Exercises in Elite Rhythmic Gymnasts.

Drop jump (DJ) and squat jump (SJ) exercises are commonly used in rhythmic gymnastics training. However, the acute effects of DJ and SJ on countermovement jump (CMJ) performance have not been investigated. This study aimed to verify the post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) responses induced by DJ and SJ with optimal power load and evaluate the relationship between peak PAPE effects and strength levels. Twenty female rhythmic gymnasts completed the following exercises in a randomized order on three separate days: 6 repetitions of DJs; 6 repetitions of SJs with optimal power load; and no exercise (control condition). Jump height was assessed before (baseline) and at 30 seconds and 3, 6, and 9 minutes after each exercise. DJs significantly improved jump height by 0.8 cm (effect size (ES) = 0.25; P = 0.003) at 30 seconds post-exercise compared with baseline. Jump height significantly decreased by -0.14 cm (ES = -0.61; P = 0.021) at 9 minutes after the control condition. SJs significantly improved jump height by 1.02 cm (ES = 0.36; P = 0.005) at 9 minutes post-exercise compared to the control condition. Jump height and relative back squat one-repetition maximum were positively related after performing DJs (r = 0.63; P = 0.003) and SJs (r = 0.64; P = 0.002). DJ and SJ exercises effectively improved countermovement jump height. DJ improved jump height early, while SJ produced greater potentiation effects later. Athletes with a higher strength level benefited the most from these exercises.

Measurement of Training and Competition Loads in Elite Rhythmic Gymnastics: A Systematic Literature Review

In the long-term performance development of rhythmic gymnasts aged 16–17, athletes enter a high-performance training phase, marked by increased training loads and preparation for international competitions. This study aimed to (1) provide an overview of methods used to capture external and internal training/competition loads in elite rhythmic gymnasts, and (2) identify measurements of external and internal training/competition loads and their responses during monitored periods. Conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, the systematic review included 6 studies out of the 815 initially identified. The most common methods for calculating external training load were hours or minutes per week. Internal measures varied and included objective methods such as heart rate monitoring and biochemical, hormonal, and hematological assessments from saliva and blood samples. Among subjective methods, session-RPE was most frequently used, along with other questionnaires examining recovery, well-being, sleep, and competition anxiety. The analyzed studies integrated diverse external and internal training load variables, delving into their impact on athlete’s biochemical parameters, recovery, and well-being. Pre-competitive and competitive training periods were the focal points of measuring loads. The complex training structure of rhythmic gymnastics can complicate the calculation of training loads. Therefore, more studies are needed to explore the dose-response relationships between training load and training adaptations, fatigue, and recovery.

Muscle Strength and Joint Range of Motion of the Spine and Lower Extremities in Female Prepubertal Elite Rhythmic and Artistic Gymnasts.

The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the passive joint range of motion (PROM) and muscle strength in prepubertal rhythmic gymnasts (RGs), artistic gymnasts (AGs), and a control group (CG) of the same age. A total of 54 prepubertal girls were divided into three groups: 18 RGs (age 11.14 ± 0.7, height 142.6 ± 5.81, and body mass 31.2 ± 3.63); 18 AGs (age 11.27 ± 0.99, height 139.6 ± 5.85, and body mass 31.7 ± 3.21), and 18 school girls who are defined as CG (age 10.55 ± 0.42, height 145.33 ± 6.95, and body mass 42.1 ± 8.21) participated in the study. All athletes were elites and participated in national competitions. The CG participated only in their school physical education program. Isokinetic peak torques were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer (Cybex II) at 60, 180, and 300°·sec-1. Body mass index was greater in the CG compared to RGs and AGs (p < 0.001). PROM in cervical extension in RG was significantly higher compared to the AG and CG (p < 0.001). The athlete groups, RG and AG, showed significantly greater PROM in knee flexion (p < 0.001), hip flexion (p < 0.001), and hip abduction (p < 0.05) compared to CG. PROM in hip flexion was different between the left and right leg in RGs. The relative muscle strength of the quadriceps in the RG and AG was significantly greater compared to CG (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01 respectively). Gymnastics training in prepubertal ages can improve neuromuscular function and increase the relative muscle strength. Therefore, it is essential to note that when evaluating children within the developmental ages, especially those involved in sports, the type of muscle strength to be assessed should be specified.

BODY DIFFICULTIES IN RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS ROUTINES

The aims of this study were: (1) to analyze the diversity and variety of body difficulty elements in individual routines of elite rhythmic gymnasts that competed at the 2013 and 2014 Lisbon World Cup; (2) to compare these characteristics across different ranking groups; (3) to identify and hierarchize the variables that most contribute to the success in the difficulty score in competition. 288 routines were analyzed based on difficulty, according to the 2013-2016 Code of Points. The gymnasts were divided into three groups according to their ranking routine. For statistical analyses, Kruskal-Wallis’ and Mann-Whitney’s non-parametric tests, Pearson Correlation and multiple regression were used. Among all body difficulties, the rotation elements were the group with the most variety, while jump elements had the least variety. Gymnasts tend to use the same jumps, balance elements and rotations in all their routines. The gymnasts in the finals (finalists) presented a higher number of complex elements (mixed and multiple difficulties) than the other groups. However, the best gymnasts showed a lower variety in the choice of body difficulties. Their routines focused on rotation elements and number of turns. Lower occurrences of balance and jump elements were verified. We identified the following hierarchy of importance of the variables that contribute to the success in the difficulty score: value of rotations; value of jumps; value of balance elements and value of mixed difficulties. Therefore, the rotation elements presented a higher importance in the routines in RG in the Olympic cycle 2013-2016.

Monitoring of the Training Load and Well-Being of Elite Rhythmic Gymnastics Athletes in 25 Weeks: A Comparison between Starters and Reserves.

The objective of this study was to monitor the training loads (TL) and well-being of elite rhythmic gymnastics (RG) athletes, as well as compare these variables between starters and reserve gymnasts during 25 weeks of training. Ten athletes from the Brazilian national RG team (17.4 ± 1.1 y of age) were monitored during the general preparatory period (GPP), specific preparatory period (SPP), and pre-competitive period (PCP). The internal TL was quantified with the use of sessional ratings of perceived exertion (sRPE). We assessed well-being daily with a well-being scale. The TL, duration, monotony, and strain were calculated weekly. We found that the internal TL and session durations were 9242 ± 2511 AU and 2014 ± 450 min, respectively. The internal TL, strain, and monotony were greater in the PCP than in the GPP and SPP for starters. In the SPP, there were statistical differences in internal TL (p = 0.036) and strain (p = 0.027) between starters and reserves. In the PCP, there were also statistical differences between starters vs. reserves athletes regarding internal TL (p = 0.027) and strain (p = 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in well-being between the periods assessed. In conclusion, RG athletes display a higher TL magnitude during the PCP, whereas only reporting non-significant minor variations in well-being. In addition, there is a discrepancy in the TL between starters and reserves.

In the pitfall of expectations: An exploratory analysis of stressors in elite rhythmic gymnastics.

The present study explored the types of stressors faced by rhythmic gymnastics athletes, their parents, and coaches. Semi-structured interviews with 12 participants—four gymnasts, five coaches, and three parents—were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis in a theory-driven framework. The categorizations of sport-related stressors for the parents, coaches, and gymnasts were based on existing theories. The results showed that both the gymnasts and the coaches predominantly noted mastery-avoidance goals in terms of performance, while the interviews with parents mostly indicated performance-avoidance goals. All three groups of participants consistently reported a detrimental atmosphere in rhythmic gymnastics. For instance, they emphasized the stress related to inadequate communication between the concerned parties. Moreover, all parties believed that having a lean body was linked to success in the competitive world of rhythmic gymnastics. The present study provides insight into some of the potential major stressors and the related subjective experiences affecting athletes socializing in the same sporting environment.

Sports Injury Identification Method Based on Machine Learning Model.

With the increasingly fierce competition in international competitive sports, the momentum of special training has increased. Sports injuries are becoming more and more serious, which restricts the further improvement of the level of athletes. How to solve the problem of prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports injuries, so as to ensure the normal training and competition of athletes, is an important part of sports work. Machine learning can solve large-scale data problems that cannot be solved by human beings at present and has strong self-learning ability, self-optimization ability, and strong generalization ability. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to understand the characteristics of rhythmic gymnastics injuries and analyze their causes by investigating the injury status of elite rhythmic gymnasts. According to the characteristics of the project, the injury characteristics of the athletes themselves, and other factors, using scientific qualitative and quantitative indicators, the injury risk of key athletes in rhythmic gymnastics was evaluated. It also provides theoretical and practical references for preventing sports injuries, formulating and implementing sports injury rehabilitation programs. The experimental results show that the female vaulting risk in the five risk categories fluctuates from 179.62 to 365.8, ranking the first in the risk of acute sports injury.

Characteristics of elite rhythmic gymnasts with scoliosis in Korea

The study aimed to investigate the demographic and physical characteristics of South Korean female elite rhythmic gymnasts with scoliosis. Twenty-eight female elite rhythmic gymnasts aged 16.1 ±3.0 years were enrolled and divided by Cobb angle into a scoliosis group and a non-scoliosis group. In addition to the baseline characteristics of each group, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for lumbago and results of the 36-item health survey version 2 (SF-36v2) questionnaires were collected. The pelvic tilt degree, leg length, hip range of motion and back-muscle strength were also measured and analyzed together. Radiographs of the thoracolumbar spine were taken for each subject. The scoliosis group (n=17) had significantly higher age, height, weight, and body fat compared to the non-scoliosis group. Further, six of the scoliosis group gymnasts had lumbar compression fractures or spondylolysis. Spinal flexors and extensors of all the subjects were balanced in strength but the lateral flexors showed noticeable imbalance. Elite rhythmic gymnasts were found to be increasingly susceptible to scoliosis and other spinal disorders with age and years of training. Spinal lateral-flexor muscle imbalance was more severe with scoliosis.

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN COACHES AND ATHLETES IN RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS

Interesting for science in terms of success, are coach-athlete relationship. They are subject of much research and analysis, as the focus is on building strong bonds of trust, respect and support between the two most important sides in the sport.&#x0D; The aim of our study is to research coach-athlete relationship in rhythmic gymnastics and its influence on the training process. In the investigation, a questionnaire with 24 items was used and the respondents were 14 elite rhythmic gymnasts. The results of the study showed the majority of elite gymnasts have their own opinion about the methods used; they want to be listened to. Тhe biggest differences being observed in the proximity of the individual athletes with the coach.&#x0D; A good relationship between a coach and an athlete here are not only the key to sports success, but they are a major source of good education, building a value system and character of the gymnasts.

TRAINING LOAD, RECOVERY AND INJURIES IN ELITE RHYTHMIC GYMNASTS DURING MAIN COMPETITIVE PERIODS: A CASE STUDY

Competitive periods are critical periods where elite rhythmic gymnasts experience higher training loads and insufficient recovery. The aim of this short report is to describe individual training load, recovery and injuries in elite group rhythmic gymnasts during competitive periods. Six gymnasts from the Brazilian senior rhythmic gymnastics group were monitored daily over a 126-day period comprising regular training and four competitions. Training load was measured using the session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE). Daily load, chronic load, and acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR) were assessed. The Total Quality Recovery (TQR) scale was used to monitor recovery and a 3-day rolling average (3RA) TQR was also measured. Injuries were diagnosed and reported by the medical staff and their reports were used in the analysis. Descriptive statistics were used. The gymnasts presented distinct daily load, ACWR, and recovery patterns, as well as injuries across the competitive periods. All athletes had rapid increase (“spike”) in load. Three athletes were underrecovered more than 60% of the time. Four athletes sustained five injuries during the time of the study (all lower limb overuse injuries, two severe, two mild and one slight). Individual factors such as age and chronic load could moderate how each gymnast responds to training and tolerates spikes in load. Moreover, injuries sustained during competitive periods appear to affect the short and long-term careers of gymnasts, as well as impair training and competition organization of the team.

Nutrition and body composition of elite rhythmic gymnasts from Bulgaria

Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport in which special consideration is given to diet and body appearance. The purpose of this study was to assess the nutrient intake and body composition of elite rhythmic gymnasts in comparison with guidelines for female gymnasts. Twenty-one elite rhythmic gymnasts from Bulgaria were divided into three groups: First National Team, mean age 24.2; Second National Team, mean age 17.8; and Junior National Team, mean age 12.6. Body fat and muscle mass were estimated by skinfold methods, and a food frequency questionnaire was applied to assess the nutrient intake. The gymnasts showed low per cent of body fat (13.9% for the First National Team, 17.0% for the Second National Team, and 15.6% for the Junior National Team) and high per cent muscle mass (44.0, 40.5, and 37.6%, respectively). They kept their weight close to the ideal one, as recommended by the coaches, and the following equation best corresponded to the recommended ideal weight: height (cm) − 118. The energy intake was lower than the calculated energy requirements, in addition to low intake of fat and carbohydrates. The relative protein intake was 1.7 g/kg for the First National Team, 1.7 g/kg for the Second National Team, and 1.9 g/kg for Junior National Team, and the energy contribution of proteins was higher than the recommended 15%. Rhythmic gymnasts should be encouraged to maintain their ideal weight without great variance from the health-related guidelines, and coaches should consider not only the body image, but also the norms relating to body composition in women when determining ideal weight.

The Effectiveness of the Mézières Method in Elite Rhythmic Gymnastics Athletes With Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

One of the main reasons why athletes with a high physical condition suffer from low back pain disease is because they often participate in sports that involve disc compression movements during flexion, lifting loads, or torsion movement. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the postural treatment of the Mézières method on elite rhythmic gymnastics athletes with low back pain. Double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. The sports hall of "Puente Tocinos," Murcia, Spain. Ninety gymnastics athletes were randomized into 2 parallel groups (intervention: n = 39; control: n = 51), of whom 98.9% were women (women = 89; man = 1). The Mézières method postural therapy was implemented. It lasted about 60 minutes in repeated sessions of 2 to 3 meetings per week by counting in overall 60 sessions during a 24-week period. Visual analog scale of pain, sit and reach flexibility test, Runtastic (pedometer performance android application), Roland-Morris Questionnaire for the physical disability, and the Health Status Questionnaire were used. The univariate analysis of variance and independent sample t test revealed a significant improvement in the intervention group concerning the visual analog scale pain assessment scale (P < .05, ηp2=.625), and, also, the between-groups effect size was high during the 24 sessions of treatment (d > 0.8) compared with the control one. The same situation persists even for Roland-Morris Questionnaire (P < .05, ηp2=.802), physical score (P < .05, ηp2=.613), mental score (P < .05, ηp2=.736), sit and reach flexibility test (P < .05, ηp2=.666), and Runtastic performance (P < .05, ηp2=.790), where the between-groups effect size was high during the 24 sessions of treatment (d > 0.8). The Mézières method treatment performed on athletes with low back pain has caused positive effects on all the outcomes analyzed compared with the ones of control group.

Longitudinal Study of Individual Exercises in Elite Rhythmic Gymnastics.

The performance evolution in rhythmic gymnastics depends on changes in code of points. At the beginning of each Olympic cycle the code of points changes and therefore, the content of the competition exercises, as well. This study aimed to analyze – for each apparatus – the evolution of number of technical elements and final score over the last two decades (last 13 world championships), how they have been affected by changed code of points, and how the final score relates to the number of technical elements performed. The sample consisted of 416 exercises in five apparatus: ball (96), rope (40), hoop (96), ribbon (88), and clubs (96). The following variables were gathered: code of points, apparatus, technical group, total number of elements, final classification, and final score. Linear mixed-effects models were used to examine the effects on the number of elements and final score in each apparatus. The number of technical elements increased in all apparatus, between 7.4 and 20% over a 10-year period. There were mixed evolutions of final score between the different apparatus, between -6.3 and 14% over a 10-year period. There is small increase in number of elements in hoop and a small decrease in rope after a code change. There was a small decrease in final score in championships after a code change in hoop, moderate in clubs and ribbon, and large in rope. There was a negative relationship between number of elements performed and final score in clubs. In conclusion, the code change generally effects the final score negatively, but there were apparatus specific effects of code change on number of elements and relationship between number of elements and final score.

Gastrocnemius Medialis Architectural Properties at Rest and During Stretching in Female Athletes with Different Flexibility Training Background.

Background: This study examined gastrocnemius medialis (GM) architectural properties and ankle joint range of motion (ROM) between female athletes with different flexibility training background. Methods: Elite rhythmic gymnasts (n = 10) were compared to national level volleyball athletes (n = 10). Fascicle length, pennation angle and muscle thickness at the medial and the distal part of GM, and ankle ROM were measured at rest and during 1 min of static stretching. Results: At rest, rhythmic gymnasts displayed longer fascicles compared to volleyball athletes, at the medial (5.93 ± 0.27 vs. 4.74 ± 0.33 mm, respectively, p = 0.001) and the distal part of GM (5.63 ± 0.52 vs. 4.57 ± 0.51 mm, respectively, p = 0.001), smaller pennation angle at the medial part (22.4 ± 2.5 vs. 25.8 ± 2.4°; respectively, p = 0.001) and greater ankle angle (121.7 ± 4.1 vs. 113.2 ± 3.7°, respectively, p = 0.001). During the 1 min of static stretching, gymnasts displayed greater fascicle elongation at the distal part (p = 0.026), greater maximal ankle dorsiflexion (p < 0.001) and muscle tendon junction displacement (p < 0.001) with no difference between groups in pennation angles (p > 0.145), muscle thickness (p > 0.105), and fascicle elongation at mid-belly (p = 0.063). Conclusions: Longer muscle fascicles at rest and greater fascicle elongation at the distal part of GM may contribute to the greater ankle ROM observed in rhythmic gymnasts.

WEEKLY PROFILE OF TRAINING LOAD AND RECOVERY IN ELITE RHYTHMIC GYMNASTS

The aim of this study is to analyze the weekly profile of internal training load (ITL) and recovery of elite rhythmic gymnasts during a season. Eight professional rhythmic gymnasts of the Brazilian senior group participated. The session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE) and Total Quality Recovery (TQR) score were collected daily across a 37-week season. The session-RPE was collected after each session and the TQR before the first session of the day. The sum of ITL of each session of the day (dITL) and week (wITL), as well as average TQR scores, were retained for the analysis. Training monotony and strain were also recorded. For the analysis, the season was divided into preparatory period, competitive period and a period comprising the competition weeks, within the competitive period. The ITL and recovery profile were different between the days of the periods and the competition weeks. The competitive period as a whole showed higher mean wITL, dITL, and strain, and lower monotony than the others. However, during the competition weeks gymnasts presented the worst recovery and highest monotony scores, despite the lowest mean wITL and dITL. Negative correlation was found between dITL and TQR of the following day (r= -0.333; p&lt;0.001). The ITL and recovery profile changed between the season periods and competition weeks. The training load profile of the competitive period and competition weeks did not guarantee good recovery, especially on the weekend. More variability in load magnitude is suggested, possibly including a day off, during competitive periods and competition weeks.

Performance indicators in individual rhythmic gymnastics: Correlations in competition

The aim of this study was to identify the training variables that can determine the score in elite rhythmic gymnasts. Seven female rhythmic gymnasts participated in the study (age 15.7 ± 1.2). Performance data were collected from elite gymnasts (n=7) in competition exercises executed over 10 sessions occurring in the competition period. Additional variables such as heart rate, subjective rate of perceived exertion, competition category, number of apparatus, number of competitive exercises and number of training sessions were also collected. Data were examined using linear regression. Results showed that the heart rate average values ranged between 137 and 154 beats per minute. At the end of the competitive period, a decrease in the perceived exertion and the average score of the exercises were observed. An increase in the heart rate (p <0.01) and in the perceived exertion (p <0.05) has a positive impact on the total final score. The variables of heart rate and subjective rate of perceived exertion are significant to control the effects of training on the performance of individual rhythmic gymnasts. Moreover, they enable the coaches to control the training load in an affordable and reliable way.

Departure Difficulty Score Vs Final Difficulty Score. The Effect of Performance in Elite Rhythmic Gymnastics

Departure Difficulty Score Vs Final Difficulty Score. The Effect of Performance in Elite Rhythmic Gymnastics

Understanding overuse injuries in rhythmic gymnastics: A 12-month ethnographic study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of overuse injuries in rhythmic gymnastics from a psychosocial perspective. More specifically, it examined how sport culture impacts overuse injuries. DesignTo develop an understanding of the culture of rhythmic gymnastics and gymnasts’ behaviour within the context of this culture, ethnography was the chosen method and written product of this research. MethodA 12-month ethnography was conducted in an elite rhythmic gymnastics club in Italy, with 43 participants, consisting of 16 gymnasts, three female coaches, one physiotherapist, 22 parents, and the club’s president. Eight qualitative methods of data collection were used to provide rigor and depth. Following data transcription, a thematic analysis was conducted to identify the emergent themes. Findings are presented using ethnographic creative nonfiction for ethical, theoretical and practical reasons. ResultsTwo stories were created portraying the same training session through the eyes of a gymnast and her coach. The stories reflect the differences in the interpretation of the same situations and the cultural norms, values and behaviours that influenced the occurrence and experience of overuse injuries. ConclusionsThis study extends research on overuse injuries in three ways: (a) it honours athletes as social agents by exploring the intersection between psychology and sociology, (b) it uses a rigorous methodology to elicit a more in-depth understanding of overuse injuries, and (c) it adopts an innovative form of representation to increase the accessibility of the findings to non-academic audiences.

Analysis of the training load during the competitive period in individual rhythmic gymnastics

The aim of this study was twofold: (i) to describe the training load of elite rhythmic gymnastics in training situations and (ii) to examine the relationship between different training indicators with the final score of the gymnasts. Performance data were collected from elite gymnasts (n=7) in competition exercises executed over 10 sessions occurring in the competition period. Three variables were considered: heart rate, subjective rate of perceived exertion, final score achieved by gymnasts. Data were examined using Spearman and Pearson correlation coefficient and paired samples T-test. Results showed that the heart rate average values ranged between 137 and 154 beats per minute. At the end of the competitive period a decrease in the perceived exertion and in the average score of the exercises was observed. The highest scores were achieved in the first sessions (1-3) and the lowest scores in the last sessions (9-10) of the competition period. There is not a clear relationship between RPE, average heart rate and the score achieved by the gymnasts. The findings can contribute to improve training program effectiveness in rhythmic gymnastics.

Hamstrings functional properties in athletes with high musculo-skeletal flexibility.

The purpose of this study was to examine whether athletes with highly flexible hamstring muscle-tendon units display different passive and contractile mechanical properties compared with controls. Flexibility, passive, and active torque-angle properties were assessed in 21 female elite rhythmic gymnasts and 16 female age-matched athletes. Passive resistance to stretch was measured during knee extension with the hip fixed at 100° of flexion. Concentric isokinetic maximal voluntary knee flexion and extension torques were measured at 60°/s in the same position. Tests of flexibility and passive resistance to stretch indicated a greater flexibility in the gymnasts. Despite no differences between groups in knee flexion and extension peak torque, gymnasts reached knee flexion peak torque at more extended positions (longer muscle lengths) and displayed significantly different torque-angle relations. When active torque was corrected for passive resistance to stretch, differences increased, gymnasts producing more work, and maintaining ≥ 70% of peak torque over a larger range of joint excursion. In conclusion, individuals with a higher flexibility of the hamstrings MTU present a different torque-angle profile, favoring the production of flexion torque toward extended knee positions, displaying larger functional range of motion and a higher mechanical work output during knee flexion.