Female Artistic Gymnasts Research Articles

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHOULDER FLEXIBILITY AND HANDSTAND ALIGNMENT IN DIFFERENT FEMALE ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS APPARATUS

A study was performed with the objective of analyzing the relationship between shoulder flexibility and handstand performance across three female artistic gymnastics apparatuses: floor exercise (FX), balance beam (BB), and uneven bars (UB). Twenty-one gymnasts participated and were divided into two groups: “G1”, consisting of twelve child gymnasts, and “G2”, consisting of nine adolescent gymnasts, aged 9 and 14 respectively. The study aimed to consider the sensitive phases for the development of flexibility. Using the Kinovea program, the shoulder angle (°H) in the handstand and the alignment of the joint segments (AJS) involved were analyzed. Participants underwent two different active shoulder flexibility tests (GFMT and FIG), and results were compared between the groups. Significant differences were found between groups in the GFMT test (p = 0.018), the FIG test (p = 0.026), and AJS in the BB handstand (p = 0.043). Significant relationships were also observed between the GFMT test and °H in UB (p = 0.021); and between the FIG test and °H in BB (p = 0.006), both withing the cild gymnast group. Overall, the adolescent group presented better scores, supporting the notion of greater body awareness and technical mastery of the handstand across the different female artistic gymnastics apparatuses.

Countermovement jump and reactive strength index of artistic gymnasts improve more with cluster-based plyometric training than with traditional methods

Purpose This randomized controlled study aims to compare the effects of cluster training versus traditional plyometric lower limb training on vertical and horizontal jump performance, as well as the reactive strength index, in young female artistic gymnasts. Methods: A total of 54 female artistic gymnasts (15.4 ± 1.2 years) participated voluntarily this study. Participants were assigned to one of three groups: (i) cluster training (PLYct); (ii) traditional training (PLYtr); and (iii) a control group (not exposed to plyometric training). The intervention spanned 8 weeks, with evaluations conducted before and after the intervention period for the following variables: (i) squat jump; (ii) countermovement jump; and (iii) reactive strength index in a drop jump test. Results: Significant interactions time × group were found in SJ (p < 0.001; =0.505), CMJ (p<0.001; =0.241) and RSI (p < 0.001; =0.492). The time × group analysis in post-intervention revealed significantly greater performance in SJ of PLYct (3.0 cm; p < 0.001) and PLYtr (2.5 cm; p=0.001) in comparison to control group. Significantly higher CMJ height were observed for the PLYct group comparing to PLYtr (1.3 cm; p=0.008) and control (2.9 cm; <0.001), while PLYtr was significantly better than control (1.6 cm; p=0.001). PLYct had significantly greater RSI than PLYtr (0.07 RSI; p = 0.014) and control (0.10 RSI; p<0.001), while PLYtr was significantly better than control (0.10 RSI; p = 0.024). Conclusion: Cluster sets were significantly more effective than traditional sets in improving the stretch-shortening cycle as measured by the CMJ and enhancing the reactive strength of gymnasts. It is recommended to incorporate cluster sets while applying plyometric training to maximize performance with favorable adaptations.

Returning to Sport: A Level-Based Guide for Women’s Artistic Developmental Program Gymnasts

Female artistic gymnasts, defined as gymnasts who compete in the vault, uneven parallel bars, balance beam, and floor events, may be affected by a wide variety of acute and overuse injuries throughout their athletic careers. Returning these athletes to their sport safely after an injury requires detailed knowledge of the various events in which they compete as well as a familiarity with what is expected of these gymnasts at the various levels of training and competition. Despite the complexity described above, there are few published resources to help providers guide the female artistic gymnast back to sport after injury. Therefore, we developed two purposes for this paper: (1) to review important concepts regarding return to play (RTP) in women’s artistic gymnastics and (2) to add to the existing literature on RTP in women’s gymnastics by providing RTP protocols that consider a gymnast’s training level as well as injured body area.

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.

Age-Related Differences between Maximum Flight Height of Basic Skills on Floor, Beam and Vault and Physical Condition of Youth Female Artistic Gymnasts.

In women's artistic gymnastics, difficult elements with great flight heights have to be performed on the apparatuses. However, the importance of the physical condition for generating flight height and its development with age remains elusive. Therefore, we investigated the age-related differences of lower body power, reactive strength, 20 m sprint speed, flight heights (basic elements on beam and floor) and run-up speed on the vault of 33 youth female gymnasts. Further, we calculated correlations between all parameters separately for different age groups (7-9 y; 10-12 y; 13-15 y). We found larger differences between the age groups 7-9 y and 10-12 y than between 10-12 y and 13-15 y on the apparatuses (10-12 y vs. 7-9 y: +23% to +52%; 13-15 y vs. 10-12 y: +2% to +24%) and for physical conditioning variables (10-12 y vs. 7-9 y: +12 to +24%; 13-15 y vs. 10-12 y: + 5% to +16%). The correlations between flight heights and physical condition were the lowest for age group 7-9 y (r: from -0.47 to 0.78; 10-12 y: r: from -0.19 to 0.80; 13-15 y: r: from -0.20 to 0.90). An optimal application of the physical condition to enhance the gymnastics-specific performance (e.g., flight height) is strongly age-dependent. Regular monitoring of jumping abilities and the derivation of training recommendations can accelerate this development and the future performance of young athletes.

Effects of kettlebell swing training on cardiorespiratory and metabolic demand to a simulated competition in young female artistic gymnasts.

We examined the effects of adding a Kettlebell Swing training program (KB) to the regular skill-training protocol (REGULAR) on cardiorespiratory fitness, cardiorespiratory/metabolic demand, and recovery to a simulated competition of female artistic gymnastics. Nine gymnasts (13±2 years) had their REGULAR complemented with a 4-week kettlebell training (REGULAR+KB), consisting of 3 sessions/week of 12x30" swings x 30" rest with ¼ of their body weight, while 9 aged-matched gymnasts acted as a comparison group. Peak oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]) during routines was estimated from the O2 recovery curve using backward extrapolation and off-kinetics parameters were modeled through a mono-exponential function. Heart rate (HR) was monitored continuously and capillary blood lactate (BLa-) was measured before and after each routine (1st and 3rd min). Cardiorespiratory fitness ([Formula: see text]) was evaluated using a ramp cycle ergometer test. A training-by-time interaction effect was observed for [Formula: see text] (p = 0.009) as increments were only observed after REGULAR+KB (M = 8.85, SD = 9.67 ml.kg.min-1). No training-by-time interactions were observed for HRpeak (p = 0.39), [Formula: see text] (p = 0.07), or La-post3 (p = 0.25), both training protocols reduced HRpeak (M = -12; SD = 11 b.min-1) and BLa-post1 (M = -0.70; SD = 1.29 mmol.L-1) during the simulated competition, but not relative [Formula: see text]. No training-by-time interaction was observed for the off-transient [Formula: see text] time constant (p = 0.38). [Formula: see text] recovery was slower (M = 5; SD = 10 s) after both protocols. Both training protocols improved cardiorespiratory and metabolic demands and recovery kinetics to a simulated competition of female artistic gymnastics, although increases in cardiorespiratory fitness were only observed in REGULAR+KB.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Static Balance in Female Artistic Gymnasts and Non-Training Girls

Sports activities can constitute a factor in improving postural control. The aim of this study is to compare static balance in the tandem stance between female artistic gymnasts and non-training girls. This was performed with and without visual control, as well as in a position with open eyes, on a 1.25 m high platform. Two groups of thirty girls participated in the study. The first group consisted of gymnasts (mean age 9.50 ± 1.20 years, body height 133.50 ± 11.40 cm, and body mass 28.90 ± 6.90 kg), while the second group comprised non-training girls (mean age 9.80 ± 1.20 years, body height 142.60 ± 10.90 cm, and body mass 37.40 ± 9.70 kg). Balance measurements were taken using the CQ Stab 2P two-plate stability platform. In the measurements conducted with the subjects’ eyes closed, the gymnasts obtained a lower value for displacement regarding the maximal centre of pressure (COP) in the anterior–posterior direction and a higher frequency of COP displacement (p &lt; 0.05). In the trial performed on a platform, a greater COP displacement frequency was found among the non-training girls (p &lt; 0.001). Differences in the values of the variables characterising the static balance of gymnasts and non-training girls were revealed only in conditions of increasing difficulty concerning the motor task (increasing the height of the position and/or without eye control).

DETECTION OF EATING DISORDERS IN MALE AND FEMALE ARTISTIC GYMNASTS

The purpose of this study was to investigate the trend of eating disorders in competitive male and female artistic gymnasts. The study involved 23 male and 42 female gymnasts, aged 7-27, from sports clubs throughout Greece. The EAT-26 Diet Attitudes scale was used to investigate participants' eating habits. The data collection process included communication with sports organizations throughout Greece on the content and purpose of the research. After consultation, the questionnaire was due to the COVID-19 pandemic provided in an electronic form and also included the consent form for participation in the research. The results of the study indicated that eleven of the sixty-five gymnasts had a total score of &gt;20 on the EAT-26, a rate higher among female gymnasts (~ 24%) compared to male gymnasts (~ 4.4%) (p &lt;.05). Although female gymnasts develop more eating disorders and bulimia than male gymnasts, no significant differences were found in the subscales of the questionnaire (p &gt; .05). Therefore, this finding in combination with the fact that most of the gymnasts were teenagers (15.23 ± 6.35 years old) requires particular importance and attention from coaches and the family environment.

The relationship between handgrip strength and performance scores in North American Collegiate Division I women’s artistic gymnasts

Maximal isometric handgrip strength (HGS) is used as an indicator of overall muscular strength and has also been found to be predictive of certain athletic events sporting prowess. Women’s artistic gymnastics requires athletes have high levels of relative muscular strength and power to be successful. This study examined the relationship between HGS and gymnastics performance scores for the 4 events of vault, uneven bars, beam, and floor in female collegiate artistic gymnasts. Twenty-five (n=25) female National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I North American collegiate women’s artistic gymnasts (age: 20.1±1.3 yrs; height: 158.9±5.6 cm; mass: 58.2±5.3 kg) were assessed for a one-time measurement of absolute HGS in kg and relative HGS (HGS/height in m2), as well as their average vault, uneven bars, beam, and floor performance scores across a competitive season. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were determined between HGS and all performance scores. No significant (p &amp;gt; 0.05) correlations were found between absolute HGS (30.8±4.4 kg) or relative HGS (12.0±1.6 kg/m2) and any 4 gymnastics event’s performance scores (r range: -0.07 – 0.50 or r range: -0.06 – 0.31, respectively). In this female collegiate gymnastics’ population, 56% had an absolute HGS and 80% had a relative HGS, respectively, above the 50th percentile of all similarly aged adult females in the United States. In the current population of female collegiate gymnasts, absolute and relative HGS were not related to any gymnastics events performance scores and adds to the existing literature, supporting no relationships between HGS and sports performances where sports movements require a high degree of technical precision and accuracy. Findings from this investigation can be used by athletes, coaches, and practitioners in the collegiate women’s gymnastics realm to assess if athletes have attained sufficient absolute HGS, and especially relative HGS values, to be successful.

Effect of educational curriculum on coordination and learning of forward and backward rolls on floor mats in female artistic gymnastics

The primary aim of the present study was to prepare an educational curriculum to improve coordination and learning of forward and backward rolls on floor mats in female artistic gymnastics. The present study had an experimental design. Students of the second stage of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences of the University of Karbala (academic year 2020-2021) constituted the research community for the present study. A total of 54 students, present in the research community, were recruited as the participants of the study. Participants were allocated into two groups, experimental group and control group, by simple random allocation method. Based on the findings of the present study, the researchers concluded that the educational curriculum improved the coordination and learning of forward and backward rolls on floor mats.

The relationship between rigorous perception of one\u2019s own body and self, unhealthy eating behavior and a high risk of anorexic readiness: a predictor of eating disorders in the group of female ballet dancers and artistic gymnasts at the beginning of their career

BackgroundA group that is particularly exposed to eating disorders are young sportswomen who practice aesthetic disciplines, for whom it is important to keep a slim figure. Hence, the purpose of the study was to present the assessment of perception of one’s own body and self as well as nutritional behavior in the group of ballet dancers and artistic gymnasts (BGA, n = 60) aged 10–12 against the background of the peer group (K, n = 60) and to determine the relationship between the studied elements, as well as anorexic readiness risk assessment to help diagnose premorbid stage of eating disorders with full symptoms.MethodsAnthropometric measurements (height, body weight) and the assessment of adipose tissue were performed. Using a questionnaire, data on physical activity, perception of one's own body and self, and selected eating behaviors were collected.ResultsUnderweight was observed in nearly half of the girls from the BGA group and the content of adipose tissue was significantly lower. Girls from the BGA group were characterized by overestimation of body size (p = 0.032), the need to improve their appearance/body (p = 0.025) and wanting to be the best in many areas of life (p = 0.002) significantly more often than in the K group. Moreover, they significantly more often limited the consumption of fats and carbohydrates (p = 0.044) and felt angry with themselves after too large of a meal (p = 0.050). It was shown that unhealthy eating behavior in the BGA group was significantly associated with rigorous self-perception (r = 0.42; p < 0.001). Students from the BGA group were more often exposed to a higher risk of anorexic readiness (p = 0.001). In a detailed analysis, it was found that eating behaviors, such as fasting, limiting the consumption of fats and carbohydrates, and avoiding eating under stress, were associated with feelings of dissatisfaction with oneself, the belief that appearance is extremely important in achieving life success and the need to improve appearance.ConclusionThe obtained research results can be used as a source of information for specialists (including dietitians and psychologists), for the preparation of educational and repair programs in the group of ballet dancers or artistic gymnasts aged 10–12, including nutritional education and psychological care.

Eating Attitudes, Menstruation Cycles and Physical Profiles of Turkish Female Elite Artistic Gymnasts

It is thought that female artistic gymnasts (AG) who do long-term and high-intensity exercise and whose body fat percentage should be low may have disorders in their eating attitudes and menstruation cycles. These problems can lead to poor performance and, more importantly, undesirable health problems in the future. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the eating attitudes, menstrual cycles and physical profiles of female elite AG who train for long periods and at high intensity. Thirteen elite female AG participated in this study (Turkey National Team gymnasts). The height of all participants was measured with an ultrasonic height meter (Langen Messstab 5003, Germany). Body weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, total muscle mass, bone mineral weight, basal metabolic rate and body fluid ratios were determined by body composition monitor (Tanita BC 401, Japan). Eating attitudes of the participants were determined with the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26). With the Menstrual Cycle Form, the participants' menstrual cycles, pain conditions during menstruation, whether they had a gynecological operation, whether they gave birth or not, and the use of oral contraceptive pills were obtained. Training histories and temporal training intensities were determined with the Training Information Form. The EAT-26 Test results, which were within the normal range in the results of this study, were not different in gymnasts with and without menarche (p&lt;0.05). However, the fact that 46.2% (6 gymnasts) of the elite female AG with a mean age of 18.31 ± 4.54 years did not start menarche, suggesting primary amenorrhea in these athletes. Keywords: Female artistic gymnasts, eating attitudes, menstruation cycles, physical profiles

Slow Wave Sleep of Elite and Nonelite Gymnasts Is Influenced by Weekly Training Hours, Not by Fitness Level.

This study aimed to determine the influencing factors of potential differences in sleep architecture between elite (EG) and nonelite (NEG) female artistic gymnasts. Twelve EG (15.1 [1.5]y old) and 10 NEG (15.3 [1.8]y old) underwent a nocturnal polysomnography after a regular training day (5.8 [0.8]h vs 2.6 [0.7]h), and, on a separate test day, they performed an incremental treadmill test after a rest day in order to determine physical fitness status. A multiple linear regression assessed the predictive value of training and fitness parameters toward the different sleep phases. Total sleep time and sleep efficiency (proportion of time effectively asleep to time in bed), as well as percentage of nonrapid eye movement sleep phase 1 (NREM1) and 2 (NREM2), slow wave sleep (SWS), and rapid eye movement sleep (REM), during a single night were compared between EG and NEG using an independent-samples t test. Peak oxygen uptake influenced NREM1 (β = 1.035, P = .033), while amount of weekly training hours predicted SWS (β = 1.897, P = .032). No differences were documented between EG and NEG in total sleep time and sleep efficiency. SWS was higher in EG (36.9% [11.4%]) compared with NEG (25.9% [8.3%], P = .020), compensated by a lower proportion of NREM2 (38.7% [10.2%] vs 48.4% [6.5%], P = .017), without differences in NREM1 and REM. The proportion of SWS was only predicted by weekly training hours and not by training hours the day of the polysomnography or physical fitness, while NREM1 was linked with fitness level. Sleep efficiency did not differ between EG and NEG, but in EG, more SWS and less NREM2 were identified.

Estimated energy expenditure and training intensity in young female artistic gymnasts

Aim: This study determined the energy expenditure and effort intensity of athletes during women's artistic gymnastics training sessions. Methods: Ten gymnasts (age 10.9 ± 1.7 years) performed a test to estimate the maximum rate of oxygen uptake (VO2max), during which the maximum heart rate (HRmax) was also obtained. The heart rate (HR) of these gymnasts was recorded during five training sessions and then used to estimate the exercise intensity and energy expenditure. Results: Mean duration of training sessions was 4.08 ± 0.42 h, with mean HR corresponding to 137 ± 8 bpm or 69.0 ± 3.5% of HRmax. Gymnasts spent less training time at 90-100% HRmax compared to the other HR ranges (p < 0.05). Time spent at 60-70% and 70-80% was higher compared to 80-90% HRmax (p = 0.012 and p = 0.001, respectively). The training impulse was 239.2 ± 35.4 AU. Estimated energy expenditure was 768.3 ± 168.5 kcal, metabolic rate was 3.1 ± 0.6 kcal/min, and the metabolic equivalent of task (MET) corresponded to 6.1 ± 0.6. Conclusion: Young gymnasts performed prolonged and moderate-intensity training sessions that generated high energetic demands. This information is beneficial to gymnasts since the coaching team can use the data to control the training load and prescribe a proper diet.

Balance control in artistic gymnasts and its comparison under three training methods: a pilot trial

PurposeBalance is a highly demanded motor ability in artistic gymnasts; however, it is unknown what type of training can improve this variable. The purpose was to determine if Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and neuromuscular (NM) trainings are more effective than conventional artistic gymnastics training (CONV) for improving balance control in female artistic gymnasts.MethodsOverall, 33 female artistic gymnasts were selected and randomly assigned to 3 training groups: CONV, SEBT, or NM. The Y-Balance Test evaluated balance control. ANOVA (group × time) with repeated measures was used to compare the effects of training.ResultsIn the dominant lower limb, significant pre- and post-intervention differences were observed for SEBT training in the posteromedial direction (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.0003; % change = 13.4), as well as in NM in the anterior (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.0001; % change = 23.9), posteromedial (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.0001; % change = 23.1), and total index (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.0001; % change = 17.8) of the Y-Balance Test. Moreover, NM training presented significant differences compared with CONV (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.0001; % change = 14.0) and SEBT (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.0001; % change = 12.8) in the posteromedial direction; it also exhibited differences compared with CONV (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.0392; % change = 8.8) and SEBT (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.0065; % change = 11.3) in the total index.ConclusionsNM training results in a significant improvement in balance control compared with CONV and SEBT training in female artistic gymnasts.

Biomechanical responses to landing strategies of female artistic gymnasts

ABSTRACT Inconsistencies between sexes in the landing criteria provided by the international gymnastics governing body (FIG) may predispose female gymnasts to lower extremity injury. This study aimed to investigate lower extremity biomechanics when performing the male and female landing strategy. Seven collegiate, female gymnasts (age: 20.5 ± 1.2 years, height: 1.64 ± 0.06 m, mass: 60.4 ± 10.2 kg) performed drop landings using the prescribed women’s and men’s landing strategy. Kinematic and kinetic data from 10 trials of each landing strategy were collected. Differences between landing strategy at individual and group level for key injury risk variables of the lower limb were explored. Group differences (p ≤ .05) were reported in the sagittal range of motion (ROM) at the knees and hips, with the men’s landing strategy eliciting a larger ROM decelerating the body upon impact. Large inter and intra-individual variation was apparent with different movement responses shown across individuals and demonstrating degeneracy as gymnasts satisfied the overall landing objective. These results indicate an individually favoured landing strategy to fulfil the informational constraints and hence supporting the use of a single-subject design. The current study emphasises the potential injury risk associated with the different informational constraints placed on females’ landing strategy by the FIG, whilst recognising the individual gymnasts’ task response. Highlights An increase in the range of motion at the knee and hip may support the recommendation of the men’s landing style. Gymnasts appear to utilise individual landing strategies to complete the landing objective, supporting the use of a single-subject design.