Female Gymnasts Research Articles

“… particularly effective therapeutically.”

In the 1950s, ‘dancing gymnastics’ as a form of group therapy was introduced in the psychiatric hospital of Schussenried. The new therapy had been developed by a female gymnastics teacher and was taken up by the medical director. This was followed by joint lectures and dance performances with patients for the scientific community. All of this took place in a clinical-therapeutic setting in which notions of treatment and cure had been renegotiated since the testing of the new psychotropic drugs. The article outlines how new approaches were to be conceived, tested and legitimized. Focusing on evidence production, it explores the question of how the effectiveness of dance-based remedial gymnastics was supposed to be staged and made performatively visible in the context of recovery.

The role of perceived coaching behaviours on sport performance among female aesthetic group gymnasts

This study aimed to test the relations of perceived autonomy-supportive and controlling behaviours from coaches with athletes’ sport performance during competition in a context of female aesthetic group gymnastics. In line with self-determination theory, it was expected that the sequence of perceived psychological needs satisfaction and autonomous motivation, and psychological needs frustration and controlled motivation would mediate these relationships. Female aesthetic group gymnasts (n=128) ages 11–20 years completed self-report measures of perceived autonomysupportive and controlling behaviours from coaches, athletes’ needs satisfaction and needs frustration, including the need for novelty, as well as athletes’ autonomous and controlled motivation. Athletes’ objective performance during the competition was also obtained. Results from the single-indicator structural equation modelling analyses revealed a positive, indirect relationship between perceived autonomy-supportive behaviour from coaches and athletes’ performance mediated by the sequence of needs satisfaction and autonomous motivation. Significant indirect relationship between perceived controlling behaviour from coaches and athletes’ performance mediated by the sequence of needs frustration and controlled motivation was not followed. However, a negative direct relationship of controlled motivation, instigated by needs frustration, on athletes’ performance was evident. Findings suggest that perceived autonomy-supportive behaviour from coaches is an essential antecedent to athletes’ performance in a female aesthetic group gymnastics.

Bone Mineral Density in Prepubertal Female Swimmers

The purpose of this review study is to present the effect of swimming practice on bone mineral density in prepubertal female children as compared with the same age of children and gymnasts following former studies. The bone mineral density of prepubertal swimmers is the same as that of general girls. The impact load from the vertical direction increases the bone mineral density of the several sites in female gymnasts, but the increase in bone mineral density of swimmers due to mechanical stimulation may not be observed.

TEMPO AND RHYTHMIC ABILITIES IN FEMALE GYMNASTS AS A FACTOR OF MOTOR SYNCHRONICITY IN GROUP GYMNASTIC ROUTINES

Aim. The paper aims to justify the need to take into account the tempo and rhythmic abilities of female gymnasts as one of the factors of motor synchronicity in group gymnastic routines. Materials and methods. The study involved 12 highly skilled gymnasts aged from 18 to 19 years (Masters of Sport in rhythmic gymnastics). Two groups were formed based on gymnastic routines. Tempo and rhythmic abilities were assessed, and an expert evaluation of mistakes in motor synchronicity was carried out. Results. During the expert evaluation, the athletes made errors in the following components: unintended movements in start and final positions, lack of accuracy in positions and transitions, unity of routines and composition, where one follows from the other but is evaluated by different judges. It was also determined that the rhythmic pattern with the faster tempo was done more accurately than those with the slower tempo if it was simple. The rhythmic pattern such as eighth two sixteenth and three-beat dotted causes more difficulties when performed with inner counting (p ˂ 0.05). The strongest correlations between an expert evaluation of motor synchronicity and tempo and rhythmic abilities were found for the following rhythmic patterns: two-beat dotted, three-beat dotted, syncope (r = –0.524; r = –0.485; r = –0.545). Conclusion. The tempo and rhythmic abilities of gymnasts characterize the quality of motor synchronicity in group gymnastic routines, namely, the ability of gymnasts to implement the tempo and rhythmic structure of motor actions to music.

Health outcomes among former female collegiate gymnasts: the influence of sport specialization, concussion, and disordered eating

ABSTRACT Objective: Gymnastics is a popular sport with high injury rates, especially at the collegiate level. There is limited evidence, however, regarding the risks of early specialization in this sport, the rate of concussions in gymnasts, and the long-term effects of disordered eating in gymnasts. We sought to describe health-related outcomes of former collegiate gymnasts and the association with early sport specialization, concussion history, and disordered eating. Methods: We distributed an online survey through social media outlets. A total of 473 former female collegiate gymnasts completed the survey and were grouped according to early (<14 years) specialization, presence or absence of concussion history, and history of disordered eating. We determined the number of participants who had time-loss injuries, injuries requiring surgery, and injuries resulting in retirement. We also evaluated menstrual history, reasons for sport retirement, functional outcome measures, and mental health. Results: The median age of gymnastics specialization was 8 years [interquartile range = 6–11 years]. The proportion of injuries sustained during college did not significantly differ by specialization age. A significantly greater proportion of early specializers required surgery for college sports-related injuries (60% vs. 44%; p = 0.02). Forty-two percent of the respondents reported concussion history, and a greater proportion of those with concussion history reported seeking mental health treatment during college (32% vs. 23%; p = 0.03), and anxiety disorder diagnosis (16% vs. 9%; p = 0.01). Disordered eating history was reported by 34% of the respondents, and this group had a higher proportion of time-loss injury (78% vs 65%; p = 0.004), and osteoporosis (4% vs 0%; p = 0.003) during college, and worse current pain (11.5 vs 10.2; p = 0.007) and physical function (12.2 vs 11.0; p = 0.01) than those without disordered eating. Conclusion: Athletes and clinicians should be aware of the long-term effects of early specialization, concussions, and disordered eating in gymnastics as these issues are common in female collegiate gymnasts.

The Structure of Selected Basic Acrobatic Jumps.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between the internal and external structure of basic acrobatic jumps. Eleven healthy elite artistic gymnasts (9 female, 2 male) participated in this study. Participants performed the following basic ‘acrobatic’ jumps: a tucked backward somersault (TS), a piked backward somersault (PS), and a countermovement jump (CMJ). Furthermore, female gymnasts also performed the backward handspring (HS), taking off and then landing on their hands in the same place – a specific jump only for women. All jumps were initiated from a stationary upright posture and with an arms swing. Six infrared cameras, synchronized with a module for wireless measurement of the electrical activity of eight muscles, and the force plate were used. Infrared camera-recordings were made in order to obtain kinematic variables describing the movement structure of the acrobatic jumps. These variables may explain the characteristics of muscle activation (the internal structure of the movement) and ground reaction force (the external-kinetic structure of the movement). However, for various technical reasons, it was not possible to register all the specified jumps in the protocol. Moreover, the distribution normalities, estimated by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, differed between variables. Therefore, to compare the data, the pair-wise nonparametric Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks Test was applied. The CMJ showed the highest level of vertical impulse, velocity, and displacement followed by the TS, PS, and HS. In the take-off phase of acrobatic jumps with rotation the average muscle activation levels of the biceps femoris were significantly higher and of the rectus femoris significantly lower than in the countermovement jump.

Effects of different stretching methods on vertical jump ability and range of motion in young female artistic gymnastics athletes

Female artistic gymnastics includes multiple athletic gestures that can be performed by combining jump strength with wide degrees of joint mobility. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of two different types of stretching on vertical jump height and range of motion in competitive gymnasts and to identify the most suitable stretching protocol for increasing range of motion, without negatively affecting vertical jump performance. In a crossover design, following dynamic stretching, static stretching, and control (no stretching), eight competitive female gymnasts (age: 14±2 years; BMI: 18.8±1.4 kg/m2, mean±SD) were tested on jump performance through a squat jump, a countermovement jump and an acrobatic gymnastic jump, and on range of motion by measuring the amplitude of the forward oversplit figure. One-way repeated measure ANOVA revealed significant main, very large effect of stretching condition (P<0.01). Post-hoc comparisons showed improvement of squat jump and countermovement jump after dynamic stretching with respect to static stretching and control (P<0.05). Range of motion increased significantly following static stretching with respect to dynamic stretching and control (P<0.01). Dynamic stretching is recommended in the warm-up to increase vertical jump performance, while specific static stretching should be pursued in the final phase of the training session being a specific technical work for range of motion.

SELF-PERCEPTIONS AND SELF-ESTEEM IN ADOLESCENT RHYTHMIC GYMNASTS: IS TRAINING LEVEL A DETERMINANT?

The purpose of this study was to examine Self-Perceptions and Self-Esteem in adolescent rhythmic gymnasts of different training levels. One hundred female rhythmic gymnasts (32 competitive and 68 recreational level gymnasts), aged 13-15 years, participated in this study. Participants’ Self-Perception and Self-esteem were evaluated through the Greek version of Harter’s Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents (Harter, 1986;2012; Makri-Mpotsari, 2001) which measures nine specific domains of self-perception (Scholastic Competence, Relations with Peers, Relations with Parents, Mathematics Competence, Athletic Competence, Physical Appearance, Language Competence, Behavioral Conduct, Close Friends) consisting of 5-items each. The inventory also includes a ten-item Global Self-Worth scale that measures Self-Esteem. In addition, gymnasts provided information on their training. Competitive level gymnasts scored higher than recreational in the domain of Relations with Parents (p=0.027, d=0.50) and in Global Self-Worth (p=0.046, d=0.45). No differences were found between groups in other self-perception domains (p=0.068 to 0.611, d=0.41 to 0.10). Engaging in competitive sport may enhance adolescent athletes’ Self-Esteem and it is likely that this engagement strengthens the relations of the gymnasts with their parents. Further research is required on the association between training level and Self-Perception domains, and in particular in the case of adolescent female athletes.

BIOMECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF STAG LEAP WITH BACK BEND OF THE TRUNK: A CASE STUDY

Biomechanical considerations as reflected in correct or incorrect technique, particularly in all gymnastic disciplines are more than undoubted. The stag leap as a variation of split leaps is one of the fundamental gymnastics skill and a key movement in the development of elite female gymnasts. The aim of the study was to analyse the kinematic characteristics of the stag leap with back bend of the trunk performed in rhythmic gymnastics and simultaneously find out the explosive power regarding this particular element. A member of Slovakian national team was involved in the study. Kinematic characteristics of the element were analysed. A capture system consisting of 8 infrared cameras were employed to collect the data. The explosive power of the lower limbs were diagnosed by a jump ergometer with 2 standardized tests: vertical counter-movement jump with the fixation of the arms and 10-second repetitive vertical jumps with arms movements. In addition, the explosive power of the lower limbs was also observed in the flight phase of the element. The results in 10-second repetitive jumps show the highest value of gymnast centre of mass 46.4 cm, contact time 0.195 s and the best active output in the flight phase 58.3 W.kg-1. While performing the difficulty element, slightly different data were observed due to the complexity and more demanding motor coordination of both upper and lower body segments: the highest value of gymnast centre of mass was 40.8 cm, contact time 0.209 s and the output in the active flight phase 52.8 W.kg-1.&#x0D;

Pre-competition and training anxiety among athletes practising gymnastic disciplines

Introduction: The gymnastic disciplines abound in difficult and risky technical elements. Excessive anxiety is a factor which can have a destructive effect on the athlete both at the stage of motor learning, as well as when performing during competitions. Anxiety is a natural human emotion, but whether it has positive or negative influence on an individual’s performance clearly depends upon its level. Aim of the study: The study aimed to determine the level of anxiety (as state, cognitive anxiety and somatic anxiety) among male and female gymnasts in situations before starting competitions and before training when mastering new, difficult elements. The following research questions were formulated: • Does the level of anxiety in the participants during learning new elements differ from the level of anxiety before starting to compete? • Does the level of somatic anxiety in the gymnasts during learning new elements differ from the level of anxiety before starting to compete? • Does the level of cognitive anxiety in the gymnasts during learning new elements differ from the level of anxiety before starting to compete? • What is the level of trait anxiety characteristic of the participating gymnasts? Material and method: Twenty eight people were assessed (14 women and 14 men) who professionally practice gymnastic disciplines. The average age of respondents was 18 years. All subjects were competing at championship level and had been practicing their sport for a minimum of 10 years. The Spielberger’s self-evaluation questionnaire (State-Trait-Anxiety Inventory, STAI) and the Smith’s, Smoll’s, Schutz’s Reaction to Competing Questionnaire (The Sport Anxiety Scale, SAS), as adapted to Polish by Krawczyński, were used in the research. Results: By adopting the criterion of statistical difference p  0.05 it was proven that there are statistically significant differences between the level of anxiety before training and before competition: state anxiety (p=0.033), somatic anxiety (p=0.004), and cognitive anxiety – attentions disorders (p=0.011). When analysing the average values of the participants, it was noted that they are characterised by an average trait anxiety level. Conclusion: The participating athletes who train in gymnastic disciplines are characterised by an average level of trait anxiety. The gymnasts experience stronger anxiety before competition than during a demanding training session.

Differences between all-around results in women’s artistic gymnastics and ways of minimizing them

Background: In the present study, the main goal was to establish whether the disciplines are equal and should the Code of Points (COP) women's artistic gymnastics be revised in terms of point standardization on apparatus. Material and methods: The sample included all-around senior female gymnasts who participated in the qualification (C-I) competitions at World Championships held in 2009-2019. Results: The biggest differences are even two points between the two apparatus vault and balance beam. Vault compared to other apparatus is different for 1.559 points. Presentation of correlations between each apparatus the evidence that nothing has changed significantly in recent years, whereas correlations of the difficulty values of elements are extremely high between the present COP. Conclusions: With this analysis, we have found that the results achieved at the vault and other apparatus were significantly different in terms of success in all-around competition.

Use of a Hip Spica for Management of an Acetabular Labral Tear in a Female Collegiate Gymnast: A Case Report

The patient was a 20-year-old female gymnast complaining of lateral hip pain, posterior to the greater trochanter, that increased with hip extension and external rotation. Over the course of 1 month during the season, pain progressively shifted to the groin and hip extension and external rotation became limited. A minimally painful exercise program was implemented in conjunction with a supportive hip spica, assisting extension and external rotation while limiting flexion and internal rotation during therapeutic exercise. The resulting implementation of a hip spica is a novel way to reduce pain and improve function to augment current conservative treatments.

Order Effects in Elite Gymnastics

We study the effect of order of performances on the final execution score in artistic gymnastics. We use data from all the finals for both genders at the main gymnastics tournaments in the period between 2009 and 2017 where the order of performances was fully randomised. We find that female gymnasts who perform later receive on average a significantly higher execution score for their routine, however, we find no effect of the order of performances in men’s competitions. The existence of subjective evaluation only in female competitions considering artistry, could be one of the possible explanations for gender differences. We also find no relationship between the score of an athlete and his or her immediate predecessor.

The Influence of Biological Maturity on Dynamic Force\u2013Time Variables and Vaulting Performance in Young Female Gymnasts

PurposeThis cross-sectional study investigated dynamic force–time variables and vaulting performance in young female gymnasts of different maturity status.Methods120 gymnasts aged 5–14 years were sub-divided into maturity groupings using percent of predicted adult height (%PAH) attained. Participants performed three jumping protocols, the squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ), before completing straight jump vaults that were recorded using two-dimensional video.ResultsJumping performance improved with biological maturity evidenced by the most mature gymnasts’ producing significantly more absolute force (P < 0.05; all d > 0.78), impulse (P < 0.05; all d > 0.75) and power (P < 0.05; all d > 0.91) than the least mature group, resulting in the greater jump heights (P < 0.05; all d > 0.70). While, no significant differences were observed in relative peak force across multiple tests, measures of relative peak power did significantly increase with maturity. Based upon regression analyses, maturation was found to influence vertical take-off velocity during vaulting, explaining 41% of the variance in each jumping protocol. Across all tests, the DJ was found to have the highest predictive ability of vaulting vertical take-off velocity, explaining 55% of the total variance.ConclusionBiological maturation impacts jump height and underpinning mechanical variables in young female gymnasts. Vaulting vertical take-off velocity appears to be influenced by maturation and various dynamic force–time variables, particularly those during DJ, which had the highest explained total variance.

Anthropometric Characteristics of Olympic Female and Male Artistic Gymnasts from 1996 to 2016

Anthropometric Characteristics of Olympic Female and Male Artistic Gymnasts from 1996 to 2016

Risk factors associated with low back pain in competitive female gymnasts: A meta-analytic approach

ABSTRACT The aim of this meta-analysis was to aggregate data from studies investigating the risk factors associated with low back pain (LBP) in competitive gymnasts. Four databases were searched and studies reporting demographics, anthropometrics, functional, psychosocial and gymnastics-practice variables in competitive gymnasts with and without LBP were included. For continuous data, the weighted mean difference (MD) and confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated, while odds or risk ratio (OR, RR) were calculated for dichotomous data. Meta-analysis of six cross-sectional studies involving 284 competitive female gymnasts revealed that artistic were more likely to report LBP compared to rhythmic gymnasts (RR 1.4, 95% CI 1.04–2.0, Z=2.2, p=0.03). Data pooling revealed that age (MD 1.5 years, 95% CI 0.4–2.5, p=0.005) and body weight (MD 3.5 kg, 95% CI 0.1–6.8, p=0.04) were significantly higher in gymnasts with LBP compared to those without. Subgroup-analyses confirmed these differences in artistic but not in rhythmic gymnasts. Moreover, artistic gymnasts with LBP tended to display longer gymnastics-practice history (p=0.09) compared to those without. Increased age, body weight and, to a lesser extent, longer gymnastics-practice appear to differentiate artistic gymnasts with LBP from those without; conversely, these potential risk factors seem less relevant for rhythmic gymnasts.

Seasonal changes in body iron status including erythropoiesis and hemolysis and dietary intakes among Japanese collegiate elite female rhythmic gymnasts

Seasonal changes in body iron status including erythropoiesis and hemolysis and dietary intakes among Japanese collegiate elite female rhythmic gymnasts

QUALITATIVE CHANGES IN RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS HOOP THROWS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS

Throws and catches in rhythmic gymnastics represent one of the fundamental groups of apparatus actuation. They represent for the hoop actions of great showmanship, but also elements of risk. The purpose of this paper is to improve the throw execution technique through biomechanical analysis in order to increase the performance of female gymnasts in competitions. The subjects of this study were 8 gymnasts aged 9-10 years old, practiced performance Rhythmic Gymnastics. The experiment consisted in video recording and the biomechanical analysis of the element “Hoop throw, step jump and catch”. After processing the video recordings using the Simi Motion software, we have calculated and obtained values concerning: launch height, horizontal distance and throwing angle between the arm and the horizontal. Pursuant to the data obtained, we have designed a series of means to improve the execution technique for the elements comprised within the research and we have implemented them in the training process. Regarding the interpretation of the results, it may be highlighted as follows: height and horizontal distance in this element have values of the correlation coefficient of 0.438 and 0.323, thus a mean significance of 0.005. The values of the arm/horizontal angle have improved for all the gymnasts, the correlation coefficient being 0.931, with a significance of 0.01. As a general conclusion, after the results obtained, it may be stated that the means introduced in the experiment have proven their efficacy, which has led to the optimisation of the execution technique, thus confirming the research hypothesis.

Left Foot Injury In A Female Gymnast

HISTORY: A 17-year-old female high level gymnast presented for evaluation of left heel pain and ecchymosis. Two days prior to her presentation, she was sprinting in preparation for a roundoff prior to vault take-off and felt her heel shift when she went to push-off. She fell and was immediately unable to bear weight secondary to heel pain. Pain was exacerbated by any weight-bearing activity and improved with rest. She had been wearing a walking boot and using crutches for ambulation. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: Healthy-appearing female with a muscular build in no apparent distress. Antalgic gait favoring left foot, avoiding pressure on heel. Ecchymosis along both the medial and lateral aspects of the calcaneus. Tenderness to palpation and associated swelling at the plantar aspect of the calcaneus and along the subtalar joint. Ankle range of motion was full and pain-free. Pain with resisted eversion. Talar tilt and calcaneal squeeze tests were positive. No pain with plantar fascia stretching or palpation along the mid to distal plantar fascia. Achilles tendon was intact. Anterior drawer was negative. Strength was full and light touch sensation was intact. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: 1. Calcaneal stress fracture 2. Subtalar joint subluxation 3. Plantar fascia tear TEST AND RESULTS: Left ankle and foot radiographs were negative for acute fracture or dislocation. Left ankle MRI revealed a focal tear involving the lateral margin of the lateral cord of the plantar aponeurosis. FINAL WORKING DIAGNOSIS: Lateral cord plantar fascia rupture TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES: 1. Walking boot for 6 weeks with gradual wean out of boot during the 6th week and ankle range of motion exercises when out of the boot. 2. Once out of boot, supportive shoes with ankle brace and dorsiflexion night splint at night. 3. Physical therapy focusing on Achilles stretching, ankle range of motion and strengthening until pain and tenderness resolved. Slowly advanced to more sports-specific tasks once pain-free. 4. At 10 weeks post injury, she was pain free while performing plyometric and balance/proprioceptive exercises and had a normal exam with full pain-free range of motion. 5. Functional return to sport given her normal exam and pain-free activity with physical therapy.

Changes In Body Composition And Energy Balance In Collegiate Female Gymnasts Over Multiple Competitive Seasons

The maintenance of energy status is an important dietary goal for competing athletes to properly fuel efforts, promote recovery, and prevent onset of illness or decrements in performance. Recent work in competing male athletes has reported on energy balance using body-composition derived parameters, but limited data is available highlighting changes in female athletes, and in particular female athletes who participate in physique sports. PURPOSE: To assess the changes in body composition and energy balance in female collegiate gymnasts over multiple competitive seasons. METHODS: 19 NCAA Division II collegiate female gymnasts (Mean ± SD; 18.4 ± 0.68 yr, 59.4 ± 4.5 kg, 160.9 ± 5.4 cm, 22.6 ± 2.2 % fat, 18.0±1.2 kg/m2 fat free mass index) underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans at the start of each season. Data was collected on all 19 subjects over three years with nine subjects being extended to a fourth year. Energy balance (EB) was calculated using a previously validated equation (EB= 1.0(Δ FFM/Δ Time) + 9.5(Δ FM/Δ Time) using fat free mass (FFM), time (days between scans) and fat mass (FM). A factorial ANOVA with repeated measures on time was conducted for changes in FFMI and Δ EB. Individual paired samples T-Tests were conducted when significance was found. RESULTS: Significant differences (p<0.05) between EB at year 1 (26.1 ± 46.7 kcals/day) and year 2 (-20.3 ± 57.9 kcals/day). Differences were also found (p<0.05) between years 2 (-20.3 ± 57.9 kcals/day) and year 3 (48.9±59.7) among the 9 subjects whose data extended to a fourth scan. No statistical significance was found (p > 0.05) between FFMI levels between year 1 (18.0 ± 1.2 kg/m2), year 2 (18.1 ± 0.8 kg/m2), and year 3 (18.3 ± 1.3 kg/m2). CONCLUSION: Changes in energy balance were largely stable in competitive female gymnasts across three years periods of time. Additionally and in concert, FFMI levels were also found to be stable across the measurement period. While statistically significant differences were present, the practical significance of these differences is not deemed to be relevant. Additional research is needed in all female athlete population to help identify and understand what dietary changes may be needed to best promote health, performance, and recovery.