Female Gymnasts Research Articles

Changes In Body Composition Following A Competitive Season In Division I Collegiate Female Gymnastics Athletes

A large muscle mass to total body mass ratio benefits power athletes such as gymnasts. While collegiate gymnastics athletes train strength and power in the pre-season but reduce training during the competitive season, the degree to which body composition changes during the competitive season is not known. PURPOSE: This study examined changes in body composition in a team of female Division I collegiate gymnastics athletes before and after their competition season. It was hypothesized that percent body fat (%BF), total fat mass (TFM), and bone mineral content (BMC) would remain unchanged from pre- to post-season. METHODS: Fifteen female collegiate gymnasts (age = 19 ± 1 year, ht = 1.62 ± 0.05 m, wt = 62.7 ± 7.2 kg) volunteered to undergo measures of body composition assessment before and after their spring competitive season. During pre-season (PRE), participants were instructed to arrive to the laboratory in a euhydrated state. Following written informed consent, participants provided a mid-stream urine sample which was used to screen for pregnancy and to determine urine specific gravity (USG) using a handheld digital refractometer. Participants then performed a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan to determine TFM, %BF, and BMC. Immediately after the competitive season, participants returned to the laboratory and repeated all procedures (POST). Data were analyzed using paired-samples t-tests with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: BMC significantly increased across the season (6.422 ± 0.206 g PRE vs. 6.485 ± 0.203 g POST; p < 0.05). While there was a downward trend in both TFM (34.158 ± 2.211 kg PRE vs. 32.905 ± 2.335 kg POST; p < 0.1) and %BF (25.68 ± 1.16 % PRE vs. 24.99 ± 1.23 % POST; p < 0.1), these were not significantly different at the a priori p < 0.05 level. There was no change in body weight. CONCLUSION: The significant increase in BMC, combined with the downward trend in TFM and %BF, with no change in body weight, suggests athletes maintained body composition in a favorable manner during the competitive season. The increase in BMC further suggests that stimuli during the competitive season were strong enough to elicit favorable changes in bone remodeling during in-season competition.

Lateral Elbow Overuse Injuries in Pediatric Female Gymnasts: A Comparison of Radial Head Stress Fractures and Capitellar OCD

Objectives:Radial head stress fractures (RHSF) and capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) are rare and may be seen in pediatric gymnasts. Clinical and radiographic factors correlating with these differential lesions are unclear. To describe the clinical presentation of RHSF and compare the demographic, radiographic, and clinical characteristics of elbows in pediatric gymnasts presenting with RHSF to those presenting with OCD of the capitellum.Methods:An IRB-approved retrospective review of consecutive female gymnasts treated within a pediatric sports medicine practice for either RHSF or capitellar OCD over a 5-year period (1/2014-2/2019) was performed. Gymnasts <18 years old at the time of injury presenting with signs of a radial head stress fracture (Salter-Harris III or IV) or with diagnostic features of capitellar OCD were included. Those with congenital anatomic elbow abnormalities or prior ipsilateral elbow surgery were excluded. Patients were dichotomized into either the RHSF or OCD group; and demographic, radiographic, and clinical characteristics were compared. Statistical analysis was performed using a Mann-Whitney test for continuous variables and a chi-square test for categorical variables.Results:Forty-five patients (9 with bilateral OCD, 1 with bilateral RHSF, and 3 with each lesion in alternate elbows), contributing 58 elbows, met inclusion criteria. Thirty-nine elbows in the OCD group and 19 elbows in the RHSF group were studied. Average age for all gymnasts was 11.58 years (9-16 years), with no difference between groups (OCD: 11.47 vs RHSF: 11.78; p=0.34). No differences in height, weight, BMI, or laterality were noted. Gymnasts presenting with RHSF were competing at a higher level than those with OCD, with 94.74% of RHSF group competing at level 7 or greater compared to 66.67% of OCD patients (p=0.02).Compared to those with OCD, the RHSF group presented more acutely following onset of symptoms (p=0.014), reported significantly more pain with valgus stress (p<0.001), and concurrent medial elbow pain than those with OCD (p<0.01).The RHSF group demonstrated significantly smaller distal humeral width and decreased height of the proximal radial epiphysis, as well as increased valgus angulation of the radial neck shaft angles and distal humeral articular surface (p<0.05). No differences in olecranon or medial epicondyle hypertrophy, or avulsive changes were identified. (Table I)Conclusion:Gymnasts competing at a high competitive level and presenting more acutely may be at risk for RHSF. Additionally, differing anatomy in the lateral elbow may be a predisposing risk factor for RHSF as opposed to OCD and merits further investigation.

Effect of functional training on floor exercise performance of female gymnasts

The study was conducted to test the effect of functional training on the floor exercise, 15 sub – elite and elite female gymnasts were randomly selected as subjects for the study. In replacement of their regular conditioning exercises the subjects were asked to perform functional training exercises prepared by the researcher for a period of 16 weeks, 5 days a week, during the evening sessions for 60 to 90 minutes. A pre and post - tests were conducted to measure the performance of the female gymnasts on floor exercise using the standard evaluations prescribed by the federation international gymnastics. The data of the pre and post-tests were statistically analysed using the paired‘t’ test, which stated that there is a significant difference in performance of gymnasts on floor exercise due to functional training. It can thus be concluded that functional training improves the performance of female gymnasts on floor exercise. Its applications can also be extended to improve the performance of gymnasts on other apparatus and can have enhanced applications to training sportsmen for other sports and games as well.

Morphological profile of Spanish female acrobatic gymnasts

Morphological profile of Spanish female acrobatic gymnasts

Vibration Platform Stretching Increases ROM Acutely, With No Long-term Effect In Junior Olympic Women’S Gymnasts

Flexibility, particularly range of motion (ROM) of the hips, is critical for gymnasts’ performance. Despite consistent flexibility training, many competitive gymnasts still need greater ROM. PURPOSE: To investigate the acute and chronic effects of vibration platform (VP) flexibility training on ROM at the hips in the middle split position. METHODS: Participants included 18 female gymnasts aged 7-16 years competing in JO level 6. Gymnasts were paired according to baseline ROM then randomly assigned to either the VP treatment group or the control group. The control group continued normal team stretching at the end of every practice, four days per week. The treatment group substituted standard stretching for VP stretching twice per week. ROM was measured after a single one-minute VP treatment and after 10 weeks of VP treatment. Prior to each measurement gymnasts completed a standard team warm-up including active ROM exercises. Measurements were taken using Myomotion inertial sensors placed on the lateral aspect of the distal femurs and overlaying the sacrum. RESULTS: After 10 weeks of training, the VP group’s ROM increased by 8.4 (±5.5) degrees (p=0.002), while the control group’s ROM increased by 5.8 (±8.0) degrees (p=0.064). There was no significant difference between groups (p=0.435). A single VP treatment increased ROM by 3.6 (±7.3) degrees (p=0.045). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant, although temporary, improvement in ROM after a single VP treatment. However, VP stretching does not appear to be a viable training option to improve ROM beyond standard stretching over time in child and adolescent female JO gymnasts.

CODE OF POINT AND RUBRIC EVALUATION OF GYM IN LEARNING JASMANI EDUCATION IN SCHOOL

Code of points, an artistic gymnastics competition assessment guideline set out in the gymnastics competition's rule book that governs the regulation of the assessor's tasks, stages, and levels of gymnast's age and its characteristics both junior and senior. The purpose of the code of point is, 1) that the junior gymnast can develop up to the peak of achievement at the senior level, 2) so that the gymnast can perform safely and avoid injuries that interfere with the physical development of the gymnast, 3) so that the assessment can be carried out with the same guidelines and not to be misunderstood. The target audience of community service are PJOK teachers both who work in the elementary, junior high school education units and as gymnastic trainers. The results of the activity show that the teachers and trainers have mastered the code of point assessment in gymnastic learning, so that the teacher is able to 1) solve the problem by examining the series of gymnastic movements at Olimpiade Olahraga Siswa Nasional(O2SN) branch exercises, 2) mastering the sign of body parts if there are mistakes in making the movement so that the value is reduced; 3) understand the level of small, medium and large errors, specifically about bending angle errors of less than 15 0 , bending angles between 15 0 to 30 0 , and bending with angles of more than 300. 4) assessing aesthetic elements in carrying out movements, including flexibility of motion, structuring the movements in shaping synchronization (specifically for female gymnasts to harmonize with accompaniment music), order and structure of movements. 5) able to assess movements that contain special requirements (requirment) in the artistic gymnastics of the floor such as there must be an acrobatic element, a gymnastic element, the press balance element persists for a certain time.

The Influence of Biological Maturity and Competitive Level on Isometric Force-Time Curve Variables and Vaulting Performance in Young Female Gymnasts.

Moeskops, S, Oliver, JL, Read, PJ, Cronin, JB, Myer, GD, Haff, GG, and Lloyd, RS. The influence of biological maturity and competitive level on isometric force-time curve variables and vaulting performance in young female gymnasts. J Strength Cond Res 34(8): 2136-2145, 2020-This cross-sectional study investigated isometric force-time curve variables and vaulting performance in young female gymnasts of varying maturity and competitive levels. One hundred twenty gymnasts aged 5-14 years were subdivided into maturity groupings and also according to their competitive level. Subjects performed isometric midthigh pulls (IMTP) before completing straight jump vaults that were recorded using two-dimensional video. All significance values were accepted at p < 0.05. Absolute peak force (PF abs) and force at various time epochs were significantly greater in more mature gymnasts, although no significant differences were observed in relative peak force (PF rel). When grouped by competitive level, elite gymnasts produced a significantly greater absolute rate of force development (RFD abs) at 0-150, 0-200, and 0-250 ms as well as relative RFD (RFD rel) at 0-200 and 0-250 ms than recreational gymnasts. Based upon regression analyses, force at 50 ms during the IMTP test explained 15% of vertical takeoff velocity during vaulting. Biological maturation seems to impact isometric force-time curve characteristics in young female gymnasts, and higher-level gymnasts produce greater RFD than those competing at a lower level. Vaulting vertical takeoff velocity seems to be largely independent of isometric force-time characteristics with only a small amount of variance explained by force at 50 ms.

Avascular Necrosis of Femoral Head Following Iliopsoas Tendon Rupture in a Young Female Gymnast

Avascular Necrosis of Femoral Head Following Iliopsoas Tendon Rupture in a Young Female Gymnast

ANTHROPOMETRIC PROFILE OF GYMNASTS PARTICIPATING IN THE EUROPEAN GAMES 2015 IN BAKU, AZERBAIJAN

Sports performance is strongly influenced by the athletes’ anthropometric profile. In the specific case of Gymnastics, body weight assumes particular relevance, given the aesthetic character of this sport. Anthropometric data were collected from 309 gymnasts (20.9 ± 4.1 years old) participating in the 2015 European Games: age, body weight and height, from a database of the organization of this competition available online in the 5 disciplines of the Gymnastics included in the competition, namely Men´s and Women´s Artistic Gymnastics, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Acrobatic Gymnastics and Aerobic. Body mass index was calculated. Female gymnasts were significantly younger and lighter than male gymnasts and had a lower body mass index than males (P = 0.000). Female athletes were in the 25th percentile for weight and BMI and in the 15th percentile for height, according to their age. Male gymnasts were in the 25th percentile for weight, height and BMI. Female acrobatic gymnasts were younger and lighter (25th percentile) than other gymnastics disciplines; rhythmic gymnasts presented the lowest BMI (5th percentile). Male artistic gymnasts were the lightest (15th percentile) and with the lowest BMI (25th percentile) within the male participants. BMI was dependent on weight, height and gender, with exception for exclusive-gender disciplines and, surprisingly, also in Aerobics. Gymnasts presented an anthropometric profile with results for body weight, height and body mass index below the normal for their age.&#x0D;

Heart rate variability as a possible predictor of sport performance in junior rhythmic gymnastics

BACKGROUND: Heart rate variability may reveal sensitive information about the athletes’ physiological adaptation when exercising for sport performance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to demonstrate whether heart rate variability (HRV) measurements were able to predict sport results and determine which type of measurements, at rest or during routines, were relevant in anticipating the performance. METHOD: Ten female gymnasts, aged 11–14 years old, and 16 age-matched non-active adolescents participated in this study. HRV was measured at rest for 10 minutes and throughout the training routines one week prior to competition. Correlations and multivariate analysis determined the parameters predicting performance. Significance was set at p⩽ 0.05. Results: At rest, the gymnasts displayed higher HRV values than controls. At rest, sympathetic parameters correlated with sport results whereas no correlation was observed during routines. The magnitude of the predictive factors highlighted the importance of Ln SD2 (coefficient =-117, 95CI -130 to -106), Ln RMSSD (coefficient =-24.5, 95CI -29.2 to -19.8), Ln pNN50 (coefficient =-10.7, 95CI -11.5 to -9.9), and Ln Total power (coefficient =-2.5, 95CI -13.4 to -11.5). CONCLUSIONS: HRV at rest may predict results in competition, being a complementary tool for coaches.

Heart Rate Responses during Sport-Specific High-Intensity Circuit Exercise in Child Female Gymnasts.

This study examined heart rate (HR) responses during a sport-specific high-intensity circuit training session to indirectly assess cardiorespiratory stress in child athletes. Seventeen, female gymnasts, aged 9–11 years performed two 5-min 15 s sets of circuit exercise, interspersed by a 3 min rest interval. Each set included five rounds of five gymnastic exercises (7 s work, 7 s rest) executed with maximal effort. During the first circuit training set, peak heart rate (HR) was 192 ± 7 bpm and average HR was 83 ± 4% of maximum HR (HRmax), which was determined in a separate session. In the second set, peak HR and average HR were increased to 196 ± 8 bpm (p < 0.001, d = 0.55) and to 89 ± 4% HRmax (p < 0.001, d = 2.19), respectively, compared with the first set. HR was above 80% HRmax for 4.1 ± 1.2 min during set 1 and this was increased to 5.1 ± 0.4 min in set 2 (p < 0.001, d = 1.15). Likewise, HR was above 90% of HRmax for 2.0 ± 1.2 min in set 1 and was increased to 3.4 ± 1.7 min in set 2 (p < 0.001, d = 0.98). In summary, two 5-min 15 s sets of high-intensity circuit training using sport-specific exercises, increased HR to levels above 80% and 90% HRmax for extended time periods, and thus may be considered as an appropriate stimulus, in terms of intensity, for improving aerobic fitness in child female gymnasts.

Analysis of pre-competitive state anxiety levels in artistic gymnastics athletes

Anxiety can be assessed from the perspective of three dimensions: somatic anxiety refers to physiological changes, cognitive anxiety associated with the degree of worry or negative thoughts, and self-confidence is related to a belief in facing a challenge. The study aimed to identify pre-competitive state anxiety levels in artistic gymnastics athletes, to compare pre-competitive anxiety levels of these participants between age groups and their competitive experience levels. 115 female artistic gymnastics athletes were analyzed, with a mean age of 13.61 ± 2.12 years. The results demonstrate that in the analysis of the three dimensions, there was a statistically significant difference only in the dimension Self-confidence (p=0.012). In the pairwise comparison, Self-Confidence showed a statistically significant difference in the 16-19 years and 13-15 years groups and also in the 16-19 years and 9-12 years groups. In the variable competitive experience, we can also notice a statistically significant difference in national competitions between groups 9-12 and 16-19. It can be concluded that the athletes participating in the older age group have lower self-confidence levels compared to the other groups. These results indicate that the older the athletes, the greater their concern with their performance, fear of failure and expectation of performance, leading to low levels of self-confidence.

Peak sagittal plane spine kinematics in female gymnasts with and without a history of low back pain

BackgroundFemale gymnasts have a greater prevalence of back pain compared to other female athletes. There is little evidence that female artistic gymnasts with and without back pain demonstrate different movement patterns during gymnastics skills. The purpose of this study was to determine if there were differences in back movements during back walkovers and back handsprings among female artistic gymnasts. MethodsFemale artistic gymnasts (8–18 years old) with and without back pain wore inertial sensors on their torso, arms, and legs while performing back walkovers (N = 14) and back handsprings (N = 15) on the floor and balance beam at their training gymnastics facilities. FindingsGymnasts with back pain had similar spine peak extension, peak flexion, and range of motion during back walkovers and back handsprings compared to gymnasts without back pain. Additionally, no differences in sagittal plane spine kinematics were found between the groups at any specific time point during either the back walkover or back handspring skills. However, a large portion of the data collected was excluded during quality assurance, thus our final sample sizes are small. InterpretationThese findings suggest that gymnasts with back pain have similar sagittal plane movements to those without back pain. The relationship between back pain and gymnastics training load/intensity is currently unclear. We suggest future studies to investigate common artistic gymnastics skills and back pain prevalence with more participants, full-body motion analysis with kinetic measurement capabilities, and longitudinally for those demonstrating back pain.

The Relationship of Shoulder and Elbow Stresses and Upper Limb Contact Order During a Round-Off Back Handspring.

Despite high injury incidence rates in gymnastics, there is a paucity of data characterizing upper extremity injury causation and biomechanical risk factors. This study investigated contact forces across multiple joints in both upper extremities during a round-off back handspring (ROBHS), a fundamental gymnastics tumbling maneuver. (1) To characterize the three-dimensional (3-D) biomechanics of the sequential, asynchronous contact of each upper extremity with the ground during a ROBHS using 3-D motion capture, and (2) to evaluate potential correlations to upper extremity injury risk. Observational cross-sectional study. Controlled laboratory environment. Fourteen competitive female gymnasts aged 10-21 years (mean age: 16.6 ± 3.1 years) (1) participating on a competitive gymnastics team; (2) capable of successfully completing a ROBHS; and (3) free of reported injury at enrollment. Not applicable. Variables evaluated include joint angle, torque, compression force, ground reaction force (GRF), time to peak GRF, and limb loading rates. Variables were analyzed at the wrist, elbow, and shoulder of both limbs at ground contact. The hypothesis that these dependent variables would differ by ROBHS upper extremity contact order was formulated retrospectively after data collection. The first contact limb experienced significantly greater extension torque at the elbow (first: 48.89 ± 18.01 Nm, second: 22.49 ± 9.19 Nm; P = .014; CI 95% [14.83, 37.97]) and faster time to peak GRF (P < .001, CI 95% [-1.79, -0.99]). The second limb of contact experienced significantly greater abduction torque at the shoulder (P = .007; CI 95% [-21.58,-8.08]) and anterior-posterior GRF at contact (P = .007; CI 95% [-1.06,-0.26]). The biomechanical differences between contact limbs during the ROBHS may lead to different injury risk. Recognition of the stresses at the elbow and shoulder for both limbs also provides new insight for rehabilitation clinicians to consider when guiding patients to return to gymnastics activity after injury.

Agreement between force and deceleration measures during backward somersault landings

ABSTRACT This study examined the agreement between force platform and inertial measurement unit (IMU) measures of backward somersault landings. Seven female gymnasts performed three trials, taking off from a 90 cm vaulting box and using competition landing technique. Two force platforms (1000 Hz) covered with a 6.4 cm thick carpeted landing surface measured the ground reaction forces. One inertial measurement unit (500 Hz) fixed on the second thoracic vertebra measured peak resultant deceleration of the gymnast. Measurement agreement between vertical and resultant peak force measures, and resultant peak force and peak deceleration was assessed using mean differences, Pearson’s correlation, and Cohen’s effect size (ES) statistics. There was perfect measurement agreement between vertical and resultant peak forces (R = 1.0, p < 0.001; ES = 0.005), but only moderate measurement agreement between resultant peak force and peak resultant deceleration (Mean Difference = −2.16%, R = 0.4, p = ns; ES = 0.121). Backward somersault landings can be assessed using either uni-axial or tri-axial force platforms to measure ground impact load/force, as the landing movements are almost purely vertical. However, force measures are not the same as peak resultant decelerations from IMUs which give an indication of impact shock. Landing load/shock measures are potentially important for injury prevention.

SPINAL RANGE OF MOTION AND BACK PAIN IN FEMALE ARTISTIC GYMNASTS DURING BACK WALKOVERS AND BACK HANDSPRINGS

Background:Back pain is a common complaint among gymnasts. Gymnastics skills require large amounts of spine flexion, extension, rotation and compression. The combination of these movements in a repetitive fashion during gymnastics may contribute to the development of back pain. Gymnasts perform unique skills on various equipment and surfaces, which makes their movements difficult to evaluate using traditional movement analysis approaches.Hypothesis/Purpose:Our purpose was to measure gymnasts’ movement patterns in their native environment using wearable sensors. Specifically, we examined spine range of motion (ROM) during back walkovers (BWO) and back handsprings (BHS) on the floor and balance beam. We hypothesized that female youth gymnasts with a recent history of back pain would have larger spine ROM compared to gymnasts without back pain when performing these skills.Methods:Female artistic gymnasts ages 8 to 18 years in the Junior Olympic USA Gymnastics program participated in the study. We grouped gymnasts into two groups: those having back pain within the past 12 months and those with no reported back pain in the past 12 months. Gymnasts performed 3 repetitions of BWO and BHS on floor and balance beam while wearing APDM Opal V2 wearable sensors. A BWO requires a controlled bridge kickover while a BHS requires the athlete to jump backwards to her hands (Figure 1). Spine kinematics were then processed via Moveo Explorer. Valid spine sagittal plane maximums, minimums, and ROM of each skill repetition were compared between groups via Kruskal Wallis analysis of variance.Results:Seventeen participants (6 with back pain) completed BWOs and BHSs with acceptable sensor data. There were no demographic differences between the two groups for age, height, weight, competition level, or years of experience (p≥0.129, Table 1). During BWO skills, gymnasts with back pain had greater peak extension and greater ROM in the sagittal plane of the spine (p≤0.032, Figure 2). There were no differences between groups in peak extension, peak flexion, or ROM during BHS skills (p≥0.054, Figure 2).Conclusion:Gymnasts with a history of back pain had increased spinal motion when performing BWO skills. To perform a BWO, gymnasts must have higher levels of shoulder, spine, and hip flexibility, which may relate to back pain. This study suggests the need for future studies to evaluate if increased spinal motion during gymnastics is a contributing factor to the development of back pain.Figure 1.Back walkover (left) and back handspring (right) movements performed by a gymnastTable 1.Demographics for gymnasts with and without back pain.Age (yrs)Height (cm)Mass (kg)Gymnastics Competition Level (1-10)Years of Experience Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD Back Pain (n=6)13.92.6149.318.937.19.58.21.710.53.4No Pain (n=11)13.31.7147.14.737.23.69.41.09.32.6 p value 0.315 0.155 0.547 0.129 0.510 Figure 2.Spine extension, flexion, and total range of motion (ROM) for back walkover (BWO, top) and back handspring (BHS, bottom) skills performed on the floor and balance beam. Black indicates the mean and standard deviation. Red indicates the median, inter-quartile range, and any outliers.

LATERAL ELBOW OVERUSE INJURIES IN PEDIATRIC FEMALE GYMNASTS: A COMPARISON OF RADIAL HEAD STRESS FRACTURES AND CAPITELLAR OCD

Background:Radial head stress fractures (RHSF) and capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) are rare and may be seen in pediatric gymnasts. Clinical and radiographic factors correlating with these differential lesions are unclear.Purpose:To describe the clinical presetantion of RHSF and compare the demographic, radiographic, and clinical characteristics of elbows in pediatric gymnasts presenting with RHSF to those presenting with OCD of the capitellum.Methods:An IRB-approved retrospective review of consecutive female gymnasts treated within a pediatric sports medicine practice for either RHSF or capitellar OCD over a 5-year period (1/2014-2/2019) was performed. Gymnasts <18 years old at the time of injury presenting with signs of a radial head stress fracture (Salter-Harris III or IV) or with diagnostic features of capitellar OCD were included. Those with congenital anatomic elbow abnormalities or prior ipsilateral elbow surgery were excluded. Patients were dichotomized into either the RHSF or OCD group; and demographic, radiographic, and clinical characteristics were compared. Statistical analysis was performed using a Mann-Whitney test for continuous variables and a chi-square test for categorical variables.Results:Forty-five patients (9 with bilateral OCD, 1 with bilateral RHSF, and 3 with each lesion in alternate elbows), contributing 58 elbows, met inclusion criteria. Thirty-nine elbows in the OCD group and 19 elbows in the RHSF group were studied. Average age for all gymnasts was 11.58 years (9-16 years), with no difference between groups (OCD: 11.47 vs RHSF: 11.78; p=0.34). No differences in height, weight, BMI, or laterality were noted. Gymnasts presenting with RHSF were competing at a higher level than those with OCD, with 94.74% of RHSF group competing at level 7 or greater compared to 66.67% of OCD patients (p=0.02).Compared to those with OCD, the RHSF group presented more acutely following onset of symptoms (p=0.014), reported significantly more pain with valgus stress (p<0.001), and concurrent medial elbow pain than those with OCD (p<0.01).The RHSF group demonstrated significantly smaller distal humeral width and decreased height of the proximal radial epiphysis, as well as increased valgus angulation of the radial neck shaft angles and distal humeral articular surface (p<0.05). No differences in olecranon or medial epicondyle hypertrophy, or avulsive changes were identified. (Table I)Conclusion:Gymnasts competing at a high competitive level and presenting more acutely may be at risk for RHSF. Additionally, differing anatomy in the lateral elbow may be a predisposing risk factor for RHSF as opposed to OCD and merits further investigation.Table 1.Comparison of activity, clinical, and radiographic charcteristics in pediatric female gymnast to with radial head stress fractures (RHSF) and osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum (OCD).

Training effects of modern artistic exercises in improving some physical variables and sensory system among rhythmic gymnasts under (12) years

The aim of this research is to determine the dynamics of the growth and development of all elements of the sensory system (muscular, visual, and sense of balance) and time, to determine the precise rates of dynamic threshold value for each of the elements of the sensory system in question and sense of time. The researcher used the experimental method of one experimental group and pre-, inter-, and post-measurements to suit the nature of this research. The basic study was applied to (10) female gymnasts in a deliberate manner from female players under 12 years of age, 58.8% of the original community of 17 players from Al Ittihad Club of Alexandria to conduct the basic experiment and exploratory studies. The results showed that the proposed program applied to the sample led to a clear improvement in all the results of the sensory system tests and a sense of kinetic time under study, the proposed program led to an improved level of performance of the skill under study, an improvement in the level of performance of the skills under research contributed to the improvement of the sensory system and sensation In time The researcher recommends the need to pay attention to the application of warm-up exercises and physical preparation similar to modern technical exercises in training programs, and conduct similar studies on different gymnastics devices to improve the level of female athletes.

Case Study: The Effect of Low Carbohydrate Energy Restricted Diet on Body Composition and Physical Performance of a Female Artistic Gymnast

Case Study: The Effect of Low Carbohydrate Energy Restricted Diet on Body Composition and Physical Performance of a Female Artistic Gymnast

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN MUSCLES’ CONTRACTILE PROPERTIES AND JUMPING PERFORMANCE IN GYMNASTS

This study examined the association between muscles’ contractile properties and jumping skill performance in gymnasts. Thirty-nine internationally experienced female (56%) and male (44%) gymnasts participated in the study. Radial displacement and contraction time of the biceps femoris, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and erector spinae were collected to assess muscles’ contractile characteristics using tensiomyography (TMG). Additionally, peak power, jump height, vertical take-off velocity, and vertical peak force in squat jump, countermovement jump, and drop jump were recorded. The TMG parameters did not predict jumping performance in our sample of female and male gymnasts. Associations between TMG parameters and jumping performance are discussed in the article.