Female Gymnasts Research Articles

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 (<i>p</i> = 0.0003; % change = 13.4), as well as in NM in the anterior (<i>p</i> = 0.0001; % change = 23.9), posteromedial (<i>p</i> = 0.0001; % change = 23.1), and total index (<i>p</i> = 0.0001; % change = 17.8) of the Y-Balance Test. Moreover, NM training presented significant differences compared with CONV (<i>p</i> = 0.0001; % change = 14.0) and SEBT (<i>p</i> = 0.0001; % change = 12.8) in the posteromedial direction; it also exhibited differences compared with CONV (<i>p</i> = 0.0392; % change = 8.8) and SEBT (<i>p</i> = 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.

Sexuality and Eugenics in Female Gymnastics in the Mid-Twentieth Century in Uruguay

This work addresses the configuration of bodies and the type of gymnastics prescribed for women according to the leading authors of the main physical education institution in Uruguay in the mid-twentieth century: the National Committee of Physical Education (CNEF). In doing so, the processes that led to female gymnastics becoming fertile ground for the dissemination of eugenic ideas and practices, including sexuality discourses, are analyzed. The analysis focuses on three presentations by leading physical educators at the 3rd Pan American Congress of Physical Education, held in Montevideo in October 1950, as well as a study manual of Theory of Gymnastics, which was a subject taught in the Physical Education Teacher Training Course at the Higher Institute of Physical Education (ISEF). From a historical-discursive perspective, two sets of disputes are presented: those between racial justifications and material conditions, which resulted in local adaptations of Uruguayan and Latin American gymnastics, and the discursive conception of gymnastics and female bodies as something closely related to motherhood (a central element of the eugenic discourse) and the possibility of transcending this conception.

Intersection of surgical injuries and pain interference among former female collegiate gymnasts

Gymnastics is a competitive sport with numerous health benefits. However, few data exist that examine the lasting effects of injuries in retired gymnasts. To examine pain interference among former collegiate gymnasts. Specifically, we focused on the relationship between gymnastics-related injuries sustained during middle/high school or college that required surgery and former collegiate gymnasts' current pain. We hypothesized that injuries requiring surgery would be associated with increased pain and reduced function after retirement. Cross-sectional survey. An online questionnaire was distributed to former female collegiate gymnasts via social media. A total of 447 former female collegiate gymnasts completed the survey and were grouped according to whether they indicated an injury during their middle/high school or collegiate gymnastics career that required surgery. The association between current pain interference (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System [PROMIS] scale) and injuries in middle/high school or college that resulted in surgery. Pain interference elements included current enjoyment of life, ability to concentrate, participation in day-to-day activities, enjoyment of recreational activities, ability to perform errands, and ability to socialize with others. Those who reported an injury that resulted in surgery (n= 260; mean current age± SD =32.8± 9.5 years) were younger than those who did not at the time of survey completion (n= 187; current age: 37.0± 11.0 years) and reported beginning gymnastics at an earlier age (4.4± 2.0 years vs. 5.1± 2.5 years; p= .001). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups on any PROMIS questions. In secondary analyses, we found a small but significant association between beginning gymnastics at an earlier age and the odds of requiring surgery (odds ratio=1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.02-1.21; p= .02). Most retired gymnasts reported a gymnastics-related injury that required surgery. Gymnasts who start gymnastics at a younger age were more likely to sustain an injury that required surgery, but surgery was not associated with higher levels of pain interference.

THE EFFECT OF 10-WEEK ISOKINETIC TRAINING ON MUSCLE STRENGTH AND GYMNASTIC PERFORMANCE IN PREADOLESCENT FEMALE GYMNAST

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of isokinetic training on muscle strength and gymnastic performance when added to traditional gymnastic training on handspring vault in preadolescent female gymnasts. Twenty female gymnasts with a mean age of 10.50 ± 1.19 years, height 125.50 ± 4.52cm, and body mass 27.30 ± 2.58 kg volunteered to participate in this study. A Cybex II Isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure the peak torque of the knee joint in extension at angular velocities of 60°/sec and 300°/ sec. A Casio EX-F1 (Tokyo, Japan) high speed video camera was placed perpendicular to the optical axis of springboard and vaulting horse. The subjects participated in 10-weeks training for three non-consecutive days per week, 2 hours per day, and separated into two equal groups. The experimental group (EG) followed a specialized training program (technical preparation and muscle strength via Cybex II), whereas the control group (CG) followed the traditional training program (technical preparation and muscle strength). Results showed no significant interaction was found for gymnastic score; however, a significant main effect was found for the time. No significant interaction effect among the three independent variables (group, time, side) was found for the knee extension at 60°/sec. However, the EG had a significantly higher mean values compared to the CG in the post-test. The interaction among the three independent variables with respect to the knee flexion at 300°/sec was not significant. However, the interaction between sides by group was significant. The 10-week isokinetic training added to the traditional training improved the knee strength, which consequently improved aspects of the vault, but did not affect other technical aspects of the handspring performance. Furthermore, results of our study support the claim that optimal performance is the result of a complex interaction of several factors.

Pathology and surgical outcomes of anterior traumatic shoulder instability in gymnasts (235)

Objectives:For shoulders of artistic gymnasts, stability against various forces such as weight bearing, torsion, and traction is required as well as wide range of motion. The prevalence of shoulder instability in gymnasts has been reported to be high, particularly in female gymnasts; however, there has been no report on its pathology and the surgical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively investigate the pathology and surgical outcomes of anterior traumatic shoulder instability in gymnasts.Methods:The subjects of this study were 18 shoulders of 16 gymnasts that underwent arthroscopic surgery for anterior traumatic shoulder instability. They consisted of 4 male and 14 female shoulders with a mean age of 18 years (range, 16-20). The mean follow-up was 30 months (range, 10-66 months). All surgeries were performed arthroscopically, and procedures were determined according to the intraoperative findings. Patients were immobilized with a brace for 3 weeks and started range of motion exercise after the immobilization period. Hand-stand or hanging were normally allowed at 3 month after surgery according to patients’ functional recovery. We investigated injury mechanism, intraoperative findings, surgical procedures, times to start hand-stand or hanging and to start giant swing, time to complete return to gymnastics, and recurrence of instability.Results:Three shoulders experienced dislocations that self-reduction was impossible. The remaining 15 shoulders had self-reducible dislocations or subluxations, and 10 of 15 shoulders were injured with the shoulder hyper-flexed: e.g., pulling up hands during somersaults; pushing off the vault (Figure). Bankart lesion was identified during surgery in 14 shoulders including one bony Bankart lesion. Capsular tear was found in 5 shoulders, and only one lesion was concomitant with Bankart lesion. All lesions were arthroscopically repaired. We additionally performed rotator interval closure in 10 shoulders, superior labrum repair in 13, and rotator cuff repair in 2. One patient retired from gymnastics immediately after surgery, and 2 patients were lost to follow-up. The remaining 13 patients returned to gymnastics. The mean time to start hand-stand or hanging was 4 months (range, 3-10 months), and that to start giant swing was 6 months (range, 3-15 months). The mean time to complete return was 9 months (range, 5-17 months). Two shoulders experienced recurrence (1 dislocation and 1 subluxation) after return to gymnastics. Both shoulders underwent revision surgery and returned to gymnastics.Conclusions:Capsular tear without Bankart lesion was more common (4 shoulder, 22%) in gymnasts than general population. The sport-related characteristics might be associated with the high incidence of capsular tear. The outcomes of arthroscopic stabilization for gymnasts was good with the high complete return rate.

BODY AND PERFORMANCE IN RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS: SCIENCE OR BELIEF?

This study aims to identify whether competitive rhythmic gymnasts feel body dissatisfaction and, if so, to analyze the factors related to its development and the implications for the gymnasts’ health. We interviewed 28 female gymnasts, aged between 13 and 16 years, from three teams in one Brazilian state. Based on the thematic analysis, we present the following themes: “Body, Performance, and Misconceptions in Rhytmic Gymnastics (RG)” and “Body weight in RG: Belief vs. Science.” Gymnasts’ dissatisfaction with their bodies appears to be influenced by their coaches, judges, and other athletes, who reinforce the existence of an established “ideal” body type in this sport. The athletes seem to believe that this body ideal would help them in the movements execution in the judges’ evaluation, and would, therefore, influence competitive performance. Their coaches used body mass measured on a set of scales as a reference for controlling and guiding weight loss. To lose weight at all costs, the gymnasts mentioned that they took laxatives and adhered to self-imposed calorie restriction. Excessive pressure to lose weight and obtain results could lead to or maintain body dissatisfaction and damage gymnasts’ health. Thus, coaches must be careful when associating weight loss with better performance; they need to consider the individuality of gymnasts and should not generalize them. Moreover, professional monitoring should be adopted, as well as the use of reliable and justified body evaluation methods. Preventive measures and coach education should also be implemented, and official agencies should regulate and punish any excessive and abusive practices.

PAIRED-CONNECTED DEVELOPMENT OF MOTOR QUALITIES IN AESTHETIC GYMNASTICS

Intensification of training and competitive activity in sports creates the need to searchand develop new training methods. This study was conducted with the aim to study theinfluence of the author's methodology of paired-connected development (PCD) ofphysical qualities on the level of technical readiness and performing skills in aestheticgymnastics (AG). For 13 girls - gymnasts (12±1.2 years old), training according to thestandard method (control group), and 12 gymnasts of the same age and qualifications,using PSD in the training cycle (main group), the level of development of flexibility,strength, speed, coordination, endurance, technical readiness and success ofcompetitive activity was studied. It was shown that the use of PCD improves theflexibility in the hip joints by 4.24% and 2.28% for the right and left legs, respectively,and the flexibility of the spine by 7.04%. Coordination indicators improved by 32.66-41.25%, strength by 10.02%. The increase in speed indicators was 18.71-21.09%, theindicators of special endurance increased by 11.13-25.16%. For balance, the marksincreased by 25.75%, for turns by 19.38%, for jumps by 24.58% and for the flexibilitymovements they increased by 15.47%. The average scores for the technical value of thecomposition increased from 4.5±0.07 to 5.45±0.06 points (21.1%), and the averageindicators of the final competitive scores increased from 14.49±0.04 to 15.73±0.08(8.56%). As a result of the experiment, the positive influence of the developed PCDmethodology on the level of physical and technical readiness of female gymnasts, aswell as on the final competitive result, was confirmed.

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.

DISTANT MOTOR EFFECTS OF DISCONTINUATION OF RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS

Introduction Rhythmic gymnastics is a discipline intended only for women with above-average motor skills such as speed, coordination and jumping ability. Advanced training begins in early childhood, and the selection of candidates is motivated by innate predispositions required by coaches, i.e. appropriate physical conditions, adaptation of the body to exercise and sense of rhythm. Selected gymnasts train by learning to perfectly perform routines with devices such as a ball, ribbon, rope, clubs or hoops. Aim The aim of the study is t show distant motor effects of discontinuation of rhythmic gymnastics. Material and methods Two groups of female gymnasts were compared in the study. The first of them consisted of current training, competitive gymnasts, while the other – female athletes who stopped practicing this discipline. The study checked, among others, the occurrence of possible injuries, pain and their location as well as the consequences of discontinuation of training. All of the obtained results were compared between the groups. Results Currently, training gymnasts suffer from less pain than former female gymnasts, however, already at such a young age, they experience first problems both in the spine and lower limbs. In both groups, the most common conditions are hypermobility, spinal overload syndromes and ankle sprains. Conclusions The results of former female gymnasts clearly show that problems with former female gymnasts are a consequence of practicing rhythmic gymnastics, and their intensity increases over time, leading to long-term effects of practicing this discipline. Keywords: rhythmic gymnastics, sports injuries, consequences of competitive sports, early competitive training.

Factors Associated With Achilles Tendon Rupture in Women's Collegiate Gymnastics.

Achilles injury risk in women's collegiate gymnastics is 10-fold higher than in all other collegiate sports. This study aims to identify risk factors for Achilles tendon ruptures in collegiate female gymnasts. Gymnasts with Achilles tendon ruptures will be more likely to report early gymnastics specialization, elite-level training before college, and performance of high-difficulty skills on floor and vault. Cross-sectional study. Level 4. Anonymous surveys were distributed to current and former collegiate female gymnasts, aged 18 to 30 years, via coaches, athletic trainers, Twitter, and ResearchMatch. Information about Achilles tendon ruptures, gymnastics-related injuries, sport specialization, event/skills participation, and medication use were collected. A total of 581 gymnasts were included. One hundred gymnasts (17.2%; 95% CI: 14.1%-20.3%) reported Achilles tendon ruptures during collegiate training or competition. Most ruptures (91%) occurred on floor exercise; 85.7% of these occurred during back tumbling-take-off. Compared with gymnasts without ruptures during college, a greater percentage of gymnasts with ruptures competed at a Division I program, trained elite, competed difficult vaults and floor passes before and during college, competed in all 4 events during college, identified as Black/African American, and used retinoid medications. Achilles tendon ruptures are more common in women's collegiate gymnastics than other sports. Competing at the elite level, performing difficult floor and vault skills, and competing in all 4 events may increase the risk for an Achilles tendon rupture. Potential nontraining risk factors include retinoid exposure and Black/African American race. Future studies regarding the mechanisms of Achilles tendon ruptures in female collegiate gymnasts are warranted. Collegiate gymnasts who compete at the elite level, perform high levels of difficulty on floor and vault, and compete in all 4 events may be at increased risk for Achilles tendon ruptures.

Does the PPARA Intron 7 Gene Variant (rs4253778) Influence Performance in Power/Strength-Oriented Athletes? A Case-Control Replication Study in Three Cohorts of European Gymnasts.

Athletic ability is influenced by several exogenous and endogenous factors including genetic component. Hundreds of gene variants have been proposed as potential genetic markers associated with fitness-related phenotypes as well as elite-level athletic performance. Among others, variants within the PPARA gene that code for the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α are of potential interest. The main goal of the present study was to determine PPARA (G/C, rs4253778) genotype distribution among a group of Polish, Lithuanian and Italian international level male gymnasts and to compare our findings with those of previous research on the frequency of the PPARA intron 7 C allele/CC genotype in power/strength-oriented athletes. A total of 464 male subjects (147 gymnasts and 317 controls) from Poland (n = 203), Italy (n = 146) and Lithuania (n = 107) participated in the study. No statistically significant differences were found in any of the analyzed cohorts. However, a significantly higher frequency of the CC genotype of the PPARA rs4253778 polymorphism was observed when all gymnasts were pooled and compared with pooled control using a recessive model of inheritance (OR = 3.33, 95% CI = 1.18-10, p = 0.022). It is important to know that we investigated a relatively small sample of male European gymnasts and our results are limited only to male participants. Thus, it is necessary to validate our results in larger cohorts of athletes of different ethnicities and also in female gymnasts to find out whether there is a gender effect.

HEALTH OUTCOMES AMONG FORMER FEMALE COLLEGIATE GYMNASTS: THE INFLUENCE OF SPORT SPECIALIZATION, CONCUSSION, AND DISORDERED EATING

Background:Over 1,500 collegiate gymnasts compete each year. Injury rates among these athletes are high, yet little is known about their long-term health outcomes.Hypothesis/Purpose:The purpose of our study was to describe health-related outcomes of former collegiate gymnasts and to evaluate how early sport specialization, concussion history, and disordered eating (DE) influence current health. We hypothesized that gymnasts who specialize early would report more injuries and would have worse physical health currently; that gymnasts who sustained concussions will be more likely to seek mental health treatment during their sport careers; and that gymnasts with DE would report more injuries.Methods:473 former female collegiate gymnasts completed a survey (Table 1) that was distributed through social media. Participants were grouped according to early (<14 years) or late (> or equal to 14 years) specialization, whether they sustained a concussion during gymnastics participation, and whether they reported a history of DE or not. We determined the number of participants who had time-loss injuries, menstrual dysfunction, reasons for retirement from sport, functional outcome measures, and whether participants had sought mental health care during college.Results:The median age of gymnastics specialization was 8 years [interquartile range=6-11 years]. A significantly greater proportion of early specializers sustained injuries requiring surgery (60% vs. 44%; p=0.02), however, the proportion of time-loss injuries sustained during college, reasons for retirement, and current pain and physical function scores did not significantly differ between the early and late specializers (Table 2). Forty-two percent of participants sustained a concussion. Those with a concussion were more likely to have sought mental health treatment during college (32% vs. 23%; p=0.03), and to have a diagnosis of anxiety disorder (16% vs. 9%; p=0.01) than those with no concussion history (Table 3). Thirty-four percent reported DE during college. Those in the DE group had an increased risk of osteoporosis during college (4% vs 0%; p=0.003), secondary amenorrhea (16% vs 9%; p=0.02), and had an increased risk of time-loss injury (78% vs 65%; p=0.004) (Table 4). In addition, they had worse PROMIS pain (11.5 vs 10.2; p=0.007) and physical function scores (12.2 vs 11; p=0.01) after college.Conclusion:It is important for clinicians, coaches, and gymnasts to be aware of the risks of early specialization, concussions, and DE, all of which are common in former collegiate gymnasts. Counseling regarding these risks and prevention strategies for these health problems should be a focus of further research.

TIME LOSS INJURIES AMONG FORMER COLLEGIATE GYMNASTS: THE INFLUENCE OF FEMALE ATHLETE TRIAD SYMPTOMS

Background:Female college gymnasts have one of the highest injury rates in the NCAA and are at risk for female athlete triad syndrome. While female athlete triad syndrome leads to bone stress injuries, little research has been done on specific injury location and type.Purpose:Our objective was to compare injuries sustained during gymnastics between former collegiate gymnasts who did and did not report experiencing symptoms of Female Athlete Triad Syndrome during college, including disordered eating (DE) or menstrual irregularity (MI).Methods:465 former collegiate gymnasts completed an online survey distributed via social media. Participants were grouped based on mensural irregularity and whether they had a history of DE/ED of not. We compared injury outcomes (time-loss injuries and injuries resulting in surgery) and injury locations between groups using Chi-square analyses.Results:A significantly greater proportion of those who reported MI during college reported a time-loss wrist/hand and injury during gymnastics compared to eumenorrheic gymnasts (Table 1).A significantly greater proportion of those who reported MI during college sustained an injury that required surgery relative to those who reported regular periods during college (52% vs 65%, p=0.009). Specifically, they reported a greater proportion of hip/pelvis (2% vs. 7%, p=0.02) and leg/ankle/foot surgeries (23% vs. 33%, p=0.009).A significantly greater proportion of the group who reported DE during college reported a time-loss gymnastics injury during college that did not require surgery or retirement, relative to those who did not report DE (78% vs 66%, p= 0.005) (Table 2). Specifically, they reported a greater proportion of spine (25% vs. 14%, p=0.002), hip/pelvis (8% vs. 2%, p=0.001), and leg/ankle/foot injuries (53% vs. 41%, p=0.01).There was a significantly greater proportion of gymnasts who reported DE during college who sustained a hip/pelvis (7% vs. 3%, p=0.04) and leg/ankle/foot injury (34% vs. 23%, p=0.02) requiring surgery compared to those who did not report DE during college.onclusion:College gymnasts who experienced triad symptoms were more likely to experience a time-loss injury, or have an injury requiring surgery. Clinicians and providers should be aware of the association between injuries and DE and MI in gymnasts. Early intervention for athletes with triad symptoms should be undertaken to decrease the risk of musculoskeletal injury.

The Influence of Biological Maturity on Sprint Speed, Standing Long Jump, and Vaulting Performance in Young Female Gymnasts.

To quantify speed, peak momentum, standing long jump (SLJ), and the ratio of vertical to horizontal take-off velocity (Ratiovert-hori TOV) in young female gymnasts of different maturity status and their influence on vaulting vertical TOV. One hundred twenty gymnasts age 5-14years were subdivided into maturity groupings using percentage of predicted adult height. Participants performed three 20-m sprints, SLJ, and straight jump vaults that were recorded using 2-dimensional video and analyzed using digitizing software. All speed intervals, peak speed, peak momentum, SLJ distance, vault height, and vertical TOV increased between the early prepubertal and late prepubertal (P < .001; d = 0.65-1.10) and early prepubertal and pubertal (P < .001; d = 0.75-1.00) groups. No differences between these metrics were observed between the 2 most mature groups (d = 0.01-0.55). Multiple regression analyses revealed peak speed had the strongest association with vertical TOV (R2 = 59%) and also identified the Ratiovert-hori as a secondary determinant (R2 = 12%). A separate regression model indicated that maturity status (percentage of predicted adult height) moderately influences vertical TOV during vaulting (R2 = 41%). Speed and SLJ performance increase between the early prepubertal and late prepubertal years in young female gymnasts. However, given that peak speed and Ratiovert-hori combined to explain 71% of the total variance in vaulting vertical TOV, in order to increase aerial time for more advanced vaulting, practitioners should attempt to enhance peak speed alongside takeoff technique to develop gymnasts' ability to transfer linear speed to vertical TOV.

STUDY ON THE PHYSICAL TRAINING OF FEMALE GYMNASTS IN BEAM

"The purpose of the study was to identify the optimal physical training means and their influence on the power indicators of the female gymnasts. The study was conducted on a sample of 13 female athletes (32.97±5.72 kg and 140.8±9.2 cm) practicing artistic gymnastics, aged between 10 – 12 years (11.15±0.8 years), at performance level. The physical tests performed were as follows: standing long jump, stahl bar semi-squats, push-ups at the beam, pike position on the beam, extensions on the gym bench, and handstands. Following the analysis of the results, it has been concluded that the effects of the means proposed by us are statistically significant in case of all events (p=˂0.0001)."

ACUTE EFFECTS OF DYNAMIC AND PNF STRETCHING ON LEG AND VERTICAL STIFFNESS ON FEMALE GYMNASTS

The purpose of the study was to investigate the acute effect of Dynamic (DS) and PNF stretching on leg (Kleg) and vertical stiffness (Kvert) on female gymnasts. Thirty-one female athletes from various types of gymnastics (artistic, rhythmic, team gymnastics) participated in this study ([Mean ± SD] age: 22.32 ± 3.35 years, height: 164.87 ± 4.96 cm, body mass: 57.20 ± 6.54 kg) performed 30 sec running bouts at 4.44 m *s-1, under 3 different stretching protocols (PNF, DS, and no stretching [NS]). The total duration in each stretching condition was 6 minutes, and each of the 4 muscle groups was stretched for 40 seconds. Leg and vertical stiffness values were calculated using the “sine wave” method. No significant influence of stretching type on Kleg and Kvert were found after DS and PNF stretching. However, significant changes were found in Fmax, Dy, flight time (tf), step rate (SR), and step length (SL) after DS and PNF stretching protocol, indicating that DS produced greater changes compared to PNF protocol.

ECCENTRIC PEAK TORQUE OF THE KNEE FLEXORS AND EXTENSORS RELATES TO BACKWARD SOMERSAULT HEIGHT IN FEMALE JUNIOR ARTISTIC GYMNASTS

Artistic gymnastics consist of a high amount of jumping actions with rotations around one or more axes. To achieve an optimal flight height to perform the desired number of rotations, the movement pattern and the floor characteristics have to be concerted optimally. To account for the required leg stiffness to utilize the floor’s elasticity, the leg musculature has to generate high forces during the ground contact in an eccentric manner. Thus, eccentric strength of the knee musculature might play an important role for somersault height and run-up velocity in the vault. We investigated the correlation of eccentric peak torque of the knee flexors and extensors and vertical jumping height with backward somersault height and sprinting velocity in female junior artistic gymnasts. The results showed medium to strong, significant correlations between eccentric peak torque and backward somersault height as well as sprinting velocity. Vertical jumping height revealed significant correlations with somersault height and sprinting velocity. Eccentric strength seems to play an important role in joint stiffness regulation to utilize the elastic recoil of gymnastic floors and springboards. In the sprint approaching the vault, the same mechanism seems apparent and is in accordance with findings regarding the sprint in different sports.

THE INVESTIGATION OF APPROACH RUN IN TERMS OF AGE, GENDER, BIO-MOTOR AND TECHNICAL COMPONENTS ON VAULTING TABLE

Vault is one of the main apparatuses for both female and male gymnasts in artistic gymnastics (AG). The optimal vaulting technique depends on many variables, such as the approaching run. Gymnastics is one of the early specialization sports as it is necessary to start training at an early age. For this reason, the aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship among age, biomotor and technical components in relation to the approach run velocity and other variables in AG. Furthermore, similarities and differences between genders were researched. Twenty female and twelve male gymnasts took part in the study. Speed, agility, explosive power, run-up velocity were measured. Additionally, Reactive Strength Index (RSI) and Peak High Velocity distances (PHV_Distance) were calculated. Kinematic parameters during the handspring vault were calculated by a two-dimensional video analysis. A statistical comparison between genders was performed by the Mann Whitney U test. The relationships between parameters were given by Spearman correlation coefficients (r). Anaerobic power, 0-20 m speed, 20 m speed velocity, and the hand contact time were significantly different between genders (p&lt;0.05). The approach run significantly correlated with the chronological age (r=0.66; p=0.002 for female and r=0.96; p&lt;0.001 for male gymnasts), PHV_Distance (r=0.69; p=0.001 for female and r=0.97; p&lt;0.001 for male gymnasts) and the biological age (r=0.69; p=0.001 for female and r=0.97; p&lt;0.001 for male gymnasts). As the approach run velocity increases, vaulting performance is affected positively. While speed tests significantly correlated with the approach run in male gymnasts, there was no correleation for females. In addition, trainers should keep in mind that the relationship between bio-motor development and biological age of gymnasts is important in training programs.

Boys gymnastics injuries: A 9-year retrospective review

ABSTRACT Objectives: Young male gymnasts are a frequently injured, yet infrequently studied population. Literature on gymnastics injuries has focused primarily on female gymnasts at elite and collegiate levels. Gymnastics equipment, rules, and training methods have continued to evolve over the past few decades so the previous data likely does not reflect current injury patterns. Our study aimed to provide a description of injury patterns for contemporary club-level, pre-collegiate male gymnasts. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of 163 gymnastics injuries from 84 male subjects ages 4–19 years. Subjects were seen between 2010 and 2019 in pediatric sports medicine clinics. Gymnast demographics, injury locations, injury types, and gymnastics apparatus were collected as available. Results: Our cohort had a mean age of 12.5 ± 3.0 years, gymnastics participation for 8.1 ± 2.9 years, and gymnastics level of 7.4 ± 1.7. Overuse injuries (59.5%) were more common than acute injuries (40.5%). The most common injury locations were lower extremity (42.3%), followed by upper extremity (32.5%), spine/trunk (19.6%), and head/neck (5.5%). The leading injury types were strains (16.6%) and apophysitis (12.9%). The most common apparatus for injury was floor (25%) followed by vault (20%). Binomial logistic regressions revealed that higher gymnastics level (OR = 5.19, p = .031) and younger age (OR = 4.05, p = .012) were predictors of lower extremity injuries. Conclusion: Our data show that injuries among club-level, young male gymnasts were most frequently located in the lower extremities. This contrasts older studies of primarily elite male gymnasts where injuries were more common in upper extremities. Overuse injuries were most prevalent in our cohort, and the most frequent injury types were strains and apophysitis.

Demarcando espaço com magnésio para mulheres na ginástica artística: a consolidação das barras assimétricas entre os anos de 1952-1964

As ginastas começaram a competir na GA nas primeiras décadas do Século XX, quando o sistema ideológico de gênero ditava os papeis e valores da mulher e, consequentemente, o que ela poderia ou não fazer na sociedade e no esporte. O intuito desse estudo foi lançar luz sobre a consolidação dos aparelhos oficiais no formato competitivo da GA feminina, por meio da análise das barras paralelas assimétricas, um aparelho inicialmente adaptado da categoria masculina. Percebe-se que, ao longo do tempo, as mulheres foram subjugadas ao discurso médico e social que direcionava o uso de seus corpos no cerne da modalidade e na sociedade. Mas, por meio de passos pequenos e do desenvolvimento imposto pelas próprias atletas, houve a necessidade de se construir um aparelho próprio que, simbolicamente, revela que as mulheres queriam ditar os direcionamentos da GA feminina nos seus próprios termos.