Young Gymnasts Research Articles

Contribution of Leg Flexibility, Limb Length, Leg Power for the Split Leap Skills of Rhythmic Gymnastics Athletes

This study examined the association between leg flexibility, leg length, jump height, and split leap movement scores at various levels of rhythmic gymnasts. Fifty-two young rhythmic gymnasts (age: 10.63 ± 2.9 years) were divided into two groups (qualifying, n = 32 and non-qualifying, n = 20) based on age and regional championship level. The gymnast underwent a series of fitness tests in the form of leg flexibility and leg explosive power as well as a split jump performance which was judged by 2 national and international certified judges. There was a significant difference and correlation between qualification and non-qualification in the split leap score (p = 0.00), body weight (p = 0.00; r = 0.351), limb length (p = 0.00; r = 0.420), High Jump (p = 0.01; r = 0.279), raised straight legs (p = 0.021; r = -0.279). There was no difference found in point feet but positively related at split leap score (p = 0.386; r = 0.373). The overall multiple regression analysis of all novice athletes revealed that Limb length, point feet, and high jump accounted for a medium part (32%) of the split leap score. In conclusion, the level of the gymnast (non-qualification), weight, Limb length, and arm length had a greater effect on the implementation of the split leap, whereas at the junior level (qualification) the leg explosiveness and flexibility of the leg effectively contributed to the split leap movement. Overall, the athlete's flexibility, body composition, and the explosive power of the limb variables effectively contribute to the split leap movement in youth rhythmic gymnastics.

MUSCLE FLEXIBILITY AND EXPLOSIVE POWER IN YOUNG ARTISTIC GYMNAST BOYS AT DIFFERENT PERFORMANCE LEVEL

A gymnast can not succeed without enough muscle strength and endurance. The aim of this study was to determine the differences between explosive power and flexibility in young boy gymnasts at different performance levels. Ninety-five young boys who participated in this study were divided into three groups: two artistic gymnast groups (N=53) and a sedentary (N=42) group. Artistic gymnasts were classified by their performance level and sports history to an elite (E, N=15) and/or a non-elite (Ne, N=38) group. The explosive power of subjects was determined via vertical and standing long jumps. The sit and reach flexibility test was used to determine lower body muscle flexibility. Our results showed that explosive power and flexibility test records were significantly different among the three groups (P≤0.001). They led to a conclusion that sport specific exercise training resulted in a concurrent improvement in explosive power and flexibility of young gymnasts.

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.

Оценка эффективности гимнастики тайцзицюань в физической реабилитации коленного сустава у юных гимнасток и учащихся хореографических училищ

Various types of physical activity, including tai chi exercises, have become part of physical rehabilitation of young athletes after knee joint injury. However, many physiological mechanisms of the restorative effect of traditional systems still need to be clarified. We recruited 38 girls aged 10–16 years (mean age 12.5 years, interquartile range [10.8; 13.2] years) involved in different types of physical activity (rhythmic gymnastics and choreography) needing to recover their knee joint function after overuse injury. The subjects were divided into two groups: the main group (physical rehabilitation using a specially developed set of tai chi movements) and the control group (standard course of physical rehabilitation taking place in a physical therapy room). After 2 weeks of rehabilitation, the participants underwent isokinetic testing of the knee joint using the Biodex System 4 Pro (USA). The test results obtained by cluster analysis were typified into three characteristic patterns (χ2 test, p = 0.004): 1) insufficiency of strength parameters (peak torque (PT), peak torque to body mass (PT/BM)) at high speed and insufficiency of functional parameters (PT angle, deceleration time) at high speed; 2) insufficiency of functional parameters (time to PT, deceleration time); 3) insufficiency of strength parameters (PT, PT/BM). It was shown that while the classical means of physical rehabilitation are good for restoring the dynamic muscle parameters (PT), tai chi exercises optimally restore the functional parameters of muscle activation (TP angle and deceleration time). For citation: Vasil’ev O.S., Levushkin S.P., Achkasov E.E., Lyakh V.I., Sharapov A.N. Efficiency Assessment of Tai Chi Exercises in Physical Rehabilitation of Knee Joint in Young Rhythmic Gymnasts and Choreography Students. Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 2021, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 115–125. DOI: 10.37482/2687-1491-Z049

A Different Perspective for Coaching and Training Education According to Score Changes During Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championships

Rhythmic gymnasts repeat elements thousands of times which may put a risk on gymnasts’ health. It is necessary to protect the current and future health conditions of young gymnasts, especially in the growth process. There is a lack of knowledge about training education on rhythmic gymnastics. To suggest innovative changes, the current study aimed to analyze the scores (D, E, and total scores) of the first 24 gymnasts competing in 34th and 36th Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championships (ECh). Research data were collected from 24 rhythmic gymnasts’ scores, from the 34th ECh and 36th ECh. Difficulty (D), Execution (E), and total scores for hoop, ball, clubs, ribbon were analyzed. Conformity of data to normal distribution was assessed with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Variables with normal distribution were compared by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)/independent samples t-test and for variables not fitting normal distribution, Mann Whitney U/Kruskal Wallis H test was used. The main findings of the current study were that D scores between 2018 and 2020 increased approximately 4.18 points (p<0.001) while E scores showed no significant changes (p>0.05). In all apparatus total scores increased +15.39 (p<0.001). As these increases seem to be in the faith of gymnasts to get higher results, it is obvious that gymnasts are forced to have a higher number of elements in their routines. Coaches should be informed about new training models and coaching education systems. In this way, they will be able to support their gymnasts in all ways (not only with performance development but also with recent updates on training educations).

The Making of the Champions: A Case Study of the Development of The Young Aerobic Gymnasts In Malay, Aklan

The Philippines has the potential to excel in this field because an athlete's height is not a requirement compared to other sports like swimming, basketball, and the likes. This is qualitative research specifically employs a single case study to explore the narratives of the young aerobic gymnasts in the Municipality of Malay, Aklan. This study utilizes online interviews, observation, and data reviews in gathering the data while Yin's (2003) approached was utilized in the analysis of data. Themes emerged from stories of the participants like Personal Skills and Motivations of Young Aerobic Gymnasts is Foundational in Winning the Competition, Present DepEd Curriculum Lacks Content in Aerobic Gymnastics and Parents, School, Government, and Business Sector Support are Significant Factors for a Gymnast to Succeed. The output of the study is a proposed new Model of Young Aerobic Gymnastics Development.

Postural sway in young female artistic and acrobatic gymnasts according to training experience and anthropometric characteristics

BackgroundGymnastics training enhances the development of postural control in children and adolescents. In competitive gymnastics, the training regimen is specific to the given gymnastic discipline and is usually followed from the early years of practicing. This study aimed to determine whether postural steadiness differed between young gymnasts practicing two distinct disciplines, and whether it was related to the duration of their training experience, age, and their anthropometric characteristics.MethodsThirty 10–13-year-old females ̶ ten artistic gymnasts, ten acrobatic gymnasts (training as “tops”), and ten non-athletes ̶ were examined during 60-s quiet standing trials on a force platform with the eyes open and closed. Their postural sway was represented by directional components of centre of foot pressure mean velocity. Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon and Spearman’s ρ tests were used for analyses.ResultsAnterior-posterior and medial-lateral centre of foot pressure mean velocities were not different between the artistic and acrobatic gymnasts (p > 0.05). In the artistic gymnasts, the duration of training experience, age, body height, body mass, and maturity offset were negatively correlated with the anterior-posterior centre of foot pressure mean velocity under eyes-open conditions. The acrobatic gymnasts’ body mass and BMI percentiles were negatively correlated with their anterior-posterior and medial-lateral centre of foot pressure mean velocities under both visual conditions (r ranged from − 0.64 to − 0.93; p < 0.05). The non-athletes’ centre of foot pressure mean velocities were non-significantly correlated with their age and anthropometric measures under both visual conditions (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThe artistic gymnasts’ longer training experience, greater age, body height, body mass, and biological maturity were associated with better anterior-posterior postural steadiness when vision was available; the acrobatic gymnasts’ greater body mass and BMI percentiles were associated with better overall postural steadiness regardless of visual conditions. Relationships were observed between postural steadiness and discipline-specific training experience and anthropometric characteristics; however, causes and effects were not proven.

The effect of changes in fundamental skill complexity on upper limb loading and biomechanical characteristics of performance in female gymnastics

ABSTRACT Aims of this study were to investigate if changes in elbow and wrist joints loading and biomechanical characteristics of performance existed as a function of (a) different hand placement and (b) fundamental skills development in female gymnastics. Ten female gymnasts performed 54 successful trials of round-off skills (cartwheel [18], round-off [18], round-off to back handspring [18]), with three different hand positions (parallel, T-shape and reverse). Kinematic and kinetic data were collected for each trial. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyse the injury risk factors. Findings of the current study showed that an increase in RO skill difficulty level significantly influences the mechanical load on the upper extremities. With the increase in mechanical load on the upper extremities during the reverse and parallel hand positions, this study suggests that that T-shape hand position should be used as the primary technique for the young female. Differences in vertical velocity from touchdown to take-off between the three hand positions for the RO and RO-BH suggested that the reverse position was less effective for young female gymnasts. The findings of the current study demonstrated no clear performance benefits between hand position selection.

Injuries and illnesses among competitive Norwegian rhythmic gymnasts during preseason: a prospective cohort study of prevalence, incidence and risk factors

ObjectivesRhythmic gymnastics is an Olympic sport that demands high training volume from early age. We investigated the extent of, and risk factors for, injuries among competitive Norwegian rhythmic gymnasts.MethodsOne hundred...

EVALUATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF ARTISTIC ABILITIES OF 7-8-YEAR-OLD RHYTHMIC GYMNASTS

A competitive composition in rhythmic gymnastics is a small performance that has its own storyline. That is what judges E1 and E2 evaluate. Judges’ penalties for unsatisfactory artistry can be up to 5 or 6 points. In the works of scientists, the issues of artistry education for 7-8-year-old gymnasts are hardly ever addressed. To develop a methodology for the development of artistic abilities of 7-8-year-old female gymnasts. Theoretical analysis and synthesis of scientific and methodological literature; questionnaire (survey of coaches); pedagogical observation, experiment, testing: expert assessments; mathematical statistics. The study involved 20 7-8-year-old female gymnasts who have engaged in rhythmic gymnastics for 2 to 3 year and have category 2 qualification. An analysis of scientific and methodological literature shows the need to intensify research into the development of the aesthetic component in the training of female athletes in rhythmic gymnastics. On the basis of our questionnaire, it has been determined that it is necessary to develop artistic abilities of young female gymnasts by using elements of facial gymnastics, performance and improvisation. Introduction of a methodology for shaping the artistic abilities of female gymnasts in the educational and training process of the experimental group subsequently led to an increase in the female gymnasts’ marks for their competitive routine by 1.3 ± 0.12 points (p &lt;0.05). The improvement rate in artistry in the experimental group was 18.4%, and in the control group 8% (p &lt;0.05).

Analysis of Body Perception, Preworkout Meal Habits and Bone Resorption in Child Gymnasts

The beneficial effects of physical activity on body image perception and bone are debated among artistic gymnasts. Gymnasts seem to be at greater risk of developing body dissatisfaction, eating disorders and osteoporosis due to inadequate nutrition and attention to the appearance of the body. The objective of this work was to investigate the association between the artistic gymnast and a more favorable body image compared to their sedentary peers and if a preworkout high-carbohydrate meal (HCM; 300 kcal, 88% carbohydrates, 9% protein, 3% fat) or high-protein meal (HPM; 300 kcal, 55% carbohydrates, 31% protein, 13% fat) is able to attenuate bone resorption in young rhythmic gymnasts. Twenty-eight preadolescent female gymnasts were examined. Self-esteem tests were used to analyze body image perception. Preworkout eating habits were examined by short food frequency questions (FFQ) validated for children. The biomarker of the bone resorption C-terminal telopeptide region of collagen type 1 (CTX) was measured in the urine (fasting, postmeal and postworkout). Gymnasts reported higher satisfaction with their body appearance compared to sedentary peers. Of the gymnasts, 30% did not have a preworkout meal regularly, and the timing of the consumption was variable. Bone resorption was decreased by the HCM, consumed 90 min before the training, with respect to the HPM. The study suggests that playing artistic gymnastics is associated with a positive body self-perception in a child. The variability in preworkout meal frequency and timing need attention to prevent inadequate eating habits in light of the ability of the HCM to reduce acute bone resorption.

Characteristics of Functional Stability in Young Adolescent Female Artistic Gymnasts.

The aim of this study was to determine whether young adolescent female artistic gymnasts demonstrate better functional stability than age- and sex-matched non-athletes. Different characteristics of the gymnasts’ postural control were expected to be observed. Twenty-two 10- to 13-year-old healthy females (ten national-level artistic gymnasts and twelve non-athletes) participated in the study. To assess their forward functional stability, the 30-s limit of stability test was performed on a force plate. The test consisted of three phases: quiet standing, transition to maximal forward leaning, and standing in the maximal forward leaning position. Between-group comparisons of the directional subcomponents of the root mean squares and mean velocities of the center of pressure and rambling-trembling displacements in two phases (quiet standing and standing in maximal leaning) were conducted. Moreover, anterior stability limits were compared. During standing in maximal forward leaning, there were no differences in the center of pressure and rambling measures between gymnasts and non-athletes (p > 0.05). The values of trembling measures in both anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions were significantly lower in gymnasts (p < 0.05). Both groups presented similar values for anterior stability limits (p > 0.05). The comparisons of rambling components may suggest a similar supraspinal control of standing in the maximal leaning position between gymnasts and healthy non-athletes. However, decreased trembling in gymnasts may indicate reduced noise in their postural control system possibly due to superior control processes at the spinal level. The anterior stability limit was not influenced by gymnastics training in female adolescents.

Strength preparedness of 6-7 years boys in artistic gymnastics: experience of using the game method

The article considers the effectiveness of using game method to increase the level of strength preparedness of 6-7 years boys. It is shown that children of this age due to the ontogenetic features of growing are characterized by increased motor activity and a strong need in it. It is highlighted that a game is one of the most important areas in the children’s life that in cooperation with activity, study, art and sports provides the necessary emotional conditions for a comprehensive, harmonious development of personality. For the teacher, it becomes a tool of education that allows to fully take into account the age characteristics of children and adolescents, to develop initiative, to create an atmosphere of freedom, independence, creativity and conditions for self-development. The game belongs to the traditional and esteemed methods of teaching and educating children of primary school age. The value of this method is that educational, developmental and upbringing functions are closely intertwined in during game activities. Game as a method of studying organizes, develops students, expands their cognitive abilities and educates the personality. It is highlighted that the game method involves the performance of motor actions in the game conditions within its characteristic rules the arsenal of technically-tactical intakes and situations. It is noted that in recent years, mobile games have become widely used as an effective tool in the training process due to the significant potential of the game method using in sports training. It is established that the using of the proposed games in the educational and training process of young gymnasts has increased the level of their strength preparedness.

ПЕДАГОГИЧЕСКИЕ УСЛОВИЯ ПОВЫШЕНИЯ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ СПЕЦИАЛЬНОЙ ПОДГОТОВКИ В СПОРТИВНОЙ АЭРОБИКЕ

High requirements in sports aerobics to the versatile special readiness of athletes (physical, technical and artistic) are determined by its significant influence on the results of competitive performances and on their high-quality performance. In gymnastics the process of sports training is understood as a unity of closely related components, the main component is the special physical and technical training of gymnasts. The conducted research summarizes the scientific and methodological material on the problem of optimising the process of special training in sports aerobics, aimed at a comprehensive increase in the level of performance skills of young gymnasts. The experimental methodology of special training is based on the complex use of integral training means such as special preparatory exercises, structurally similar to the main competitive components of sports aerobics, and training forms of competitive exercises. During the experiment the organizational and pedagogical conditions for increasing the effectiveness of the process of special training in sports aerobics at the stage of sports improvement were specified.

Мониторинг показателей здоровья и физического развития мальчиков 7–12 лет, занимающихся спортивной гимнастикой

Abstract. We study the health and physical development indicators of gymnasts aged 7–12 years in the conditions of transition to the stage of sports specialization characterized primarily by the following changes in the content, types and amount of sports training: an increase in the share of special physical training relative to the previous stage; an increase in competitive time; the appearance of such types of training activities as training camps. Special attention is paid to the psychological and pedagogical aspect of sports training in the conditions of increasing the time of competitive activity. In addition, the issues of proportional development of the forms and functions of the body of young gymnasts within the framework of the health balance between the state of athletes and an ordinary child are considered. The data on the composition of body weight in children are presented to ensure the necessary prevention of the risk of diseases (including diseases of the cardiovascular system) in this life period. Determination of the compliance of the studied indicators with the health criteria of children of this age group on the following points: physical development; neuropsychic development (factors of individual psychological personality traits of students); resistance level; level of the functional state of the main systems of the child’s body.

Coach awareness, knowledge and practice in relation to growth and maturation and training load in competitive, young gymnasts

Growth-related and overuse injuries are commonly reported in young gymnasts. Two risk factors of these injuries are growth and maturation, and training load. However, little is known regarding current coaching knowledge and practice in relation to these risk factors. To help understand current knowledge and practice, 44 coaches of competitive, young gymnasts, from 3 gymnastics disciplines (men’s artistic, women’s artistic, trampoline) took part in focus groups. The focus groups explored the awareness, experience and practice of coaches in relation to growth and maturation, training load and injury in competitive, young gymnasts. Data were analysed manually using an inductive thematic approach to identify core themes. The findings showed that coaches were aware of the physical changes and injuries that occur during the adolescent growth spurt. Both psychological changes and skill loss/confusion were also identified as challenges during this time. The knowledge and practice of monitoring growth and maturation, and training load did however differ between disciplines. Sports science and medicine practitioners were recognised as key stakeholders in helping manage and reduce the risk of injuries during growth. There appears to be gap between coach knowledge of growth and maturation, and training load, and practices such as monitoring training load and growth. Educating coaches and further research in these areas will aid coaches in reducing the risk of injuries in young, competitive gymnasts.

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.

FEATURES OF STATOKINETIC STABILITY OF YOUNG GYMNASTS

The aim of the research is an assessment of statokinetic stability of young gymnasts in the annual training cycle by means of conventional stabilographic tests supplemented by vestibular response stimulation. Materials and methods. The research brought together young athletes aged 8-9 years engaged in gymnastics during the early stages of involvement. We used the «Stabilan 01-2» stabilographic hardware-software complex (ZAO OKB «Rhythm», Russia) for the assessment of a statokinetic function. Results. We have provided the analysis of stabilographic indicators of statokinetic stability of young gymnasts in the annual training cycle, as well as children who do not participate in sport. We have revealed statistically significant differences in statokinetic stability between the representatives of the examined contingent and statistically significant positive dynamics in the annual cycle in young athletes. We have demonstrated that application of tests stimulating vestibular response along with conventional approaches for assessing statokinetic resistance results in getting better resistance indicators of gymnasts compared to non-athletes. Conclusion. The research revealed that younger athletes have a higher level of maintaining body balance, especially in conditions of vestibular response stimulation compared to non-athletes. Consequently, it is necessary to complement conventional stabilographic tests with disturbing factors, for example vestibular response stimulation or local fatigue of the muscles of lower extremities.

TECHNICAL TRAINING OF GYMNASTS-ARTISTS AT THE STAGE OF SPORTS IMPROVEMENT

The following article discusses the problem of organizing and monitoring the special-physical and technical training of young gymnasts at the stage of sports improvement. It is shown that the main advantage achieved during the training session with objects is the regulation of the number of repetitions at high work intensity.

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.