Muscle Coactivation during Stability Exercises in Rhythmic Gymnastics: A Two-Case Study

The effects of aerobic gymnastics training on performance-related variables in an elite athlete: a 2-year follow-up study

This study investigates individual performance adaptations on 2 years of training between European Aerobics Championships. An elite, 22-year-old aerobic gymnast performed postural coordination test, Y-Balance test, squat and countermovement jumps, 60 s test of repeated jumps, an isokinetic leg muscle strength test, and the Wingate test. Postural stability and flexibility improved in terms of increased distance achieved in the Y-Balance test in the anterior (by 6.3%), posteromedial (by 2%), and posterolateral (by 4.8%) directions. Lower limb muscular endurance also increased, which can be corroborated by a reduced fatigue index in the 60 s test of repeated jumps (from 42% to 27% after the 1st and to 22% after the 2nd year of training). In addition, mean power increased during dominant (by 23.2% at 60°/s and by 18.5% at 180°/s) and non-dominant leg extension (by 4.9% at 180°/s and by 15.5% at 300°/s), plus dominant leg flexion (by 2.0% at 60°/s and by 6.9% at 300°/s). Similarly, peak torque/body weight ratio increased during dominant (by 24.9% at 60°/s, by 11.5% at 180°/s, and by 2.1% at 300°/s) and non-dominant leg extension (by 0.5% at 60°/s and by 6.4% at 300°/s), plus dominant leg flexion (by 1.7% at 60°/s and by 5.4% at 300°/s). However, 2 years of training failed to show any significant improvements in the explosive power of lower limbs and anaerobic performance. These findings indicate that general aerobic gymnastics training without any specific inputs leads to performance adaptation, namely, in abilities closely related to competition routine (dynamic balance and strength endurance of lower limbs).

The Effect of Core Stabilization Exercises on Physical Fitness Parameters in Child Gymnasts: Randomized Controlled Assessor-blind Study

BACKGROUND

The improvement of physical fitness parameters is beneficial for child gymnasts to maximize functionality. Core stability exercises (CSEs) help maintain spinal stabilization during athletic performance. Thus, they contribute to enhancing gymnasts' performance on various movements and planes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 8-week CSEs training on the physical fitness parameters of child gymnasts.

HYPOTHESIS

An 8-week CSEs intervention could be beneficial for improving the various physical parameters in child gymnasts.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized trial.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 2.

METHODS

Thirty-six child gymnasts (aged 7-12 years) were allocated randomly into a training group (TG) and control group (CG). Participants in the TG received CSEs in addition to the traditional program for 8 weeks. The physical fitness parameters of all participants were assessed twice before and after training.

RESULTS

The results showed that all participants' scores of balance, endurance, sprint, and jumping parameters improved after exercise programs (P < 0.05). The muscle strength and flexibility scores of the TG showed a statistically significant difference compared with the CG (P < 0.05). However, compared with other parameters, there were no significant changes seen in the scores between groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The CSEs training contributed to the improvement of all physical fitness parameters in child gymnasts.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The addition of CSEs to traditional training could help improve athletic performance in child gymnasts.