BALANCE IN YOUNG GYMNASTS: AGE-GROUP DIFFERENCES

Aleksandra Aleksic Veljkovic, Dejan Madic, Sasa Velickovic, Katarina Herodek, Boris Popovic

DOI Number
-
First page
289
Last page
296

Abstract


The aim of this study was to investigate difference in balance test scores and success on the balance beam of young gymnasts, international level of competition. Forty eight young gymnasts divided into two age groups participated in the study (Group 1: n=22, age 9.0 ± 1.1 years, 136.0 ± 7.6 cm, 30.8 ± 4.3 kg; Group 2: n=26, 12.1 ± 0.6 years, 146.0 ± 7.0 cm, 36.9 ± 6.6 kg;). To assess static balance, participants performed 3 stance variations (double leg, single leg, and tandem leg) on stiff surfaces and 3 specific static-balance tests consist of gymnastics elements on the balance beam (Scale, handstand and side handstand). For assessment of dynamic balance, participants performed multidirectional maximal single-leg reaches from a unilateral base of support (Y - balance test) and 3 specific dynamic-balance tests consisted of two connected gymnastics elements (Turns for 360°, jumps with 180º  and cartwheels). In the static balance test there is a significant difference only in one-leg stance (SRJN, .021) and specific static balance test SSSU (.000). In the dynamic balance tests, there was a significant difference in performing SD2Z test between the two groups (p=.043). These results suggests that the older gymnasts had better results in demanding tests such as one-leg stance, handstand and cartwheels on the balance beam. To achieve top results in the Women's Artistic gymnastics it is necessary to achieve good results on the balance beam and monitoring of balance ability for future success.

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References


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