Balance control in artistic gymnasts and its comparison under three training methods: a pilot trial

Abstract

Purpose. balance 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. Methods. Overall, 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. Results. In the dominant lower limb, significant pre- and post-intervention differences were observed for SEbT training in the posteromedial direction ( p = 0.0003; % change = 13.4), as well as in NM in the anterior ( p = 0.0001; % change = 23.9), posteromedial ( p = 0.0001; % change = 23.1), and total index ( p = 0.0001; % change = 17.8) of the Y-balance Test. Moreover, NM training presented significant differences compared with CONV ( p = 0.0001; % change = 14.0) and SEbT ( p = 0.0001; % change = 12.8) in the posteromedial direction; it also exhibited differences compared with CONV ( p = 0.0392; % change = 8.8) and SEbT ( p = 0.0065; % change = 11.3) in the total index. Conclusions. NM training results in a significant improvement in balance control compared with CONV and SEbT training in female artistic gymnasts.