{"title":"THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DIFFERENT HANDSTAND PLACEMENT TECHNIQUES IN HANDSTAND BALANCE CONTROL AND GENDER DIFFERENCESDSTAND BALANCE CONTROL AND GENDER DIFFERENCES","authors":"Dimitrios Milosis, Theophanis Satras","doi":"10.52165/sgj.15.3.375-394","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.52165/sgj.15.3.375-394","url":null,"abstract":"The purpose of the study was twofold: (a) to examine the impact of various finger placements and utilization on the quality, control, and overall efficiency of handstand performance, and (b) to investigate potential gender differences in relation to these factors. Thirty-one young competitive gymnasts (15 males; age: 12.60 ± 2.08, and 16 females; age: 13.31 ± 2.21) participated in this study. A portable posturographic digital platform was used to record hand area (cm²), maximal pressure (kPa), CoP (center of hand pressure) sway area (mm²), CoP linear distance displacement (mm) and CoP velocity. Derived data were analyzed in an integrated software module (Foot Checker, version 4.0). The intra-class correlation coefficient and the coefficient of variation supported the reliability of the measurements. One-way MANOVA showed better balance control for all gymnasts for the handstand with flat palms and joined and fully stretched fingers, followed by that of flat palms and wide open and fully stretched fingers, and wide flat palms and open and flexed fingers. Results from one-way MANOVA indicated no differences between males and females in age, training age, body mass, height, and body mass index. With control for the effects of age, training age, personal characteristics and hand area of support in place, females had better balance control compared to males based on differences in CoP sway area, CoP linear distance displacement, and CoP velocity. Despite the study's limitations, the findings contribute to the existing literature on balance control techniques in handstands in relation to gender differences. The study provides recommendations for more effective training for coaches and suggests avenues for future research.","PeriodicalId":44084,"journal":{"name":"Science of Gymnastics Journal","volume":"5 7","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136106663","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"COMPARISON OF THE TRADITIONAL TRAINING METHOD TO TEACH HANDSTAND AND TRAINING THROUGH A RESEARCHER-MADE DEVICE AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE HANDSTAND DURATION, PAIN AND QUALITY OF PERFORMANCE IN 8-10-YEAR-OLD BEGINNER GYMNAST GIRLS","authors":"Solmaz Nabizadeh Morsalfard, Mohamed Hosein Nasermeli, Behnaz Ganji Namina","doi":"10.52165/sgj.15.3.395-407","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.52165/sgj.15.3.395-407","url":null,"abstract":"This research was conducted with the aim of comparing traditional handstand training and handstand training using a researcher-made device among beginner gymnast girls aged 8 to 10 years. To achieve this, 30 qualified female gymnasts were purposefully and conveniently selected and randomly assigned to two groups: one receiving educational assistance with the researcher-made device (n=15) and the other using the traditional method (n=15). Over a span of eight weeks, handstand movements were taught, with one group following traditional methods and the other utilizing the researcher-made device. Upon completion of the training period, various measurements were taken, including the duration of balance maintenance, balance quality as judged by experts, the range of motion in the wrist, elbow, shoulder, and ankle joints, and the assessment of pain in the wrist, elbow, shoulder, and lower back areas. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests, MANOVA, and the Mann-Whitney test, with a significance level set at P≥ 0.05, and the analysis was conducted using SPSS 22 software. The results demonstrated that the use of the researcher-made balance training device led to a significant improvement in balance quality from the perspective of judges, as well as a notable reduction in pain in the shoulder, back, and wrist areas compared to the traditional training method. Additionally, there were no significant differences between the traditional method and the use of the device when considering factors such as balance performance quality as measured by deviation from the vertical line in various body joints, the duration of balance maintenance, the range of motion in the wrist, elbow, shoulder, ankle, and pain in the elbow and knee.","PeriodicalId":44084,"journal":{"name":"Science of Gymnastics Journal","volume":"5 5","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136106666","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"JUDGE BIAS IN AESTHETIC GROUP GYMNASTICS","authors":"Seppo Suominen","doi":"10.52165/sgj.15.3.441-452","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.52165/sgj.15.3.441-452","url":null,"abstract":"There are several competitions where the objectivity of judges has raised some questions, in particular the style point evaluation. If part of the actual performance can be objectively measured with an instrument and part of the performance is based on subjective evaluation of judges, an error in ranking is possible. There are some sport disciplines, like ski jumping, where both metrics are used (Krumer et al., 2020); however, in gymnastics, the only criteria are judges’ subjective evaluation (Bučar et al., 2012; Leskoŝek et al., 2012; Rotthoff, 2014). Our analysis reveals that biased judging in aesthetic group gymnastics is more than probable in domestic competitions in Finland. The local judge that evaluates their own team is not overestimating the performance in any of its three parts: technical value, artistic value, or execution value. However, it seems that judges strategically underestimate the performance of the most important rival. This underscoring is truncated since the highest and lowest scores are truncated in the case of four judges. The local judge’s scoring is usually within the two middle scores, which is taken into account in the final score of a performance. Our analysis used evaluations of 66 different competitions including 585 performances in a period of 22 months. All competitions were domestic, with domestic teams and domestic judges only. Many competitions had 12 judges: 4 evaluating technical value, 4 artistic value, and 4 execution value. All judges were nominated before the actual competition.","PeriodicalId":44084,"journal":{"name":"Science of Gymnastics Journal","volume":"58 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136106116","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"THE HISTORY OF GYMNASTICS IN THE TERRITORY OF SLOVAKIA FROM 1918 TO 1980","authors":"Michal Babela","doi":"10.52165/sgj.15.3.299-321","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.52165/sgj.15.3.299-321","url":null,"abstract":"Gymnastics has been practised in the territory of Slovakia for over a century. During this period, Slovak gymnasts have achieved significant sports successes. This manuscript focuses on the emergence and development of gymnastics in the territory of Slovakia from the beginning of the 20th century to the early 1980s, looking at the main reasons and factors that influenced the emergence, development and direction of gymnastics in the territory of Slovakia during this period. The article also features the most successful gymnasts born on the territory of Slovakia who achieved significant sports success at the international level between 1918 and 1980. The basic criterion for including Slovak gymnasts among successful athletes was their representative participation in top international gymnastics competitions, with final placements in all-around and individual gymnastics events, up to a maximum of 10th place. Information detailing the significant achievements of Slovak gymnasts can be found in the attached tables, which list the greatest sports accomplishments of Slovak gymnasts at the Olympic Games, World Championships, and European Championships. Regarding the methodology employed in this manuscript, we adhered to standard historical research methods. Our primary focus was on collecting materials related to the subject matter. We diligently searched for primary sources, including diaries, newspapers, books, speeches, historical records, and electronic data. We then categorized these facts and examined their relationships using the comparative method as our foundation. Based on our analysis of this information, we prepared the manuscript.","PeriodicalId":44084,"journal":{"name":"Science of Gymnastics Journal","volume":"31 3","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136106660","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Casey Little, David Howell, Aubrey Armento, Amanda McCarthy, Emily Sweeney
{"title":"CONCERNS ABOUT WEIGHT AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG ADOLESCENT GYMNASTS: A PILOT STUDY","authors":"Casey Little, David Howell, Aubrey Armento, Amanda McCarthy, Emily Sweeney","doi":"10.52165/sgj.15.2.205-212","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.52165/sgj.15.2.205-212","url":null,"abstract":"Weight concerns can have an effect on gymnasts’ quality of life. We examined the association between concerns about weight with self-reported anxiety levels and other psychosocial and menstrual health characteristics among child and adolescent gymnasts. Gymnasts between 8 and 18 years old completed an online questionnaire distributed by their gymnastics clubs. They also completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaire. Of the 73 gymnasts who completed the questionnaire, 15% reported worrying about their weight; they were significantly older and reported higher GAD-7 scores than those who did not worry about their weight. After adjusting for the independent effect of age, worrying about weight was no longer significantly associated with GAD-7 scores (adjusted odds ratio= 1.13, 95% CI=0.98, 1.30, p=0.10), beliefs about their body size (adjusted odds ratio=6.48, 95% CI=0.84, 50.1; p=0.07), or menarche (adjusted odds ratio=0.40, 95% CI=0.04, 4.14, p=0.44). We found an association between age, anxiety, and weight concerns in child and adolescent gymnasts. Healthcare providers should screen for weight concerns and increased anxiety in older gymnasts.","PeriodicalId":44084,"journal":{"name":"Science of Gymnastics Journal","volume":"28 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135155816","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Luciana Ferreira Melo de Sá, Isaura Leite, Amanda Batista Santos, Maria de Lurdes Tristão Ávila Carvalho
{"title":"JUMP ABILITY AND FORCE-VELOCITY PROFILE IN RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS","authors":"Luciana Ferreira Melo de Sá, Isaura Leite, Amanda Batista Santos, Maria de Lurdes Tristão Ávila Carvalho","doi":"10.52165/sgj.15.2.225-237","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.52165/sgj.15.2.225-237","url":null,"abstract":"The jump is one of the main body elements in Rhythmic Gymnastics (RG). To perform it correctly, gymnasts must develop appropriate force and velocity levels to reach enough jump height to show the body shape during flight, as defined by the RG Code of Points. Jumping performance is influenced by the mechanical force-velocity (F-V) profile and the maximum power generated by the lower limbs. The F-V profile identification can provide a more accurate and complete mechanical representation of its capabilities and needs. This study aimed to analyse the F-V profile during the counter movement jump of RG athletes, identify the magnitude and direction of the imbalance between the two variables (force and velocity), and compare the jumping ability and mechanical variables of different age groups. Eighteen Portuguese gymnasts (average age 12.2±1.8 years) were evaluated, according to age group: beginner and youth gymnasts (G1- ages 10 to 12) and junior and senior gymnasts (G2 - ages 13 to 16), and according to the F-V profile imbalance detected. The data collection was performed after a covid-19 lockdown period. Results showed anthropometric differences between age groups but no differences in the F-V profile related variables. When gymnasts were compared according to the deficit, differences were found in variables force and velocity. Furthermore, 72.3% of the gymnasts presented force deficit, 11% presented velocity deficit and 16.6% were balanced. Considering the deficits found, the demands of the sport and of each athlete, it is essential to include strength training in the regular training routines of rhythmic gymnasts.","PeriodicalId":44084,"journal":{"name":"Science of Gymnastics Journal","volume":"16 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135155818","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"EATING DISORDERS IN SPANISH ACROBATIC GYMNASTS BASED ON SEX AND COMPETITIVE LEVEL","authors":"Alicia Salas-Morillas, Águeda Gutiérrez-Sánchez, Leopoldo Ariza-Vargas, Mercedes Vernetta-Santana","doi":"10.52165/sgj.15.2.173-190","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.52165/sgj.15.2.173-190","url":null,"abstract":"
 The aim of this study was to assess the body composition and the risk of developing an eating disorder (ED) in two groups of Spanish elite acrobatic gymnasts. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted, where 130 acrobatic gymnasts aged 9 to 21 and registered with the Spanish federation voluntarily participated; 56 of them were competing at the international level and 74 at the national level. Height and weight measures were used to calculate body mass index (BMI) and skinfolds were measured to determine the percentage of body fat. The Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI-3-RF) was applied to assess the ED variables. The results revealed that the majority of gymnasts presented normal weight (BMI) and a low % body fat, and the international-level gymnasts showed lower values than national-level ones. 52.6% of the gymnasts in this study were at risk of developing an ED. As regards the scales, the scores related to drive for thinness were noteworthy, especially in women competing at the international level, who reported greater concern about weight and body image. The international-level gymnasts met most of the referring criteria; in particular, most senior gymnasts met criterion 3. There was an average percentage of gymnasts at risk of developing an ED. The risk factors were more noticeable among female international-level gymnasts, who presented greater drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction.
","PeriodicalId":44084,"journal":{"name":"Science of Gymnastics Journal","volume":"25 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135155774","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"IDENTIFICATION OF TOPOLOGICALLY CHARACTERISTIC MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN OCCURRENCE AMONG YOUNG FEMALE ATHLETES","authors":"Alen Miletić, Ana Kezić, Sunčica Delaš Kalinski","doi":"10.52165/sgj.15.2.191-204","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.52165/sgj.15.2.191-204","url":null,"abstract":"The purpose of this study was to identify pain occurrence among young female athletes in aesthetic sports by defining the proportions of pain status of fourteen body regions. Three groups of young female athletes (artistic gymnasts, rhythmic gymnasts and contemporary dancers) were analysed and compared. The sample consisted of overall 99 competitive athletes. Using the “Self-estimated functional inability because of pain” (SEFIP) questionnaire, athletes were asked to assess their current pain status in 14 body regions on a 5-point scale, with 0 being no pain and 4 being pain so severe that they are unable to practice. According to the Wilk’s test there was a significant multivariate effect (F= 4.60; p<0.001) between artistic gymnasts, rhythmic gymnasts and compulsory dancers in training experience and body status. The most common locations for incidence of pain on the total sample of subjects were in the lower back (44%), knees (35%) and ankles/feet (31%). Artistic gymnasts mostly report pain in the ankles/feet (51.43%), and lower (37.14%) and upper back (34.29%). Rhythmic gymnasts of the same age mostly report pain in lower back area (46.42%), knees (42.86%) shins, ankles and feet (28.57%)¸ while dancers experience pain mostly in lower back (50%), upper back (44%) and knees (38.89%). According to the results of the Chi-square test, artistic gymnasts reported significantly higher pain incidence in ankles/feet region (p<0.01). Early detection of even low intensity pain, accompanied with the adjustment of training load and usage of appropriate safety requirements, can prevent the occurrence of injuries among young athletes.","PeriodicalId":44084,"journal":{"name":"Science of Gymnastics Journal","volume":"5 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135155773","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"EFFECTS OF 12-WEEK ISOKINETIC TRAINING ON KNEE STABILIZERS STRENGTH AND THE EFFICIENCY OF THE PERFORMANCE OF GYMNASTICS VAULTS","authors":"Adis Tabaković, Muhamed Tabaković, Almir Atiković","doi":"10.52165/sgj.15.2.239-256","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.52165/sgj.15.2.239-256","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract
 The aim of the research was to examine the effects of isokinetic training on knee stabilizer strength, and whether this increases the efficiency of performing basic gymnastics vaults. A total of 60 respondents, students of the Faculty of Sports and Physical Education (average age 19.7±1.5 years, weight 75.3±2.9 kg, height 179.8±6.7 cm) were included. The subjects were divided into two groups, experimental (EG) (n=30) and control (CG) (n=30). As part of the 12-week program, the experimental group (EG) in addition to exercises within the regular classes at the university had an additional concentric isokinetic training 3 times a week on the Biodex System 3 dynamometer, while the control group (CG) only had exercises within the regular classes at the university. The results showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between (EG) and (CG), both, in increasing the strength of the knee stabilizers and in the performance of gymnastics vaults, and the strength of the knee extensors and flexors in favor of (EG). It can be concluded that the additional isokinetic training resulted in a greater increase in strength, but also a better performance of gymnastics vaults.","PeriodicalId":44084,"journal":{"name":"Science of Gymnastics Journal","volume":"4 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135155776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}