¿Influye la pandemia del COVID-19 en las redes sociales de eventos no competitivos en edad escolar y adulta? Estudio de caso / Influence of COVID-19 on Social Networks of Non-competitive Events in School and Adult Ages? A Case Study

Resumen Las redes sociales son herramientas para mejorar los eventos deportivos. Por ello, el objetivo principal del presente estudio fue analizar los datos estadísticos de participación e impacto de los medios sociales (Facebook, Twitter e Instagram), del evento deportivo ''Gimnastrada de Extremadura'', y conocer la influencia de la situación de emergencia y confinamiento provocada por la crisis de la COVID-19 en los mismos para la edición prevista del año 2020. Se analizaron los datos de participación e interacción en las redes sociales, entre los periodos 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019 y 2019-2020. Siempre se utilizó la misma estrategia de marketing en todos los medios por internet. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y exploratorio de los datos. Los resultados mostraron que el número de participantes ha aumentado significativamente, así como los seguidores desde la utilización de las redes sociales, siendo las mujeres las principales participantes y seguidoras. La red social Facebook es el medio utilizado principalmente por los usuarios para conocer y difundir la Gimnastrada de Extremadura en edad escolar y adulta. Por tanto, los resultados evidencian la importancia de conocer las interacciones de seguidores en los medios sociales, con la finalidad de planificar nuevas estrategias de marketing online. Además, a pesar de aplazarse el evento previsto para marzo de 2020, como consecuencia de la pandemia COVID-19, los datos estadísticos de las redes sociales del evento van aumentando cada año. Siendo, el momento de publicación del cartel o suspensión del evento, los instantes que reciben el mayor número de interacciones en las redes sociales.

Abstract Social networks are useful and effective as a tool for improving sporting events. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the statistical data of participation and the impact of social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) of ''Gimnastrada de Extremadura'' (Gymnastics of Extremadura). It also sought to know the influence of the Covid-19 pandemic on this sporting event. The study analyzed the participation and interaction data on social networks in the periods 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, and 2019-2020. The same marketing strategy was always used in all online media. Therefore, a descriptive and exploratory analysis of the data was performed. The results showed that the number of participants in the event had increased significantly since the use of social networks, with women being the main followers. Facebook was the social medium mainly used by users to know the Gymnastics of Extremadura in school and adult ages. The results also demonstrated the importance of understanding the followers' interactions on social media to plan new online marketing strategies. Besides, even though the event was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the statistical data of the event's social networks increased every year, and the publication of the poster of the event or its suspension were the moments that received the greatest number of actions on social networks such as Like or Share / Retweet the news.

Resumo As redes sociais são ferramentas para melhorar os eventos esportivos. Portanto, o objetivo principal deste estudo é analisar os dados estatísticos de participação e impacto das mídias sociais (Facebook, Twitter e Instagram), do evento esportivo "Gimnastrada de Extremadura", e conhecer a influência da situação de emergência e confinamento causada pela crise da COVID-19 sobre elas para a edição de 2020. Os dados de participação e interação em redes sociais foram analisados, entre os períodos 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019 e 2019-2020. A mesma estratégia de marketing foi usada em todos os meios de comunicação on-line. Foi feita uma análise descritiva e exploratória dos dados. Os resultados mostraram que o número de participantes aumentou significativamente, assim como os seguidores desde o uso de redes sociais, sendo as mulheres as principais participantes e seguidoras. A rede social Facebook é o meio utilizado principalmente pelos usuários para conhecer e divulgar a ''Gimnastrada de Extremadura'' na idade escolar e adulta. Portanto, os resultados mostram a importância de conhecer as interações dos seguidores nas mídias sociais, a fim de planejar novas estratégias de marketing on-line. Além disso, apesar do adiamento do evento, previsto para março de 2020, causado pela pandemia da COVID-19, as estatísticas da mídia social do evento estão aumentando a cada ano. O momento da publicação do cartaz ou da suspensão do evento são os momentos que recebem o maior número de interações nas redes sociais.

The Associations of Body Image Perception with Serum Resistin Levels in Highly Trained Adolescent Estonian Rhythmic Gymnasts.

Rhythmic gymnasts (RGs) are more likely to be dissatisfied with their body mass and shape compared to untrained controls (UCs). However, due to the lack of information, the aim of this study was to investigate the associations of body image perception (BIP) with body composition, daily energy consumption and different blood biochemical markers in adolescent RGs compared to UCs. Thirty-three highly trained RG girls and 20 UC girls aged 14-18 years participated in this cross-sectional study. Height, body mass, body composition, energy intake, resting energy expenditure, training volume and different blood biochemical markers were measured. The body attitude test (BAT) was used to evaluate the BIP of the participants. There were no differences in the total BAT scores between the groups. In RGs, the BAT score correlated positively with the serum resistin level (r = 0.35; p = 0.047). A stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that 40.8% of the variability in the BAT score was determined by resistin and BMI. The association of BIP with resistin values was observed only in RGs. In conclusion, our findings add to the increasing evidence that resistin may be a link between BIP and body composition, most likely through fat mass, in adolescent female RGs.

Eating disorder diagnosis and the female athlete: A longitudinal analysis from college sport to retirement.

OBJECTIVES: Female athletes experience eating disorders (EDs) at clinical, and subclinical, levels; most studies have determined point-prevalence rates through cross-sectional methodologies. To date, few studies have examined the long-term stability of EDs in female athletes; none extend into retirement. DESIGN: A longitudinal investigation of ED classification (i.e., Clinical ED, Subclinical ED, Healthy) and weight control behaviors (e.g., vomiting, laxative use) from when athletes actively competed (T1) into their retirement (T2). METHODS: Participants included U.S. female athletes (N=193) who were collegiate competitors (T1) and eventually were retired from their collegiate sports six years later (T2). RESULTS: At T2, athletes were classified as Healthy (69.9%), Subclinical ED (26.9%), and Clinical ED (3.1%). Overall percentage of Subclinical EDs increased from 18.7% (T1) to 26.9% (T2); 52.8% of T1 Subclinical ED athletes continued to meet criteria for either Subclinical or Clinical ED at T2. Of the 13 Clinical ED athletes at T1, six (46.2%) continued to meet criteria for either a subclinical or clinical ED at T2. Though exercising (2+ hours/day; n=8, 4.1%) and dieting/fasting (4+ times/year; n=14, 7.3%) were the most frequently used weight control behaviors at T2, rates were substantially lower than at T1. CONCLUSIONS: Retirement does not result in immediate remittance of eating concerns among female athletes; many continue or develop Subclinical and Clinical ED symptoms. Thus, addressing healthy body image and nutrition when athletes are competing is imperative to assist prevention and intervention efforts that may alleviate ED symptoms as athletes transition from sport.

Similarities and differences between sports subserving systematic talent transfer and development: The case of paddle sports.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate similarities and differences for 18 sports toward canoe/kayak in order to identify donorsport and/or multisports, based upon a systematic analysis of the task constraints per sport that are assumed to be either crucial or less important from the coaches' viewpoint. DESIGN: Descriptive survey analysis. METHODS: 891 certified coaches from 19 sports valued (0-10; not important at all-very important) 15 characteristics by a questionnaire (Flemish Sports Compass) within their sport. Unique sport-profiles (discriminant analysis - DA) were constructed for 19 sports based on these characteristics. Similarities and differences between canoe/kayak and the other 18 sports were analyzed by means of MANOVAs on anthropometric, physical and motor coordination characteristics. RESULTS: Cross validated DA (rcan=0.660, Wilks' Lambda=0.564, p<0.001) showed that 72.1% of the canoe/kayak coaches were correctly assigned to their sport. For canoe/kayak seven characteristics were valued crucial; dynamic balance (8.51±1.69), core stability (8.45±2.27), pulling power (8.12±1.68), speed (7.54±2.07), endurance (7.27±2.03), stature (6.43±1.41) and rhythm (6.01±3.01). Least important characteristics were: flexibility (6.16±1.75), agility (4.27±3.10), catching (3.90±3.22), climbing (2.45±3.05), jumping (1.81±2.11), throwing (1.60±2.24), hitting (.94±1.77) and kicking (.61±1.04). CONCLUSIONS: This novel approach to determine important characteristics per sport makes identifying similarities and differences between sports possible. Similarities might enlarge talent-pools for possible talent transfers. Differences can help identify sports based on complementary characteristics for the construction of broad motor development programs. From this viewpoint gymnastics can serve as potential donorsport (similarities) for canoe/kayak, while handball and tennis can subserve broad development for young canoe/kayak athletes.

[Assessment of nutritional-dietary status, body composition, eating behavior, and perceived image in rhythmic gymnastics athletes]. / Valoración del estado dietético-nutricional, la composición corporal, el comportamiento alimentario y la percepción de la imagen en deportistas de gimnasia rítmica.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: among adolescent gymnasts some concern for body weight has been observed, with diets inadequate in energy and some nutrients in the search for maximum performance. Objective: the aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary-nutritional status, body composition, eating behavior, and perceived body image concerns of female gymnasts at sub-national competition levels. In addition, to study the relationship between the prevalence of the risk of eating disorders and variables such as substance use, irregular menstruation, fatigue, and hours of sleep. Materials and method: a total of 33 female subelite gymnasts participated (age: M = 14.52, SD = 1.85), with age ranging from 11 to 18 years. Anthropometric evaluations (restricted profile) were made, the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) were administered, and the subjects were then interviewed for collecting sociodemographic, socio-sports, health, and food intake data. Results: the results showed that their diet was deficient, among other micro- and macro-nutrients, in water, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins D and E, fiber, iron and calcium, whereas they ingested an excess of vitamin A and sodium. These athletes had normal weight, high muscle mass values, low fat mass levels, and intermediate somatotype components (balanced endomorph with a tendency to central). Two cases at risk for an eating disorder, and concerns related to perceived body image in a quarter of the sample were identified. Conclusion: the risk of having an eating disorder is related to the consumption of prohibited drugs or addictive substances, irregular menstruation, tiredness, and fewer hours of sleep.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: entre las gimnastas adolescentes se ha observado cierta preocupación por el peso, con dietas insuficientes en energía y algunos nutrientes en búsqueda del máximo rendimiento. Esta preocupación puede estar relacionada con trastornos de la conducta alimentaria, menstruación irregular, cansancio y descanso insuficiente. Objetivos: evaluar el estado diétético-nutricional, la composición corporal, el comportamiento alimentario y la preocupación por la imagen corporal de las gimnastas de competición. Métodos: estudio observacional y transveral en el que participaron 33 gimnastas femeninas (edad: M = 14,52, DT = 1,85), subélite, de entre 11 y 18 años de edad. Se realizaron valoraciones antropométricas, se les aplicó un test de actitudes alimentarias (EAT-26) y un cuestionario sobre la figura corporal (BSQ), y se las entrevistó, recogiéndose datos sociodemográficos, sociodeportivos, de salud y sobre la ingesta. Resultados: la dieta de las deportistas es principalmente deficitaria en agua, carbohidratos, proteínas, vitaminas D y E, fibra, hierro y calcio, con sobreingesta de vitamina A y sodio. Las deportistas presentan normopeso y valores altos de masa muscular, bajos de masa grasa y medios de los componentes del somatotipo (endomorfo equilibrado con tendencia a central). Se detectaron dos casos de riesgo de trastorno de la conducta alimentaria (TCA) y preocupación por la imagen corporal percibida en un cuarto de la muestra. Conclusiones: el riesgo de padecer un TCA se relaciona con el consumo de fármacos prohibidos o sustancias adictivas, la menstruación irregular, el cansancio y dormir menos horas.

Exercise Types and the Risk of Developing Cognitive Decline in Older Women: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Participation in exercise may be useful for dementia prevention; however, the specific exercise types which may best to reduce the risk of developing cognitive decline have remained unidentified in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationships of specific exercise types with the risk of developing cognitive decline in older women. METHODS: This 1- to 2-year population-based cohort study included 687 community-dwelling older Japanese women without disability, neurological disease, dementia, or cognitive impairment assessed as <24 points on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) at the baseline survey. Developing cognitive decline was defined as a decrease of ≥3 points in the participant's MMSE score during the follow-up. We classified individuals into participation (≥3 months) and non-participation (<3 months) groups for 17 different exercise types. Log-binominal regression analyses were applied to compare risk ratios and confidence intervals of developing cognitive decline between the two groups. RESULTS: Thirty-nine participants (5.7%) developed cognitive decline during the follow-up period. After adjusting for confounders (age, MMSE score, depressive symptoms, body mass index, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, low educational level, and the follow-up period in the baseline survey), those who participated in calisthenics demonstrated a significantly lower risk of developing cognitive decline than those who did not participate in calisthenics. No significant relationships between other exercise types and the risk of developing cognitive decline were found. CONCLUSION: Participation in calisthenics significantly reduced the risk of cognitive decline in community-dwelling older Japanese women, indicating that calisthenics may be a useful type of exercise for promoting dementia prevention.

Protocol for Minute Calisthenics: a randomized controlled study of a daily, habit-based, bodyweight resistance training program.

BACKGROUND: Resistance-training (RT) provides significant health benefits. However, roughly 3/4 of adults in the United States do not meet current Physical Activity Guidelines in this regard. There has been a call for research examining the effectiveness of interventions to increase participation in physical activity and to better understand the dose response relationship upon health outcomes. Studies are needed that assess the effectiveness of RT programs that are time-efficient and simple to perform. This fully-powered, randomized controlled study will assess a habit-based RT program consisting of one set of push-ups, angled-rows, and bodyweight-squats performed every weekday for 12-24 weeks in untrained individuals. METHODS: Forty-60 untrained osteopathic medical students and college/university employees who work in an office setting will be recruited and randomized (1:1) to an intervention or waitlist control group. After 12-week follow-up assessment, the intervention group will continue the program and the control group will initiate the program for 12 weeks. In addition to the equipment and training needed to safely perform the exercises, all participants will receive training in the Tiny Habits® Method (THM) and digital coaching for the duration of the study. Participants will complete weekly assessments regarding the program during their initial 12-week intervention phase. The primary outcome is the change from baseline to 12 weeks in the intervention group versus the control group, in the combined number of repetitions performed in one set of each of the three exercises (composite repetitions) under a standardized protocol. Secondary outcomes include adherence to and satisfaction with the program, and change from baseline to 12- and 24-week follow-up in blood pressure, fasting lipid panel, hemoglobin A1c, body mass index, anthropometry, body composition, mid-thigh muscle thickness, and habit strength. DISCUSSION: This study will evaluate a simple, habit-based RT intervention in untrained individuals. The approach is unique in that it utilizes brief but frequent bodyweight exercises and, via the THM, focuses on consistency and habit formation first, with effort being increased as participants are motivated and able. If effective, the program can be easily scaled for wider adoption. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04207567 , on December 23rd, 2019.

Training Load and Recovery During a Pre-Olympic Season in Professional Rhythmic Gymnasts.

CONTEXT: Rhythmic gymnastics requires a high level of complexity and perfection of technical gestures, associated with well-developed physical and artistic capacities. The training-load and recovery profiles of rhythmic gymnasts across a season are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the training load and recovery of professional rhythmic gymnasts during 1 season. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Brazilian National Training Center of Rhythmic Gymnastics and competition facilities. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Eight gymnasts from the Brazilian national senior rhythmic gymnastics group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE) and total quality recovery (TQR) scores were collected daily for 43 weeks. We obtained the session-RPE after each session and TQR score before the first session of the day. Performances during 5 competitions were also recorded. The season was divided into 8 periods. Total weekly internal training load (wITL), training intensity, frequency, duration, recovery, and acute : chronic workload ratio were calculated for analysis. RESULTS: The season mean wITL was 10 381 ± 4894 arbitrary units, mean session-RPE score was 5.0 ± 1.6, and mean TQR score was 12.8 ± 1.3. The gymnasts trained an average of 8.7 ± 2.9 sessions per week, with a mean duration of 219 ± 36 minutes. Each competitive period showed increased wITL compared with the previous period. Training-load variables (wITL and session-RPE) and recovery were inversely correlated. Gymnasts were poorly recovered (TQR < 13) during 50.9% of the season (n = 167 times), especially during competitive weeks. Spikes in load (acute : chronic workload ratio ≥ 1.5) occurred across 18.1% of the season (n = 55 times). CONCLUSIONS: The training-load variables and recovery changed throughout a professional rhythmic gymnastics group season, mainly during competitive periods. The correct distribution of training load is critical to ensure that gymnasts are entering competitions in a recovered state.

Gaze behavior of trampoline gymnasts during a back tuck somersault.

In trampolining, gymnasts perform a variety of rotational jumping elements and have to demonstrate perfect control of the body during the flying phase. The performance of a somersault should include an opening phase, i.e. the legs are fully extended pointing vertically at 180° called "kick-out". As previous studies have shown, gaze behavior is essential for the controlling during the flight phase and to prepare for a perfect landing. Gymnasts supposedly use the trampoline bed as orientation and differences in gaze behavior can be expected, depending on how a somersault is performed. The present study investigates the gaze behavior of gymnasts during a back tuck somersault on the trampoline. Eleven experienced trampoline gymnasts performed back tuck somersaults with and without a kick-out while wearing a light weight portable eye-tracking device. All subjects fixated their gaze on a specific point at the trampoline bed and thus used visual information to prepare for landing. During the period of fixation, gymnasts' eyes moved continuously downwards to counteract the backwards head movement. The point of fixation differed between each somersault. Apparently, the fixation position depended on the gymnast's landing position in the bed. Performing a somersault with a kick-out allows gymnasts to orient themselves earlier and thus prepare sooner for landing. Unexpectedly, gymnasts of a higher performance class fixated the bed later compared to less experienced athletes. Supposedly, gymnasts of a better class can allow themselves to fixate later in order to optimize the form and execution of a somersault.

Athletes Play Through Pain-What Does That Mean for Rehabilitation Specialists?

CONTEXT: Pain in sport has been normalized to the point where athletes are expected to ignore pain and remain in the game despite the possible detrimental consequences associated with playing through pain. While rehabilitation specialists may not have an influence on an athlete's competitive nature or the culture of risk they operate in, understanding the consequences of those factors on an athlete's physical well-being is definitely in their area of responsibility. OBJECTIVE: To explore the factors associated with the experiences of subelite athletes who play through pain in gymnastics, rowing, and speed skating. DESIGN: The authors conducted semistructured interviews with subelite athletes, coaches, and rehabilitation specialists. They recruited coach participants through their provincial sport organization. Athletes of the recruited coaches who were recovering from a musculoskeletal injury and training for a major competition were then recruited. They also recruited rehabilitation specialists who were known to treat subelite athletes independently by e-mail. SETTING: An observation session was conducted at the athlete's training facility. Interviews were then conducted either in a room at the university or at a preferred sound-attenuated location suggested by the participant. PARTICIPANTS: The authors studied 5 coaches, 4 subelite athletes, and 3 rehabilitation specialists. INTERVENTIONS: The authors photographed athletes during a practice shortly before an important competition, and we interviewed all the participants after that competition. Our photographs were used during the interview to stimulate discussion. RESULTS: The participant interviews revealed 3 main themes related to playing through pain. They are: Listening to your body, Decision making, and Who decides. CONCLUSION: When subelite athletes, striving to be the best in their sport continue to train with the pain of an injury, performance is affected in the short-term and long-term consequences are also possible. Our study provides some insight into the contrasting forces that athletes balance as they decide to continue or to stop.

"Despite being an athlete, I am also a human-being": Male elite gymnasts' reflections on food and body image.

Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of symptoms related to eating disorders, disordered eating and body image perception, and attitudes toward eating in a group of elite male artistic gymnastics. Seventeen athletes took part in this quali-quantitative, cross-sectional study. Presence of eating disorders symptoms, and body image perception and satisfaction were assessed using validated questionnaires. Focus groups were held to discuss their attitudes toward eating and body image perception in more detail. Little to no evidence of symptoms consistent with eating disorders was observed, and this was supported by the qualitative data. However, some concerning practices and attitudes were described. Negative emotional eating cycles appeared prevalent (e.g. feelings of anger, stress and anxiety creating a desire to eat "junk foods", followed by guilt and regret). Body image perception and attitudes toward body weight's influence on performance varied widely. Some athletes expressed a desire to lose weight and believed that this would positively impact their performance, while others believed weight to be irrelevant and focused on feeling strong and vital. Athletes believed their female counterparts experienced far greater pressure to maintain low body weight and described some very concerning practices. We conclude that eating disorders and disordered eating did not appear to be prevalent among these elite male artistic gymnastics. However, some concerning attitudes and practices were observed and should be addressed with nutritional support programmes encompassing psychological and behavioural aspects of eating. These programmes should be extended to support staff and significant others, in addition to athletes.

Evaluating a Commonly Used Tool for Measuring Sport Specialization in Young Athletes.

CONTEXT: Sport specialization has been defined as year-round intensive training in a single sport to the exclusion of other sports. A commonly used survey tool created by Jayanthi et al, which classifies athletes as having a low, moderate, or high level of specialization, categorizes only athletes answering yes to "Have you quit other sports to focus on a main sport?" as highly specialized. We hypothesized that a measureable number of year-round, single-sport athletes have never played other sports and, therefore, may be inaccurately classified as moderately specialized when using this tool, even though most experts would agree they should be viewed as highly specialized. OBJECTIVE: To determine the proportion of athletes misclassified as moderately rather than highly specialized because they never played a previous sport. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Hospital-based pediatric outpatient sports medicine clinic. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Injured athletes aged 12 to 17 years who presented to the clinic between 2015 and 2017 and completed a sports-participation survey (n = 917). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Sport-specialization level. RESULTS: Of 917 participants, 299 (32.6%) played a single sport more than 8 months per year, and 208/299 (69.6%) had previously quit other sports (highly specialized), whereas 91 (30.4%) had never played other sports (highly specialized and misclassified as moderate). Individual-sport athletes had a 2.03 times greater risk of being highly specialized and misclassified as moderate than team-sport athletes (relative risk = 2.03 [95% confidence interval = 1.37, 3.00]). Females had a 1.70 times greater risk of being misclassified as moderately specialized than males (relative risk 1.70 [95% confidence interval = 1.07, 2.70]). Of the 3 sports with the largest number of athletes, artistic gymnastics had the highest proportion (51.2%) who had never played other sports. CONCLUSIONS: The commonly used specialization survey misclassified a substantial number of highly specialized athletes as moderately specialized. Researchers should consider adding a fourth survey question, "Have you only ever played 1 sport?" to identify and better study this unique subset of misclassified athletes.

Feedforward Self-Modeling and Self-Regulation: It's Not Just for Learning.

Purpose: This research investigated whether Zimmerman's model of self-regulated learning could be transferred into a competitive setting. We also investigated whether a feedforward self-modeling video could influence one's use of self-regulation and as such be an effective self-regulatory intervention. Methods: Nine competitive gymnasts took part in two interviews; one interview was conducted after a competition in which the video was viewed (experimental interview: EI) and the other after a competition where no video was seen (control interview: CI). Results: The gymnasts' responses to the interviews suggested that many processes and beliefs used in the learning context described by Zimmerman were also engaged in within a competitive context. Furthermore, comparison of gymnasts' responses between the EI and CI suggested that the feedforward self-modeling video influenced gymnasts' use of self-regulation during a competition. Conclusion: This research suggests that Zimmerman's model of self-regulation has potential to be transmitted into the competitive context and that an individual's self-regulation can be influenced by viewing a feedforward self-modeling video.

The acute effects of stretching with vibration on dynamic flexibility in young female gymnasts.

BACKGROUND: While stretching with vibration has been shown to improve static flexibility; the effect of stretching with vibration on dynamic flexibility is not well known. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of stretching with vibration on acute dynamic flexibility and jump height in novice and advanced competitive female gymnasts during a split jump. METHODS: Female gymnast (N.=27, age: 11.5±1.7 years, Junior Olympic levels 5-10) participated in this cross-over study. Dynamic flexibility during gymnastic split jumps were video recorded and analyzed with Dartfish software. All participants completed both randomized stretching protocols with either the vibration platform turned on (VIB) (frequency of 30 Hz and 2 mm amplitude) or off (NoVIB) separated by 48 h. Participants performed 4 sets of three stretches on the vibration platform. Each stretch was held for 30 seconds with 5 seconds rest for a total of 7 minutes of stretch. RESULTS: Split jump flexibility decreased significantly from pre to post measurement in both VIB (-5.8±5.9°) (P<0.001) and NoVIB (-2.6±6.1°) (P=0.041) conditions (adjusted for gymnast level). This effect was greatest in lower skill level gymnasts (P=0.003), while the highest skill level gymnasts showed no significant decrease in the split jump (P=0.105). Jump height was not significantly different between conditions (P=0.892) or within groups (P=0.880). CONCLUSIONS: An acute session of static stretching with or without vibration immediately before performance does not alter jump height. Stretching with vibration immediately prior to gymnastics competition decreases split jump flexibility in lower level gymnasts more than upper level gymnasts.

The use of a dual-task paradigm to identify superior sensory organisation ability in rhythmic gymnasts.

Previous study has showed superior sensory organisation ability in rhythmic gymnasts, but mostly in longitudinal data. With a cross-sectional design, this study used a dual-task paradigm to examine the above phenomenon. Fifteen female rhythmic gymnasts (15.0 ± 1.8 yr.) and matched peers (15.1 ± 2.1 yr.) were recruited. The Sensory Organization Test (SOT) was administered with a concurrent lower-demand (serial subtraction of three, serving as the baseline) or higher-demand (serial subtraction of seven, serving as the dual-task) arithmetic task. The results showed no main effect of group, but a group by level of arithmetic task (P = 0.001) interaction effect on SOT equilibrium score. The higher-demand task facilitated balance performance in the gymnasts, but it impeded performance in the controls, with the differences more pronounced in challenging SOT conditions. With the higher-demand task, the gymnasts adopted a sensory strategy with a higher visual ratio but a smaller somatosensory ratio compared to the controls. Better visual utilisation of sensory organisation ability was apparent in gymnasts, but only when the SOT test was performed with a higher-demand secondary task. We have demonstrated the efficacy of using the dual-task paradigm to identify the superior sensory organisation ability of adolescent rhythmic gymnasts.

Sleep duration, body composition, dietary profile and eating behaviours among children and adolescents: a comparison between Portuguese acrobatic gymnasts.

Sleep, body composition and dietary intake are crucial for athletes' health and performance but have never been investigated in acrobatic gymnasts. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate sleep, body composition, dietary intake and eating behaviours of acrobatic gymnasts. Using a cross-sectional study, 82 Portuguese acrobatic gymnasts (12.8 ± 3.1 years, 61 females and 21 males) were evaluated during the competitive period to collect training data, sleep duration, body composition, dietary intake and eating behaviours before, during and after practices. Most of the gymnasts (91.5%) slept less than 8 h/night. Female adolescents slept significantly less on weekdays than female children (P = 0.024). Female adolescents' mean body mass was below the normal and 60.0% showed menstrual irregularities; 4.9% of females bases were overweight and 2.4% obese. Male adolescents slept significantly less on weekdays than male children (P = 0.001); significant differences were shown for fat-free mass (P = 0.014); however, 3.7% were overweight. All daily energy and macronutrient intakes were significantly different according to age and gender, with exception for fibre and energy intake in females (P = 0.057 and P = 0.052, respectively), and for protein in males (P = 0.068). Female and male adolescents demonstrated significant lower energy availability (32.8 ± 9.4 kcal/kg FFM/day and 45.1 ± 14.7 kcal/kg FFM/day) than children (45.8 ± 8.7 kcal/kg FFM/day and 53.8 ± 9.1 kcal/kg FFM/day), respectively. Significant low intakes of important vitamins and minerals were reported. Most of the participants did not eat or drink during or immediately after training sessions. CONCLUSION: Acrobatic gymnasts revealed low BF, short sleep duration and macro- and micronutrients inadequate intakes. The Female Athlete Triad was demonstrated by female adolescent gymnasts. What is Known: • Adequate dietary intake is an important resource for athletes' short and long-term health and performance. • There are no published studies in acrobatic gymnasts' sleep, body composition or dietary intake. What is New: • This study provides the first data on significant differences in energy intake and availability between acrobatic gymnasts; overweight and obesity were present in females. • Macro and micronutrients were inappropriate. Female Athlete Triad was observed in female adolescent acrobatic gymnasts.

As fontes de conhecimento de treinadores de ginástica artística / The sources of knowledge by gymnastics coaches / Las fuentes de conocimiento de entrenadores de gimnasia artística

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar as fontes de conhecimento de treinadores de Ginástica Artística (GA) que atuam no estado de Santa Catarina. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de entrevistas, com oito (8) treinadores experientes, e avaliados por meio de procedimentos de análise de conteúdo. Os resultados indicaram a valorização de diferentes fontes de conheci-mento, com destaque para as experiências como atleta, o compartilhamento de informações e a observação de outros treinadores. Conclui-se que os treinadores de GA buscam diferentes tipos de conhecimento em situações distintas, o que indica o caráter complexo e dinâmico de seu processo de aprendizagem (AU).

The aim of this study was to identify the sources of knowledge by Gymnastics coaches (AG) from Santa Catarina state (Brazil). The data were obtained through semistructured interview with 8 experienced coaches and analyzed through content analysis procedures. The results indicated the recognition of different sources of knowledge high lighting the athlete experi-ences, sharing information and observation of other coaches. Concluded that the AG coaches

El objetivo del presente estudio fue identificar las fuentes de conocimiento de entrenadores de Gimnasia Artística (GA) que actúan en la ciudad de Santa Catarina. Los datos fueron obteni-dos a través de entrevistas con 8 entrenadores especialistas en el área y examinados por medio del análisis de contenido. Los resultados indicaron la valoración dediferentes fuentes de co-nocimiento, sobre todo en las prácticas de atletismo, el intercambio de información y la ob-servación de otros entrenadores. Se concluyó que los entrenadores de GA buscan diferentes tipos de conocimiento en diferentes situaciones deaprendizaje, indicando el carácter complejo y dinámico de su proceso de aprendizaje (AU).

Effects of Childhood Gymnastics Program on Spatial Working Memory.

PURPOSE: A growing body of evidence has demonstrated the positive effects of physical exercise on cognition in children, and recent studies have specifically investigated the cognitive benefits of exercises involving cognitive-motor interactions, such as gymnastics. This study examined the effect of 8 wk of gymnastics training on behavioral and neurophysiological measures of spatial working memory in children. METHODS: Forty-four children age 7 to 10 yr were recruited. The experimental group (n = 24; age, 8.7 ± 1.1 yr) was recruited from Yilan County in Taiwan, while the control group (n = 20; age, 8.6 ± 1.1 yr) resided in Taipei City. The experimental group undertook 8 wk of after-school gymnastics training (2 sessions per week, 90 min per session), whereas the control group received no intervention and were instructed to maintain their routine daily activities. Working memory was assessed by performance on a modified delayed match-to-sample test and by event-related potential including the P3 component. Data were collected before and after treatment for the experimental group and at the same time interval for the control group. RESULTS: Response accuracy improved after the experimental intervention regardless of working memory demands. Likewise, the P3 amplitude was larger at the parietal site after gymnastics training regardless of the task difficulty. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that a short period of gymnastics training had a general facilitative effect on spatial working memory at both behavioral and neurophysiological levels in children. These finding highlight the potential importance of exercise programs involving cognitive-motor interactions in stimulating development of spatial cognition during childhood.

Salivary steroids hormones, well-being, and physical performance during an intensification training period followed by a tapering period in youth rhythmic gymnasts.

This study examined the effect of an intensification period (IT; 4weeks; after a habitual training period; HT) followed by a tapering period (TP; 2weeks) on salivary hormones (testosterone - T and cortisol - C), well-being (WB), and physical performance in 23 rhythmic gymnasts (RG; Under-11 group [G1], Under-13 group [G2], and >13 group [G3]). The session-rating of perceived exertion was used to quantify the daily internal training load (ITL). The WB questionnaire was completed daily. Physical performance tests and saliva sampling were carried out at the beginning of the IT (T1), after IT (T2), and after TP (T3). A higher ITL was observed for IT compared to HT (2310±327 vs 2940±334, 2449±237 vs 3902±273, 2278±436 vs 3954±866 arbitrary units [UA], for G1, G2, and G3, respectively) and TP (vs 1781±260, 2305±298, 2415±522AU). No significant change was detected for T concentration (206±39, 221±35, 216±51 ρmol/L, for T1, T2, and T3, respectively [whole group]; p=0.16), C concentration (5.7±1.0, 5.8±0.8, 5.0±0.7nmol/L; p=0.07), and WB (19±3, 19±2, 19±2; p=0.44). A significant lower WB score was observed for the G3. Physical performance increased for sit-ups from T2 to T3 (ES=0.80), and T1 to T3 (ES=0.78) and for push-ups (T2-T3; ES=0.61; T1-T3; ES=0.55). In summary, a period of IT followed by TP, seems to be a useful approach to improve physical performance of youth RG, while maintaining the perception of WB and the hormonal milieu.

Superior short-term learning effect of visual and sensory organisation ability when sensory information is unreliable in adolescent rhythmic gymnasts.

Rhythmic gymnasts specialise in dynamic balance under sensory conditions of numerous somatosensory, visual, and vestibular stimulations. This study investigated whether adolescent rhythmic gymnasts are superior to peers in Sensory Organisation test (SOT) performance, which quantifies the ability to maintain standing balance in six sensory conditions, and explored whether they plateaued faster during familiarisation with the SOT. Three and six sessions of SOTs were administered to 15 female rhythmic gymnasts (15.0 ± 1.8 years) and matched peers (15.1 ± 2.1 years), respectively. The gymnasts were superior to their peers in terms of fitness measures, and their performance was better in the SOT equilibrium score when visual information was unreliable. The SOT learning effects were shown in more challenging sensory conditions between Sessions 1 and 2 and were equivalent in both groups; however, over time, the gymnasts gained marginally significant better visual ability and relied less on visual sense when unreliable. In conclusion, adolescent rhythmic gymnasts have generally the same sensory organisation ability and learning rates as their peers. However, when visual information is unreliable, they have superior sensory organisation ability and learn faster to rely less on visual sense.