Jumping Interval Training: An Effective Training Method for Enhancing Anaerobic, Aerobic, and Jumping Performances in Aerobic Gymnastics.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of jumping interval training (JIT) and running high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on the aerobic, anaerobic and jumping performances of youth female aerobic gymnasts. A randomized controlled study was conducted over an 8-week period, involving 73 youth female athletes (16.2 ± 1.3 years old) of aerobic gymnastics. The study comprised two experimental groups (JIT and HIIT) and a control group. Participants in the experimental groups engaged in two additional training sessions per week alongside their regular training regimen, while the control group followed their usual training routine. Before and after the intervention period, gymnasts were assessed for their performance in the countermovement jump test (CMJ), the specific aerobic gymnastics anaerobic test (SAGAT) and the 20-m multistage fitness test. Significant interactions time × group were found in SAGAT (p < 0.001; = 0.495), CMJ (p < 0.001; = 0.338) and 20-m multistage fitness test (p < 0.001; = 0.500). The time × group analysis post-intervention revealed significantly lower scores in SAGAT for the control group compared to the JIT (p = 0.003) and HIIT (p = 0.034). Additionally, significantly higher scores were observed for the JIT group in the CMJ test compared to the HIIT (p = 0.020) and control (p = 0.028) groups following the intervention. Finally, the 20 m multistage fitness test post-intervention revealed significantly lower scores for the control group compared to JIT (p < 0.001) and HIIT (p < 0.001). Both JIT and HIIT are recommended training strategies to adopt in aerobic gymnastics for significantly improving the aerobic and anaerobic performances of athletes. However, JIT may be particularly relevant to use as it offers additional benefits in improving vertical jumping performances.

Rehabilitation Following ACL Repair with Internal Brace Ligament Augmentation in Female Gymnast: A Resident's Case Report.

Introduction: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries continue to be a major source of morbidity in gymnastics. The gold standard is to perform an ACL Reconstruction (ACLR). However, injuries to the proximal femoral attachment of the ACL have demonstrated an ability to regenerate. An alternative surgical intervention to the ACLR in this ACL tear subgroup is an ACL repair. The purpose of this case report is to provide a rehabilitation progression for a female gymnast after an ACL repair with Internal Brace Ligament Augmentation (IBLA). Case Description: The subject was a 16-year-old female who presented with a Sherman Type 1 proximal avulsion of her ACL. She underwent an ACL repair with IBLA. Physical therapy interventions followed a sequential and multi-phased approach based on time for tissue physiologic healing and individual progression. Patient reported outcomes including the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport After Injury (ACL-RSI) and the Optimal Screening for Prediction of Referral and Outcome Yellow Flag (OSPRO-YF) were assessed in conjunction with isokinetic strength and hop performance testing to determine return to sport readiness. Outcomes: The subject completed 42 sessions over the course of 26 weeks in addition to a home exercise program. At return to sport, clinically meaningful improvement was observed in patient reported outcomes including the IKDC, ACL-RSI, and OSPRO-YF. Additionally, strength and hop performance surpassed established thresholds of clinical significance. The subject returned to sport at six months post-operatively. Conclusion: The subject in this case report returned to full participation in gymnastics six months after an ACL repair with internal bracing following a sequential and multi-phased rehabilitation. The primary ACL repair with IBLA appeared beneficial to this patient and could benefit from additional study in other athletes and athletic populations. Level of Evidence: Level 5.

The Calf Raise App shows good concurrent validity compared with a linear encoder in measuring total concentric work.

PURPOSE: The linear encoder and the Calf Raise App have been shown to be valid for measurements of plantar flexor muscular endurance in the heel raise test when compared with gold standard equipment. However, the validity of the Calf Raise App has not yet been compared with a linear encoder, an instrument commonly used in clinical and research settings. The purpose of this study was to determine the concurrent validity of the Calf Raise App compared with a linear encoder for the measurement of average heel raise height and total concentric work in the heel raise test. METHODS: Fifty TeamGym athletes (82% females) from an on-going prospective study were included (mean [SD] age: 20 [7] years; body mass index (BMI) = 21.3 [2.5]). Concurrent validity was analysed with single measures intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) using a two-way mixed effects, consistency model. RESULTS: Ninety-eight samples were included in the analysis. The mean (SD) average heel raise height and total concentric work measured by the linear encoder and Calf Raise App were 9.9 (1.4) and 7.5 (1.2) cm, and 1728 (584) and 1291 (450) J, respectively. The mean (SD) number of unilateral heel raises was 30 (7.5). The results showed poor to moderate concurrent validity for the measurement of average heel raise height (ICC: 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.48-0.73). Good to excellent concurrent validity was shown for the measurement of total concentric work (ICC: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.84-0.93). CONCLUSION: The Calf Raise App shows good concurrent validity in the heel raise test compared with a linear encoder in measuring total concentric work but not average height. While caution is recommended when comparing results from the different instruments, each instrument can be used separately to compare between-limb differences or changes over time in plantar flexor muscular endurance in clinical and research settings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Epidemiology and patterns of gymnastics-related head & neck trauma injuries: A NEISS database study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology and patterns of gymnastics-related Head & Neck trauma injuries using the NEISS database from 2001 to 2020. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional analysis of a national database. METHODS: Gymnastics-related ED visits between 2001 and 2020 were queried from the NEISS database. Bivariate chi-squared analyses were used to compare injury demographics, location, type, and disposition. Fracture location was identified using the narrative description of each case and were divided into subtypes for further analysis. RESULTS: 1455 gymnastics-related head and neck traumatic injuries were identified. The majority were in females (65.8%). The most common presenting age group was pediatric (≤18 years) (92.7%), and the largest racial group was Caucasian (51.5%). Of all location subtypes, facial injuries were the most common presenting injury type overall (45.2%). Regarding injury types, lacerations were most common (36.8%), followed by dental injury (30.7%) and fractures (21.2%). The most common location of head and neck fractures was the nose (45.8%), followed by cervical spine (16.7%) and orbit (13.3%). The majority (95.7%) of gymnastics-related head and neck traumatic injuries presenting to the ED were treated and discharged. CONCLUSION: This study characterizes gymnastics-related head and neck injuries which is a topic that is under-studied. The findings from this study are helpful for gymnasts and those who care for them including providers, coaches and guardians, and this data may help inform future guidelines for treatment and injury prevention.

Examining the Influence of Warm-Up Static and Dynamic Stretching, as well as Post-Activation Potentiation Effects, on the Acute Enhancement of Gymnastic Performance: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

The primary objective of this systematic review with meta-analysis is to methodically discern and compare the impact of diverse warm-up strategies, including both static and dynamic stretching, as well as post-activation potentiation techniques, on the immediate performance of gymnasts. Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, this paper evaluated studies that examined the gymnasts' performance after different warm-up strategies namely stretching (static [SS] or dynamic), vibration platforms (VP) or post-activation, in comparison to control conditions (e.g., mixed warm-up routines; no warm-up). The principal outcomes were centered on technical performance metrics (e.g., split, gymnastic jumps) and physical performance metrics (e.g., squat jump, countermovement jump, drop jump, balance, range of motion). Methodological assessments of the included studies were conducted using the Downs and Black Checklist. From the initial search across PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science databases, a total of 591 titles were retrieved, and 19 articles were ultimately incorporated in the analysis. The results revealed a non-significant differences (p > 0.05) between the SS condition and control conditions in squat jump performance, countermovement jump and gymnastic technical performance (e.g., split; split jump). Despite the difference in warm-up strategies and outcomes analyzed, the results suggest that there is no significant impairment of lower-limb power after SS. Additionally, technical elements dependent on flexibility appear to be enhanced by SS. Conversely, dynamic stretching and VP seem to be more effective for augmenting power-related and dynamic performance in gymnasts.

A 16-week school-based intervention improves physical fitness in Slovenian children: a randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 16-week school-based physical activity (PA) intervention on physical fitness (PF) (speed, hand-eye coordination, flexibility) of 8- to 9-year-olds. Methods: A total of seventy-eight boys and girls (boys: n = 45, aged 8.4 ± 4.9 years; girls: n = 42, aged 8.6 ± 0.5 years) from a school in Slovenia were randomly assigned to either a group with an after-school PA program (EXP) or a control group (CON) that participated exclusively in mandatory physical education (PE). The EXP group engaged in the extracurricular PA program for 60 min twice a week for 16 weeks, concurrent with regular PE classes. The program primarily involved elementary PE games that included elements of athletics (e.g., skipping, push- off running, hopping, crossstepping, and jumping) and gymnastics (e.g., handstand, forward roll, backward roll, hand support jumps, squat jump on a vault box, climbing on horizontal bars, incline benches and ropes, crawling, and jumping rope). Standardized tests appropriate for this age group were used to assess PF, including the sit and reach test (SAR), the 30-meter sprint, and the alternate hand wall toss test at distances of 1.0 and 2.0 m (AHWT 1.0 and 2.0). Results: There was a significant group-time interaction for SAR test (EXP group increase: +1.6 cm, +6.3%; CON group decrease: -0.1 cm, -0.4%; p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.361), and the 30 m sprint (EXP group improvement: -0.4 s, -6.3%; CON group decrease: +0.1 s, +1.6%; p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.193). Similarly, the EXP group improved by +2.1 points (+25.6%) in the 1.0 m wall throw with the alternating hand, while the CON group showed only minimal changes (-0.2 points, -2.4%; p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.545). No significant interaction was found for the 2.0 m toss (EXP and CON group both -0.1 points, -2.6%; p = 0.888, ηp2 = 0.001). Post-hoc analyses with paired t-tests revealed that the EXP group showed significant improvements in SAR test (p < 0.001), 30 m sprint (p < 0.001) and AHWT 1.0 test (p < 0.001), while the CON group showed no significant changes in SAR test (p = 0.533), 30 m sprint (p = 0.150), AHWT 1.0 test (p = 0.186) and AHWT 2.0 test (p = 0.430). Discussion: The results of the study showed that the extracurricular program with only two additional weekly sessions significantly improved the components of PF in 8- to 9-year olds. Significant improvements were observed in the areas of flexibility, speed and coordination, as shown in the SAR test, 30-meter sprint and 1.0-meter handwall toss tests. However, no similar improvements were observed in the 2.0-meter handwall toss, which illustrates the specific areas of impact of the program.

Determining Physiological and Energetic Demands during High-Level Pommel Horse Routines Using a Modified Method Based on Heart Rate-Oxygen Uptake Functions.

This study aimed (1) to assess the validity of a modified method (Mmod) based on heart rate (HR)-oxygen uptake (VO2) regression functions to calculate total energy costs (Wtotal) and aerobic (Waer) and anaerobic alactic energy contribution (Wpcr) and (2) to analyse the physiological and energetic demands of high-level pommel horse routines (PH routines). The Mmod was developed because VO2 measurements are limited during high-level PH routines. Answering Part 1, nine male artistic gymnasts performed a PH routine where energy costs were calculated from VO2 measurements and then compared with energy costs determined from the HR- VO2 regressions of Mmod's two additional tests. Using the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and Deming regression, Waer (CCC = 0.955), Wpcr (CCC = 0.999), and Wtotal (CCC = 0.990) show substantial to almost perfect validity without constant or proportional bias. Data from eight further gymnasts performing a high-level PH routine and a graded exercise test (GXT), as well as four data sets from Part 1, were used to determine physiological and energetic demands using Mmod. VO2 and HR during PH routines reached 86.1% and 90.4% of the maximal values during GXT. Wpcr was 47.0%, anaerobic lactic energy contribution (Wblc) was 29.7%, and Waer was 23.3% of Wtotal required during PH routines. Summarising the energetic demands of high-level PH routines, they are mainly anaerobic, where Wpcr provides the largest energy share. Waer provides a substantial part of Wtotal and should therefore also be specifically trained.

Preseason lower extremity range of motion, flexibility, and strength in relation to in-season injuries in NCAA division I gymnasts.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if preseason lower extremity ROM, flexibility, and strength differ in collegiate gymnasts (NCAA Division 1) who do or do not sustain an injury during the competitive season. METHODS: Over four seasons, a total of 15 female gymnasts (age = 20.5 ± 1.0 years) underwent preseason screening (30 gymnast-season). We tested joint ROM (hip: flexion, internal and external rotation; ankle: weightbearing dorsiflexion), muscle flexibility (passive straight leg raise, Thomas,' Ober's, Ely's tests) and strength (hip extensors, abductors, and flexors isometric strength via a handheld dynamometer; knee: quadriceps and hamstring isokinetic strength at 60°/sec). The team athletic trainer tracked overuse lower extremity injuries (restricted gymnasts from full participation, occurred as from participation in organized practice or competition, and required medical attention) during each season. For athletes that tested multiple seasons, each encounter was considered independent, and each preseason assessment was linked to overuse injuries sustained during the same competitive season. Gymnasts were dichotomized into injured and non-injured groups. An independent t-test was used to measure differences in preseason outcomes between injured and non-injured groups. RESULTS: During four years, we recorded 23 overuse lower extremity injuries. Gymnasts that sustained an in-season overuse injury demonstrated significantly lower hip flexion ROM (mean difference: -10.6°; 95% confidence interval: -16.5, -4.6; p < 0.01) and lower hip abduction strength (mean difference: -4.7% of body weight; 95% confidence interval: -9.2, -0.3; p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Gymnasts who sustain an in-season overuse lower extremity injury have significant preseason deficit of hip flexion ROM and weakness in the hip abductors. These findings indicate potential impairments in the kinematic & kinetic chains responsible for skill performance and energy absorption during landing.

Effects of moderate intensity gymnastics on executive function in children aged 5 to 6 years / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#The study aims to investigate the impact of moderate intensity gymnastics on the development of executive function in children aged 5-6, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for exercise interventions targeting executive function.@*Methods@#A total of 63 preschool children, randomly seleted from 3 senior classes in a private kindergarten in Shangqiu, were randomly allocated to the intervention group ( n =31) and control group ( n =32). Children in the intervention group participated in 60 minute gymnastics at a moderate intensity, three times per week, for a total duration of 12 weeks. Concurrently, myzone technology was utilized to monitor exercise intensity throughout the entire intervention period. Children in the control group maintained their regular activities. Inhibitory control (Flanker task), working memory (Empty house task), and cognitive flexibility (Dots task) were assessed before and after the experiment.@*Results@#There was no statistically significant difference in the performance of inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility tasks between the two groups of children before intervention ( P >0.05) .The results of covariance analysis revealed significant differences in reaction time [(782.88±24.29，805.13±23.74；719.90±119.99， 833.55± 177.87；1 042.39±72.75，1 091.29±49.42) ms] and accuracy[(73.86±7.26)%，(67.02±8.22)%;(86.36±7.63)%，( 80.50± 9.39 )%;(76.45±9.48)%，(69.59±7.66)%] across inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility between the intervention group and the control group ( F =6.84, 4.50，4.87, 6.11, 3.74 , 5.06 , P <0.05). The intervention effect exhibited modest effects( d =0.17-0.74).@*Conclusions@#Moderate intensity gymnastics can make modest or moderate effect on improving children s executive function. Brain imaging technology can be incorporated into future research designs to investigate the underlying mechanisms of gymnastics impact on the brain structure and executive function in young children.

Recomendaciones metodológicas para mitigar los efectos de las presiones ambientales en la gimnasia rítmica

Los gimnastas pueden recibir lesiones por sobrecarga, fatiga de segmentos y por inmadurez del aparato locomotor; todas pueden constituir presiones que, en determinado momento de la práctica deportiva, frenan el rendimiento sostenido en el deportista. Sn embargo, en un estudio exploratorio se pudo determinar que algunos atletas de gimnasia rítmica, representativos de la provincia Santiago de Cuba, se evidencian otras presiones ambientales que tienen mayor énfasis en lo psicológico. El objetivo de este trabajo consistió en proponer un grupo de recomendaciones metodológicas para evitar el efecto de las presiones ambientales en atletas de gimnasia rítmica. Dentro de los métodos empíricos utilizados se encuentran la observación, la encuesta y la entrevista. Se plantearon recomendaciones metodológicas, dirigidas a incidir en el rendimiento deportivo, ellas son: presión cuerpo de jueces, cumplimiento de elementos de dificultad en los ejercicios y participación en eventos, en correspondencia con las demás gimnastas. La propuesta se incorpora a una serie de estudios que tratan el seguimiento de la preparación del deportista de manera general y, en particular, el de gimnasia rítmica.

Ginastas podem sofrer lesões por sobrecarga, fadiga segmentar e imaturidade do sistema musculoesquelético; Todas elas podem constituir pressões que, em determinado momento da prática desportiva, retardam o desempenho sustentado do atleta. Porém, num estudo exploratório foi determinado que alguns atletas de ginástica rítmica, representativos da província de Santiago de Cuba, apresentam outras pressões ambientais que têm maior ênfase no psicológico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi propor um conjunto de recomendações metodológicas para evitar o efeito das pressões ambientais sobre atletas de ginástica rítmica. Entre os métodos empíricos utilizados estão a observação, o levantamento e a entrevista. Foram propostas recomendações metodológicas que visam influenciar o desempenho esportivo, são elas: pressão corporal dos juízes, cumprimento de elementos de dificuldade nos exercícios e participação em eventos, em correspondência com as demais ginastas. A proposta está incorporada a uma série de estudos que abordam o acompanhamento da preparação de atletas em geral e, em particular, da ginástica rítmica.

Gymnasts can receive injuries due to overload, segment fatigue and due to immaturity of the musculoskeletal system; all of them can constitute pressures that, at a certain point in sports practice, slow down the athlete's sustained performance. However, in the exploratory study it was determined that some rhythmic gymnastics athletes, representative of the Santiago de Cuba province, show other environmental pressures that have greater emphasis on the psychological. The objective of this work was to propose a group of methodological recommendations to mitigate the effect of environmental pressures on rhythmic gymnastics athletes. Among the empirical methods used are observation, survey and interview. Methodological recommendations were proposed, aimed at influencing sports performance, they are: pressure from the judges' body, compliance with elements of difficulty in the exercises and participation in events, in correspondence with the other gymnasts. The proposal is incorporated into a series of studies that address the monitoring of athlete preparation in general and, in particular, rhythmic gymnastics.

Altered Ulnar Variance With Full-Body Weight-bearing During Handstands With Upper Extremity Weight-bearing CT.

PURPOSE: Ulnar variance (UV) is a radiographic measurement relating the articular surface heights of the distal radius and ulna. Abnormal UV increases the risk for wrist pathology; however, it only provides a static measurement of an inherently dynamic bony relationship that changes with wrist position and loading. The purpose of this study was to investigate how full-body weight-bearing affects UV using weight-bearing computed tomography (WBCT). METHODS: Ten gymnasts completed two 45-second scans inside a WBCT machine while performing a handstand on a flat platform (H) and parallettes (P). A non-weight-bearing CT scan was collected to match clinical practice (N). Differences in UV between weight-bearing conditions were evaluated separately for dominant and nondominant sides, and then, UV was compared between weight-bearing conditions on pooled dominant/nondominant data. RESULTS: Pooled analyses comparing weight-bearing conditions revealed a significant increase in UV for H versus N (0.58 mm) and P versus N (1.00 mm), but no significant change in UV for H versus P (0.43 mm). Significant differences in UV were detected for H versus N, P versus N, and H versus P for dominant and nondominant extremities. The change from N to H was significantly greater in the dominant versus nondominant side, but greater in the nondominant side from N to P. CONCLUSIONS: Ulnar variance changed with the application of load and position of the wrist. Differences in UV were found between dominant and nondominant extremities. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Upper extremity loading patterns are affected by hand dominance as defined by a cartwheel and suggest skeletal consequences from repetitive load on a dominantly used wrist. Although statistically significant, subtle changes detected in this investigational study do not necessarily bear clinical significance. Future WBCT research can lead to improved diagnostic measures for wrist pathologies affected by active loading and rotational wrist behavior.

Muscle Strength and Joint Range of Motion of the Spine and Lower Extremities in Female Prepubertal Elite Rhythmic and Artistic Gymnasts.

The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the passive joint range of motion (PROM) and muscle strength in prepubertal rhythmic gymnasts (RGs), artistic gymnasts (AGs), and a control group (CG) of the same age. A total of 54 prepubertal girls were divided into three groups: 18 RGs (age 11.14 ± 0.7, height 142.6 ± 5.81, and body mass 31.2 ± 3.63); 18 AGs (age 11.27 ± 0.99, height 139.6 ± 5.85, and body mass 31.7 ± 3.21), and 18 school girls who are defined as CG (age 10.55 ± 0.42, height 145.33 ± 6.95, and body mass 42.1 ± 8.21) participated in the study. All athletes were elites and participated in national competitions. The CG participated only in their school physical education program. Isokinetic peak torques were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer (Cybex II) at 60, 180, and 300°·sec-1. Body mass index was greater in the CG compared to RGs and AGs (p < 0.001). PROM in cervical extension in RG was significantly higher compared to the AG and CG (p < 0.001). The athlete groups, RG and AG, showed significantly greater PROM in knee flexion (p < 0.001), hip flexion (p < 0.001), and hip abduction (p < 0.05) compared to CG. PROM in hip flexion was different between the left and right leg in RGs. The relative muscle strength of the quadriceps in the RG and AG was significantly greater compared to CG (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01 respectively). Gymnastics training in prepubertal ages can improve neuromuscular function and increase the relative muscle strength. Therefore, it is essential to note that when evaluating children within the developmental ages, especially those involved in sports, the type of muscle strength to be assessed should be specified.

Personality Traits vs. Sports Classes of Polish Representatives in Junior Sports Acrobatics.

The aim of this paper was to determine the influence of adolescence, training discipline, and training regime on the personality formation of adolescent sports acrobats. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to study the relationship between the personality traits and the sports classes of Polish junior sports acrobatics representatives. The respondents (N = 90) were juniors aged 18-19 and were divided into three samples: (1) n = 30 Polish representatives in sports acrobatics with a first or master sports class; (2) n = 30 kata athletes from Kyokushin karate and Shotokan karate as a reference sample from another sports discipline with gymnastic movement expression; (3) n = 30 high school students as a reference sample of non-athletic persons. The Big Five model was used, and the NEO-FFI personality questionnaire was used as a research tool. For the analyses of basic descriptive statistics, the Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney test were performed to determine statistical significance (α = 0.05). It was noted that all athletes (the first and second samples) had personality traits at the same levels: low neuroticism, high extraversion, moderate openness to experience and agreeableness, and high conscientiousness in relation to non-athletes. In contrast, there were differences among the subjects in personality traits, except for agreeableness. Among the sports acrobats, master-class athletes showed lower neuroticism, greater openness to experience, lower agreeableness, and greater conscientiousness in relation to first-class athletes. It was found that there were differences between the personality traits and sports classes of junior sports acrobatics representatives in Poland in the four Big Five dimensions. But in general, sports acrobats and karate athletes had personality traits at similar levels, and at the same time, different from non-training people.

Epidemiology of injuries in elite Women's Artistic Gymnastics: a retrospective analysis of six seasons.

Background: Women's Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) is a sport well known for requiring a heavy and difficult training load from a younger age to reach a high level of performance. This also is associated with an injury risk. Epidemiological studies are thus needed to improve injury prevention strategies. Objective: We aimed to determine the injury epidemiology in French high-level WAG. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of injury data collected prospectively over six seasons from the 2014-2015 season to the 2019-2020 season among French high-level Women's Artistic Gymnasts from the France Gymnastics National Centre of Saint-Etienne. We performed descriptive analyses, including the calculation of the 1-year injury prevalence. Results: 43 gymnasts were included in this study, representing 111 gymnast-seasons. A total of 285 injuries were collected over the study period, that was, an average of 2.6 injuries per gymnast per season. On average, 91.4% of gymnasts had at least one injury per season. The estimated injury incidence rate was 1.8 injuries per 1000 hours of gymnastics practice. The knee was the most affected joint (16%), followed by the elbow (12%) and the ankle (12%). The most frequent injury type was physis pathologies (16%) and bone injuries (15%). Eighty-eight per cent of injuries required a modification of the gymnastics practice. Conclusions: The results of this study allowed a description of the epidemiology of injuries in this population of young and elite gymnasts. This very high injury prevalence supports the need to improve injury risk reduction strategies in WAG.

Wrist Guards/Supports in Gymnastics: Are They Helping or Hurting You?

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of wrist pain among gymnasts ranges from 46% to 79%. To alleviate wrist pain, gymnasts wear wrist guards/supports (WG/S). PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of WG/S on the wrist joint through joint moment, angles, total joint range of motion (ROM) arc, and ground-reaction force (GRF). STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used to investigate 23 female gymnasts (mean ± SD: age, 12.3 ± 1.5 years; height, 143.4 ± 7.6 cm; mass, 37.7 ± 6.6 kg; body mass index, 18.6 ± 2.9) who performed back handsprings (analyzed by first half [phase 1] and second half [phase 2]) with the following 3 conditions: no WG/S, Skids/Ultimate Wrist Supports (S/UWS), and Tiger Paws (TP). Wrist joint moments, angles, total ROM arc, and GRF were examined by the 3 conditions using analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction and effect size (Cohen d). RESULTS: For mean wrist flexion moment, both S/UWS and TP showed significantly higher values than the no-WG/S condition in landing phase 1 (S/UWS: P = .001, d = 1.30; TP: P = .019, d = 0.87). In angle comparisons in landing phase 1, no WG/S showed greater mean wrist extension angles compared with S/UWS (P = .046; d = 0.80), but no significant differences with TP (P = .096; d = 0.65). Also, in landing phase 1, total ROM arc of the right wrist was greater in the no-WG/S condition compared with S/UWS (P = .018; d = 0.88), but there were no differences with TP (P = .400; d = 0.52). CONCLUSION: These data show an increased wrist flexion moment using S/UWS and TP compared with the no-WG/S condition in landing phase 1 of back handsprings. Also, increased wrist extension angles and total arc ROM of the right wrist were found in the no-WG/S condition compared with S/UWS, but not with TP in landing phase 1. S/UWS may be helpful to reduce wrist joint angles, specifically wrist extension in landing phase 1, but both S/UWS and TP caused higher wrist flexion joint moment in landing phase 1. There were no differences found in GFG among the three variables. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In the first half of the back handspring, wrist guards can limit wrist extension joint angles and total arc ROM; however, an increased wrist flexion moment was found when wrist guards were worn, which may potentially lead to an increased risk of injury. Injury history, especially overuse signs/symptoms, and previous surgery on the wrist joint need to be well considered before the application or use of wrist guards. Also, the amount of time/exposure wearing wrist guards should be carefully controlled in young female gymnasts.

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.

ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS IN HIGHER EDUCATION: IMPLEMENTATION OF SPORT EDUCATION FROM THE FREIRIAN PERSPECTIVE / GIMNASIA ARTÍSTICA EN LA EDUCACIÓN SUPERIOR: IMPLEMENTACIÓN DEL SPORT EDUCATION DESDE LA PERSPECTIVA FREIRIANA / GINÁSTICA ARTÍSTICA NO ENSINO SUPERIOR: IMPLEMENTAÇÃO DO SPORT EDUCATION A PARTIR DA PERSPECTIVA FREIRIANA

The objective of the research was to understand the pedagogical strategies mediated by a teacher educator in an undergraduate course in Physical Education in the implementation of Sport Education (SE) to develop knowledge about Artistic Gymnastics (AG) based on the Freirean pedagogy. Action research was used as a research method, with the implementation of the pedagogical process developed over 12 weeks with the participation of the teacher educator and 17 students. Data were collected weekly and included: pedagogical documentation produced during the course; field diaries written by the teacher educator at the end of each meeting; discussions with a critical friend during the development of the educational process; and focus groups after the entire process. Thematic Analysis was used to analyze the data. The results indicate that the three pedagogical strategies were fundamental for the implementation of SE in GA: Experience of different roles, Dynamics of design and Co-creation of the AG code. This set of strategies characterizes a pedagogical mediation consistent with Paulo Freire's pedagogical proposal by highlighting fundamental knowledge inherent to the ethical nature of a liberating educational practice, namely: Reading the world, Investigative spirit, Stimulating autonomy, Horizontality, Problematization and (Re)construction of (new) knowledge.

El objetivo de la investigación fue comprender las estrategias pedagógicas mediadas por una docente en un curso de graduación en Educación Física en la implementación del Sport Education (ES) para desarrollar los conocimientos sobre Gimnasia Artística (GA) con base en la pedagogía freireana. Se utilizó como método de investigación la investigación acción, con la implementación del proceso pedagógico desarrollado durante 12 semanas con la participación de la docente investigadora y 17 estudiantes. Los datos fueron recogidos semanalmente e incluyeron: documentación pedagógica producida durante la disciplina; diarios de campo redactados por la docente al final de cada encuentro; discusiones con una amiga crítica durante el desarrollo del proceso educativo; realización de grupos focales después de todo el proceso. El Análisis Temático fue utilizado para el tratamiento de los datos. Los resultados indican que las tres estrategias pedagógicas construidas fueron fundamentales para la implementación del SE en la GA: Desempeño de diferentes funciones, la Dinámica de diseño y Cocreación del código en la GA. Ese conjunto de estrategias caracteriza una mediación pedagógica acorde con la propuesta pedagógica de Paulo Freire al evidenciar saberes fundamentales inherentes a la naturaleza ética de una práctica educativa liberadora, a saber: Lectura del mundo, Espíritu investigador, Estímulo a la autonomía, Horizontalidad, Problematización y (Re)construcción de (nuevos conocimientos.

O objetivo da pesquisa foi compreender as estratégias pedagógicas mediadas por uma docente em um curso de graduação em Educação Física na implementação do Sport Education (SE) para desenvolver os conhecimentos sobre a Ginástica Artística (GA) a partir da proposta pedagógica freiriana. De cunho qualitativo, utilizou-se a pesquisa-ação como método de pesquisa, com a implementação do processo pedagógico desenvolvido em 12 semanas com a participação da docente pesquisadora e 17 estudantes. Os dados foram levantados semanalmente e incluíram: documentação pedagógica produzida durante a disciplina; diários de campo redigidos pela docente ao final de cada encontro; discussões com uma amiga crítica durante o desenvolvimento do processo educativo; realização de grupos focais após todo o processo. A Análise Temática foi utilizada para o tratamento dos dados. Os resultados indicam que as três estratégias pedagógicas construídas foram fundamentais para a implementação do SE na GA: o Desempenho de diferentes funções, a Dinâmica do desenho e a Cocriação do código de pontuação. Esse conjunto de estratégias caracteriza uma mediação pedagógica condizente com a proposta pedagógica de Paulo Freire ao evidenciar saberes fundamentais inerentes à natureza ética de uma prática educativa libertadora, quais sejam: Leitura de mundo, Espírito investigador, Estímulo à autonomia, Horizontalidade, Problematização e (Re)construção de (novos) conhecimentos.

O Enfermeiro especialista em enfermagem de reabilitação na gestão da ansiedade / The rehabilitation nurse specialising in anxiety management

Introdução e Enquadramento: O presente relatório reporta-se ao Estágio de Natureza Profissional realizado em contexto comunitário, cujo objetivo principal foi desenvolver competências comuns e específicas na prática de Enfermagem de Reabilitação, envolvendo também a componente de investigação. A ansiedade constitui um dos sintomas negativos relatados pelos trabalhadores face às exigências do ambiente laboral e a ginástica laboral constituiu-se como uma das estratégias apontadas para os distúrbios físicos e emocionais na saúde dos trabalhadores, nomeadamente na ansiedade. O objetivo geral do estudo foi avaliar o contributo de um programa de exercício realizado pelo Enfermeiro Especialista em Enfermagem de Reabilitação (EEER) na diminuição da ansiedade nos profissionais. Como objetivos específicos foram traçados: avaliar o estado de ansiedade dos profissionais antes e após a realização do programa de exercício, identificar a importância atribuída pelos profissionais à prática de exercício em contexto laboral e avaliar a relação entre a realização de um programa de exercício e a ansiedade nos profissionais. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, quasi-experimental e longitudinal, com aplicação de um programa de ginástica laboral. Definimos como questão de investigação: Qual o contributo de um programa de exercício realizado pelo EEER na diminuição da ansiedade nos profissionais? A amostra foi composta por dezoito profissionais de um ACES da zona Norte. Definimos como hipótese de investigação: Espera-se que a realização de um programa de exercício interfira nos níveis de ansiedade dos profissionais. Para a recolha de dados utilizamos um questionário sociodemográfico com o Inventário de Estado-Traço de Ansiedade (STAI) Forma Y-1, de preenchimento online. Resultados: Após a aplicação das sessões de ginástica laboral verificou-se uma diminuição nos valores médios de ansiedade, no entanto não se obteve evidência estatística para afirmar que a realização de um programa de exercício interfira nos níveis de ansiedade dos profissionais Conclusão: As sessões de exercício físico diminuem, em termos médios, os níveis de ansiedade, mas são necessários mais estudos para reforçar esta constatação.

Introduction and Framework: This report refers to the Internship of a Professional Nature carried out in a community context, whose main objective was to develop common and specific skills in the practice of Rehabilitation Nursing, also involving the research component. Anxiety is one of the negative symptoms reported by workers in view of the demands of the work environment and workplace gymnastics was one of the strategies pointed out for physical and emotional disorders in workers´ health, namely anxiety. The general objective of the study was to evaluate the contribution of an exercise program carried out by the Specialist Nurse in Rehabilitation Nursing in the reducing anxiety in professionals. The specific objectives were: to evaluate the state of anxiety of the professionals before and after carrying out the exercise program, to identify the importance attributed by the professionals to the practice of exercise in the work context and to evaluate the relationship between the performance of an exercise program and the anxiety in professionals. Methodology: This is a quantitative, quasi-experimental and longitudinal study, with the application of a labor gymnastics program. We defined as a research question: What is the contribution of an exercise program carried out by the Specialist Nurse in Rehabilitation Nursing in reducing anxiety in professionals? The sample consisted of eighteen professionals from an ACES in the North region. We defined as research hypothesis: It is expected that the performance of an exercise program interferes in the professionals´ anxiety levels. For data collection, we used a sociodemographic questionnaire with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Form Y-1, to be completed online. Results: After the application of the labor gymnastics sessions, there was a decrease in the average values of anxiety, however, no statistical evidence was obtained to affirm that the performance of an exercise program interferes in the professionals´ anxiety levels. Conclusion: Physical exercise sessions decrease, on average, anxiety levels, but more studies are needed to reinforce this finding.

The evolving high bar longswing in elite gymnasts of three age groups.

Chronological age classifies elite male gymnasts into developmental performance classifications: senior (18+ years), junior (14-18 years) and development (8-14 years). Here, we examine the influence of age and experience on the biomechanics of the high bar longswing across classifications. Joint angular kinematics and kinetics were obtained from 30 gymnasts performing three sets each of eight consecutive longswings. Differences between groups and relations between age, experience and key biomechanical variables were correlated. Kinetic variables and range of motion of the hip and knee were highest for development gymnasts. In all age groups, a dominant shoulder kinetic contribution was found, although circle location of the peak joint kinetics occurred earliest for junior gymnasts. Hip work contributed more prominently in development gymnasts. Age and experience were positively correlated to an increase in peak shoulder moments and powers and negatively correlated to peak hip and knee moments. The findings reveal that age and experience combine to influence the functional phase, joint kinematics and relative joint kinetic contribution, particularly with the senior group demonstrating a shoulder dominant technique. Changes in musculoskeletal loading across the age groups suggest that factors such as relative strength and practice may have influenced this joint mode transition of the longswing.