Selected components of physical fitness in rhythmic and artistic youth gymnast

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Rhythmic (RG) and artistic gymnastics (AG) are very popular female sports. These two disciplines share some common points but, at the same time, they display some relevant differences in terms of physical and technical characteristics. The aim of this study was as follows: (1) to clarify how gymnastic training background over the years could lead to the development and motor learning of the motor skills and (2) to highlight differences of conditional skills achieved by RG and AG athletes. Methods For these aims, 45 athletes were selected, belonging to three balanced groups: promotional (PG, n = 15), RG (n = 15), and AG (n = 15). Participants were tested for joints mobility, balance, explosive strength, speed, and endurance tests. Results Statistical analysis showed a good test–retest reliability of the measurements (ICC > 0.870) and some significant differences between PG, RG, and AG. RG showed higher values in joint mobility tests (coxo-femoral mobility, 166.7 ± 6.3°; sit and reach, 20.5 ± 1.9 cm; and scapulo-humeral mobility, 45.5 ± 4.4 cm) with respect to AG, while AG showed higher values in endurance (1626.7 ± 7.4 m), balance (4.33 ± 1.35 n/60 s), and explosive strength (164.1 ± 11.6 cm) compared to RG (p < 0.05). Conclusion RG and AG seem to be effective in enhancing different and sport-specific physical fitness and conditioning. RG enables, indeed, to develop more joints mobility whereas AG improves more strength, balance, and endurance. However, given the small sample size employed, these results should be replicated by further studies utilizing larger samples.