Expertise level influences postural balance control in young gymnasts

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Motor Control

Background:

• Postural balance control specificity in gymnastics is debated.
• Investigating the influence of training volume on balance in young gymnasts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine how training amount affects postural balance control in young gymnasts.
• To compare performance in a simple task versus a sport-specific task.

Main Methods:

• Seven basic-level gymnasts (BLG) and eight advanced-level gymnasts (ALG) participated.
• Two tests were performed on a dynamometric platform: bipedal standing (B) and single-leg back scale (BS).
• Tests were conducted before and after executing a gymnastic element combination (rondade + flic-flac).

Main Results:

• Basic-level gymnasts (BLG) showed better postural balance in bipedal standing (B).
• Advanced-level gymnasts (ALG) demonstrated superior balance in the single-leg back scale (BS).
• Centre of pressure (COP) parameters increased post-exercise for both groups; ALG showed better BS balance response.

Conclusions:

• Expertise level did not differentiate balance control in the simple bipedal task.
• The sport-specific single-leg task effectively distinguished between gymnasts' expertise levels.
• Sport-specific balance assessments are recommended for coaches to enhance selectivity.