Strength Proxies Explain Balance Task Performance by Proximity to Peak Height Velocity in Young Acrobatic Gymnasts

Background: Balance tasks are critical for performance in acrobatic gymnastics, where athletes often train and compete in mixed-age groups with varying maturational stages. To improve individualized training, in this cross-sectional study, the relationship was examined between strength capacity and balance task performance in female gymnasts at two maturational stages based on peak height velocity (PHV). Methods: Circa-PHV (n = 17, 11.92 ± 1.7 years) and post-PHV (n = 17, 16.47 ± 1.8 years) participants performed static balance tasks (standing on blocks, tandem stance, headstand) while center of pressure (CoP) excursion was recorded, and a proactive balance task (time to stabilization after landing, TTS). Strength assessments included isometric mid-thigh pull, handgrip, countermovement jump (CMJ), and push-up tests. Results: Correlational, regression, and inter-group analyses highlighted differences in strength-balance relationships across groups. Maximal isometric strength and CMJ power were the strongest predictors of static standing balance, with greater predictive strength in the circa-PHV group, underscoring the role of maturation in strength-balance interactions. The results also revealed that strength parameters influenced balance differently depending on the task, suggesting that specific balance types (static-proactive) and tasks (standing-inverted) require distinct strength capacities. Conclusions: Strength's influence on balance varies by maturational stage, emphasizing the need for tailored training programs to enhance balance and optimize performance in young gymnasts.