Drop vertical jump performance and asymmetries in young rhythmic gymnasts

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Musculoskeletal Health

Background:

• Rhythmic gymnastics (RG) involves repetitive unilateral movements, potentially causing musculoskeletal imbalances.
• Lower limb asymmetries are a concern in athletes due to injury risk and performance implications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate lower limb asymmetries in young rhythmic gymnasts during drop vertical jumps (DVJs).
• To analyze force parameters and performance variables during DVJs using preferred and non-preferred limbs.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen young rhythmic gymnasts performed DVJs from a box, using preferred and non-preferred limbs.
• Analysis included flight time, contact time, reactive strength index (RSI), power output, and vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) peaks.
• Comparison of force parameters between preferred and non-preferred limbs during distinct jump phases.

Main Results:

• Higher concentric force generation (third vGRF peak) was observed in the preferred limb when initiating the jump with that limb (p < 0.05).
• Greater force absorption during the breaking phase (second vGRF peak) occurred in the non-preferred limb when initiating the jump with that limb (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

• Observed force asymmetries in rhythmic gymnasts are linked to the sport's demanding training.
• Addressing these asymmetries through targeted training may enhance musculoskeletal health in young athletes.
• Further research into the neural mechanisms underlying these observed asymmetries is warranted.