Impacts of Abdominal Core Strengthening on Fitness in Aerobic Gymnastics

Abstract

Introduction: The requirements for physical and strength quality of athletes are getting higher and higher, following the advances in the development of modern competitive aerobics. The strengthening of the abdominal center in current exercises is focused only on the superficial musculature, and it is believed that specific strengthening training can impact the fitness of gymnasts. Objective: Analyze the impacts of strengthening the abdominal core on the physical fitness of aerobic gymnasts. Methods: Using the controlled experiment method, abdominal core strength training was added to the traditional training of aerobic gymnastics students, while the control group remained with traditional training methods. The assessment was performed before and after the intervention, and the fitness results were compared and discussed statistically. Results: The mean index of the leaning back activity score in the experimental group increased from 37.750 to 41.582; the index in the bridge activity in the experimental group increased from 6.421 to 16.053; the index in the hanging bridge activity in the experimental group increased from 7.484 to 12.474; the mean overall stability score of the students before and after the experiment increased from 93.090 to 98.148; the mean hip lift index was also changed from 7.046 to 9.676. Conclusion: It was observed that the need for mastery of abdominal core strength to complete aerobic movements of high complexity, where abdominal core strengthening has an important role in stabilizing the center of gravity, force distribution, and preventing fatigue after exercise. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.