Effect of 12 Weeks Core Training on Core Muscle Performance in Rhythmic Gymnastics

Abstract

Background: Rhythmic gymnastics performance is characterized by technical elements involving flexibility, aerobic capacity and strength. Increased core strength in rhythmic gymnastics could lead to improved sporting performance. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of 12 weeks of core muscle training on core muscle performance in rhythmic gymnasts. Methods: A randomized controlled study involving 24 rhythmic gymnastics was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned to a control group (CG; n = 12; age 13.50 ± 3.17 years) or a training group (TG; n = 12; age 14.41 ± 2.35 years). Body composition, isometric strength of trunk, core endurance and core muscle electromyographic activity were measured (EMG) after 12 weeks of core training. Independent sample t-tests were carried out to compare baseline values between groups. A two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) (time × group) was applied. Results: The TG improved body composition, trunk lean mass (mean differences MD = −0.31; p = 0.040), lean mass (MD = 0.43; p = 0.037) and bone mass (MD = −0.06; p < 0.001) after training. Core training increased isometric strength of trunk, flexion test (MD = −21.53; p = 0.019) and extension test (MD = 22.7; p = 0.049), as well as the prone bridge core endurance test (MD = −11.27; p = 0.040). The EMG values also increased in the TG in prone bridge for front trunk (MD = −58.58; p = 0.026). Conclusions: Core strength training leads to improvements in body composition, as well as improvements in trunk strength and increases in muscle electromyographic activity. These improvements could therefore improve performance during competitive rhythmic gymnastics exercises.

The Effect of Eight-Week Functional Core Training on Core Stability in Young Rhythmic Gymnasts: A Randomized Clinical Trial

“…The authors concluded that CST is an effective plan for improving the physical and technical characteristics of young female Malaysian rhythmic gymnasts. Similarly, another recent study reported core strength improvements in young rhythmic gymnasts after a twelve-week traditional CST [ 26 ]. Nonetheless, these authors did not carry out an integrated functional CST for RG.…”

“…To our knowledge, there are only two studies measuring CS after a CST program among rhythmic gymnasts [ 25 , 26 ]. Most available research is focused on conducting CST for rehabilitation, preventing, and reducing the risk of injury in sports [ 37 ].…”

“…Several studies evaluated the effect of CST on sports performance. Most of them are purposes from a length of 4 to 12 weeks; 8-week programs are the average length [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ]. These findings provide a basis for further research to train and evaluate the specific role of CS in performance.…”

“…To the best of our knowledge, CS exercises employed recently in CST for rhythmic gymnastics do not provide specific stimulus to technical movements [ 18 , 25 , 26 ]. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of an eight-week of functional CST on the CS of young rhythmic gymnasts.…”

Strength and Power-Related Measures in Assessing Core Muscle Performance in Sport and Rehabilitation

“…Several authors have investigated the effects of core muscle training programs on a variety of characteristics of physical fitness. Most studies were related to muscle strength and power, such as leg muscle strength, abdominal muscle strength, and balance in male students of physical education and recreation health ( Firdauz and Setijono, 2018 ), core muscle strength and endurance in school’s football team players ( Boyaci and Tutar, 2018 ), isometric leg and back muscle strength, abdominal muscle strength, back extensor endurance, dynamic balance, flexibility of the lower back and hamstring muscles, thoracic and lumbar spine ROM and lateral bending in male university students ( Yaprak, 2018 ), balance, agility and explosive force in runners ( Dinç and Ergin, 2019 ), neuromuscular control of the trunk and lower limbs during jump landing and single-legged squatting in female collegiate basketball players ( Sasaki et al, 2019 ), core muscle strength in young male cyclists ( Chok, 2020 ), core muscle strength in professional football players ( Etxaleku et al, 2020 ), core muscle strength in junior swimmers ( Marani et al, 2020 ), endurance, strength and balance in female students with trunk defects ( Mohebi Rad and Norasteh, 2020 ), core muscle performance in rhythmic gymnasts ( Esteban-García et al, 2021 ), and neuromuscular control and strength of the trunk muscles in pediatric soccer players ( Kumahara et al, 2021 ). Other studies were related to balance, endurance and flexibility, for instance endurance, strength, flexibility and balance in sedentary women ( Sekendiz et al, 2010 ), dynamic balance, spinal mobility, functional mobility and trunk muscle strength in older adults ( Granacher.…”