Rhythmic gymnastics and elastic reuse

Aim Rhythmic gymnastics requires a high level of flexibility, static and dynamic body balance and muscle strength, but elastic reuse is considered to be fundamental (Di Cagno et al. 2010). To verify, in two groups of rhythmic gymnasts (RG) competing in the Italian Serie A and B championships, variations in body balance, flexibility and the ability to perform vertical jumps after a 12-week training programme using elastic bands. Methods We recruited 21 female athletes, divided into two homogeneous groups: the experimental group (EG) was composed of 11 subjects (age 15±2 years, weight 51±5 kg; height 162±6 cm ). The control group (CG) was formed by 10 subjects (age 17±5 years; weight 49±7 kg, height 161±7cm). The EG combined technical training with a specific protocol of exercises with elastic bands, while the CG maintained its traditional training methods. Results The Wilcoxon test was used between T1 and T2. The results confirm that the protocol with the elastic bands in EG for 12 weeks positively stimulate elastic reuse (SJ p<0,01; + 8%, CMJ p<0.01; +9%) and specifically increase the height of RG technical jumps such as Biche a boucle (p<0.01; +13%) and Jetè with a 180° turn (p<0,01; +16%). The same training protocol produced, again in EG, an improvement in flexibility (p<0.05; + 5%). The values obtained on the Libra platform have shown no correlation between training with the bands and proprioceptive control. No variations were observed in CG. Conclusions Traditional rhythmic gymnastics training associated with activities using elastic bands, which activate technical movements similar to those performed in competition, improves the athletes’ explosive strength. Reference Di Cagno A, Baldari C, Battaglia C, Monteiro MD, Pappalardo A, Piazza M, Guidetti L, Factor influencing performance of competitive and amateur rhythmic gymnastics- Gender Difference, Journal of Sciences and Medicine in Sport. 2009; 12: 411-416.