Effective Methods for Developing Flexibility in Young Rhythmic Gymnasts
Authors/Creators
- 1. Fergana State University, Faculty of Sports Activity, Department of Theory and Methodology of Multi-Sport Events
Description
The aim of this research was to determine effective training methods for improving flexibility in young rhythmic gymnasts. Methods: An 8-week pedagogical experiment was conducted with 20 female rhythmic gymnasts (ages 7–9), divided into an experimental group (n=10) and a control group (n=10). The experimental group’s training incorporated a combined flexibility development program – including dynamic warm-ups, static stretching, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques, and playful “game stretching” exercises – alongside standard routines. The control group followed the traditional stretching regimen. Pre- and post-training flexibility was evaluated using splits tests and shoulder flexibility tests, and improvements were analyzed with appropriate statistical methods. Results: Both groups showed significant flexibility gains (p<0.05); however, the experimental group achieved a greater increase in range of motion. In particular, the experimental gymnasts improved their front split flexibility about 2× more than the control group on average, and demonstrated superior gains in shoulder flexibility. These differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). Discussion: The results indicate that a comprehensive approach – combining static and dynamic stretching with PNF, strength exercises, and game-like stretching activities – is more effective for developing flexibility in young gymnasts than conventional methods alone. The experimental group’s progress aligns with recent findings in sports science literature, underlining the benefits of integrating strength training and engaging methods to safely accelerate flexibility gains.
Files
35-42.pdf
Additional details
References
- Lomova, O.A., Varina, A.A. Metodicheskie osobennosti razvitiya gibkosti u detey 7–8 let, zanimayushchikhsya khudozhestvennoy gimnastikoy – Rossiyskiy zhurnal sportivnoy nauki: meditsina, fiziologiya, trenirovka, 2022. (Methodological Features of Flexibility Development in 7–8-Year-Old Rhythmic Gymnasts).
- Deineko, A., Prusik, K., Krasova, I., Batieieva, N. Game stretching as a modern means of developing the flexibility of 5–6-year-old female gymnasts – Slobozhanskyi naukovo-sportyvnyi visnyk, 2022, 3(26): 88–94. ("Game stretching" as an effective method for flexibility development in 5–6-year-old gymnasts.)
- Zhou, R., Yu, W. The effect of PNF stretching on the flexibility quality of rhythmic gymnastics students and its experimental analysis – BioTechnology: An Indian Journal, 2014, 10(13): 7357–7361. (Study demonstrating that PNF stretching significantly improves flexibility in rhythmic gymnastics trainees.)
- Skopal, L., Netto, K., Aisbett, B., Takla, A., Castricum, T. The effect of a rhythmic gymnastics-based power-flexibility program on the lower limb flexibility and power of contemporary dancers – International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 2020, 15(3): 343–364. (Study showing an 8-week rhythmic gymnastics-inspired training improved flexibility and jump performance.)
- Han, S.R.C.A. Acute Effects of Static and Dynamic Stretching Exercises on Jump Performance in Rhythmic Gymnastics – National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), 2024. (Research poster reporting that static stretching pre-performance improved split leap and backbend angles in rhythmic gymnasts.)