THE BALANCE ABILITY OF TOP-LEVEL FEMALE RHYTHMIC GYMNASTS: DOES IT PREDICT THEIR PERFORMANCE SCORES?

Abstract

Rhythmic gymnastics (RG) is an extremely demanding sport that has a positive effect on the exerciser’s motor status. However, in order to be able to acquire RG contents, the existence of certain minimally developed motor skills, including the ability of postural control and body stabilisation during dynamic movements, is of vital importance. The main objective of this study is to assess the role, contribution and influence of balance ability on performance scores in RG. The sample consisted of 126 international-level female rhythmic gymnasts (RGs), divided into five age categories (15 seniors, 25 juniors, 26 advanced-level RGs, 38 intermediate-level RGs, and 22 beginners). Their baseline characteristics (age, body height and mass, body mass index) were established, along with their balance abilities (balance on toes (left/right leg) test, single leg (left/right) balance test – eyes closed, double pivot in passé test). The data was analysed (descriptive statistics, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, multivariate and univariate regression analysis) using SPSS 21.0. The results of the multivariate regression analysis indicate the existence of a statistically significant influence of the balance ability of advanced-level RGs, as well as the RGs comprising the rest of the sample, on their performance scores (p=0.01 and p=0.00, respectively), with statistically significant individual contributions of the balance on toes test – right leg (advanced-level RGs: p=0.01, total sample: p=0.02), and dynamic balance (total sample: p=0.00). The final conclusion is that balance ability is a significant predictive factor of RGs’ performance scores, with a variance explanation of 35% (advanced-level RGs), i.e. 24% (entire sample).