Kinesiology, Vol. 34. No. 1., 2002.
Original scientific paper
Influence of training of rhythmic gymnastics fundamentals on certain motor abilities in girls 8-9 years of age
Jasenka Wolf-Cvitak
; Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Nada Grčić-Zubčević
; Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Željana Marić
; Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
The paper analyses the influence of a rhythmic gymnastics (RG) programmed training on the motor abilities in 36 girls, 8-9 years of age. Since the RG-specific motion structures are based on jumps/leaps, turns/pivots, balances and flexibilities, the battery of measurement instruments was composed of 13 variables assessing explosive power, coordination, balance and flexibility. Between two measurement points the examinees participated in the nine-month training programme consisiting of the RG funda- mentals. Statistical significance of differences between the initial and the final motor status was tested by t-test, and significant changes occurred in 7 motor tests. The largest positive changes were registered in all the tests assessing flexibility of the entire body, then in one test of leg explosive power and in two tests of coordination, in descending order. The balance tests displayed insufficient reliability. The findings indicated that the initial motor status of the examinees was comparable to the status of a normal peer population, except for the better flexibility of the observed sample. The applied training programme, consisting of the RG specific con- tents, failed in complying with expectations. Al- though all the motor abilities were improved after the nine-month training treatment, the participants did not display any considerable difference from the average population. The progress was insufficient to support quality sport selection. Hence, the existing programme should be expanded to include contents that will enable a balanced influence and enhancement of all the motor abilities relevant to RG. The motor complexity of the sport may be a limiting factor of early selection, especially with regard to such a small sample.
Keywords
rhythmic gymnastics; young girls; motor abilities; training
Hrčak ID:
225371
URI
Publication date:
28.6.2002.
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