The effect of resistance band exercises on motor skills in female gymnasts

English (OpenAlex)

BACKGROUND: In gymnastics, where repetitive loading, sudden movements, and high-effort techniques are common, the use of adjustable elastic bands, tailored to individual differences, can safely support children's motor development. Therefore, in our study, we examined the effects of elastic resistance band (ERB) exercises on motor children in gymnasts aged 8-12 years. METHODS: The study group consisted of girl children who had been actively practicing gymnastics for 3 years. A quantitative pre- and post-test control group experimental design, a type of experimental study, was used in the study. Participants were divided into 2 groups (the Elastic Resistance Band Group (ERBG) (n:11, year 10 ± 0.8) and the Control Group (CG) (n:10, year 10 ± 0.45). Both groups continued their routine gymnastics training three days a week for six weeks, but the ERBG underwent a 45-minute Resistance Band Exercise Program in addition to their gymnastics training. Physical measurements (height, weight, Body Mass Index) and motor tests (muscle power, flexibility, strength, balance, 20 m sprint) were administered to the groups as Pretests and Posttests. RESULTS: The results showed no statistically significant differences between the ERBG and CG Pretest values. Significant differences were detected in the ERBG in pre- and Posttest flexibility, right and left foot balance, muscle power, and back strength values. In the CG group, there were no differences in any parameters except for left foot balance values. CONCLUSIONS: ERBG were found to be effective in improving motor skills in gymnastics. We recommend adding ERB exercises to gymnastics training to contribute to the development of motor skills.