Risk factors associated with low back pain in competitive female gymnasts: A meta-analytic approach.

The aim of this meta-analysis was to aggregate data from studies investigating the risk factors associated with low back pain (LBP) in competitive gymnasts.Four databases were searched and studies reporting demographics, anthropometrics, functional, psychosocial and gymnastics-practice variables in competitive gymnasts with and without LBP were included. For continuous data, the weighted mean difference (MD) and confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated, while odds or risk ratio (OR, RR) were calculated for dichotomous data.Meta-analysis of six cross-sectional studies involving 284 competitive female gymnasts revealed that artistic were more likely to report LBP compared to rhythmic gymnasts (RR 1.4, 95% CI 1.04-2.0, Z=2.2, p=0.03). Data pooling revealed that age (MD 1.5 years, 95% CI 0.4-2.5, p=0.005) and body weight (MD 3.5 kg, 95% CI 0.1-6.8, p=0.04) were significantly higher in gymnasts with LBP compared to those without. Subgroup-analyses confirmed these differences in artistic but not in rhythmic gymnasts. Moreover, artistic gymnasts with LBP tended to display longer gymnastics-practice history (p=0.09) compared to those without.Increased age, body weight and, to a lesser extent, longer gymnastics-practice appear to differentiate artistic gymnasts with LBP from those without; conversely, these potential risk factors seem less relevant for rhythmic gymnasts.

Análisis de las lesiones deportivas en jóvenes practicantes de gimnasia rítmica de competición en categoría infantil / Análise das lesões desportivas em jovens praticantes de ginástica rítmica de competição na categoria infantil / Analysis of sports injuries in young athletes of competitive rhythmic gymnastics in the infantile category

Objetivo. El propósito de este estudio ha sido identificar y analizar las lesiones más comunes en gimnasia rítmica de competición en base a las características del entrenamiento, así como las áreas potenciales sobre las que se podrían aplicar medidas de prevención. Método. Se ha llevado a cabo un estudio descriptivo transversal retrospectivo mediante un cuestionario-entrevista a 64 gimnastas (edad: 11.84±1.81 años; peso: 38.43±7.86kg; talla: 1.47±0.11m). Las variables objeto de estudio fueron el tiempo de práctica y las lesiones sufridas por los gimnastas (localización, tipología, severidad, mecanismo de producción y el momento en el que se producen). Resultados. Se registraron un total de 50 lesiones, 19 leves (38%), 23 moderadas (46%) y 8 graves (16%). La región corporal más afectada fue la espalda con un (42%) seguida del tobillo con un 16%. Las lesiones más frecuentes fueron las contracturas musculares (48%), esguinces (20%), tendinopatías (16%) y roturas/microrroturas fibrilares (6%). Respecto a los mecanismos lesionales, se deben destacar la sobrecarga (44%) y el mal apoyo (30%). La fase con mayor incidencia lesional fue el calentamiento (50%). Conclusiones. Predominan las lesiones de tipo muscular y tendinoso, siendo la espalda la zona más afectada. Estos resultados deben tenerse en cuenta para optimizar programas de prevención (AU)

Objective. The purpose of this study has been to identify and analyze the most common injuries in rhythmic gymnastic based on the characteristics of training, as well as the potential areas in which prevention measures could be applied. Method. This is a descriptive retrospective longitudinal study using a questionnaire-interview given to 64 gymnasts (age: 11.84±1.81 years; body mass: 38.43±7.86kg; height: 1.47±0.11m). The variables studied were the practice time and the injuries suffered by the gymnasts (location, typology, severity, production mechanism and the moment in which they occurred). Results. A total of 50 injuries was registered; 19 mild (38%), 23 moderate (46%) and 8 severe (16%). The most affected body region was the back (42%) followed by ankle with a 16%. The most frequent injuries were muscle contractures (48%), sprains (20%), tendinopathy (16%) and muscle micro-tears/tears (6%). Regarding the injury mechanisms, we would highlight the overtraining (44%) and bad support (30%). The phase with the highest injury incidence was the warm-up (50%). Conclusions. The most common injuries were muscular and tendon type, back was the most affected area. Results indicate the need for preventive measures, overall to the lower body joints, ankle and knee (AU)

Objetivo. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar e analisar as lesões mais comuns em ginástica rítmica de competição com base nas características do treinamento, assim com as áreas potenciais sobre quais se podem aplicar medidas de prevenção. Método. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo transversal retrospectivo mediante um questionário de entrevista para 64 ginastas (idade=11,8 ±1,81 anos, peso=38,43±7,86kg, altura=1,47±0,11m). As variáveis estudadas foram o tempo de prática e as lesões sofridas pelas ginastas (localização, tipo, severidade, mecanismo de produção e o momento em que ocorrem). Resultados. Foram registradas um total de 50 lesões, 19 leves (38%), 23 moderadas (46%) e 8 graves (16%). A região do corpo mais afetada foi as costas (42%), seguida do tornozelo com 16%. As lesões mais frequentes foram espasmos musculares (48%), entorses (20%), tendinopatias (16%), rupturas/micro-rupturas fibrilares (6%). Em relação aos mecanismos de lesão se destaca a sobrecarga (44%) e mal apoio (30%). A fase de maior incidência de lesão foi o aquecimento (50%). Conclusões. Predominam as lesões musculares e do tendão, sendo as costas a área mais afetada. Estes resultados devem ser levados em conta para otimizar os programas de prevenção (AU)

Anthropometric profile of elite acrobatic gymnasts and prediction of role performance.

BACKGROUND: This study is aimed at determining the anthropometric profile of acrobatic gymnasts, differentiating on the basis of their role. METHODS: The sample consisted of 150 gymnasts (129 women and 21 men) from throughout Spain. The anthropometric measurements were taken according to the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) procedures. Morphological measurements, proportionality and somatotype were analyzed in both groups. A comparative analysis between groups and a prediction model were used to analyze the specific profile of each role. RESULTS: All morphological measurements showed significant differences (P<0.05) between tops and bases, the latter presenting higher values. The endomorphic element of the bases presented higher values than the tops, for whom the ectomorphy scores were higher. Bases have an endo-mesomorphic somatotype and tops present a balanced mesomorphic. There are no mesomorphy differences between the tops and bases. BMI was significantly higher in the bases (BMI=20.28 kg/m2). Proportionality differences between roles are shown. Both roles present negatives values for almost all variables studied except for the trochlear condyle of the humerus, the bicondyle of the femur and the wrist bistyloid breadth in tops and the wrist bistyloid breadth, the upper arm relaxed girths and maximum calf in bases. The best prediction model included thigh girth as the best explanatory covariate of role performance. CONCLUSIONS: Here are differences between both roles, bases being gymnasts of larger size than tops. However, they present no differences in the muscular component, as it might be expected.

The roche vault performed by elite gymnasts: somersaulting technique, deterministic model, and judges' scores.

The purpose of the study was to determine the mechanical variables that are related to successful post-flight somersaulting performance of the Roche vault. The 23 Roche vaults performed during the 2000 Olympic Games were filmed by a 16-mm camera operating at 100 Hz. The 2-D direct linear transformation technique was used for spatial calibration. Approximately 60 frames were digitized per vault. The method of Hay and Reid (1988) was used to develop a deterministic model to identify the mechanical variables that govern linear and angular motions of the vault. Correlational analysis was used to establish the strength of the relationship between the mechanical variables identified and the judges' scores. Significant correlations indicated that the higher judges' scores were negatively related to five mechanical variables and positively related to seventeen variables in the model. The normalized horizontal displacement of body center of mass (CM) from the knee grasp to the peak of post-flight was the best single predictor of the judges' score and accounted for 50% of variation in the judges' score. Finally, the landing point deductions and the official horizontal distance of post-flight collectively accounted for 86% of the variance in the judges' scores.

Artistic versus rhythmic gymnastics: effects on bone and muscle mass in young girls.

We compared 35 prepubertal girls, 9 artistic gymnasts and 13 rhythmic gymnasts with 13 nonphysically active controls to study the effect of gymnastics on bone and muscle mass. Lean mass, bone mineral content and areal density were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and physical fitness was also assessed. The artistic gymnasts showed a delay in pubertal development compared to the other groups (p<0.05). The artistic gymnasts had a 16 and 17 % higher aerobic power and anaerobic capacity, while the rhythmic group had a 14 % higher anaerobic capacity than the controls, respectively (all p<0.05). The artistic gymnasts had higher lean mass (p<0.05) in the whole body and the extremities than both the rhythmic gymnasts and the controls. Body fat mass was 87.5 and 61.5 % higher in the controls than in the artistic and the rhythmic gymnasts (p<0.05). The upper extremity BMD was higher (p<0.05) in the artistic group compared to the other groups. Lean mass strongly correlated with bone mineral content (r=0.84, p<0.001), and multiple regression analysis showed that total lean mass explained 64 % of the variability in whole body bone mineral content, but only 20 % in whole body bone mineral density. Therefore, recreational artistic gymnastic participation is associated with delayed pubertal development, enhanced physical fitness, muscle mass, and bone density in prepubertal girls, eliciting a higher osteogenic stimulus than rhythmic gymnastic.

Aplicación parcial de la metodología Q.F.D. en el diseño de colchonetas para la gimnasia / Partial implementation of the Q.F.D. methodology for gymnastic mats desing

El presente estudio ha permitido identificar y jerarquizar por orden de importancia, las necesidades y los problemas que gimnastas y entrenadores encuentran actualmente en las colchonetas de gimnasia artística, así como también, analizar si las distintas normativas en materia de colchonetas: E.N 12503 y F.I.G. 2000, establecen criterios y metodología de ensayo para dichos aspectos. Para ello, se empleó de manera parcial la metodología Q.F.D., junto con una herramienta denominada “paneles de usuarios y expertos”. Los resultados muestran como los aspectos más importantes en las colchonetas para gimnasia son la amortiguación, la absorción de energía, la estabilidad, los acabados de la superficie y la facilidad de limpieza y transporte. Sin embargo, se observa cómo, pese a la existencia distintas normas, distintos aspectos no son analizados tales como la velocidad de recuperación tras el impacto (relacionado con la absorción de energía) y el comportamiento areaelástico de la superficie (relacionado con la estabilidad), lo cual podría ser motivo de lesión durante la recepción del gimnasta (AU)

This research allows us to identify and arrange in order of importance the needs and problems gymnasts and coaches currently face with regard to gymnastic mats. It also helps us analyze if the different standards regarding mats: E.N. European Standard 12503 and F.I.G. International Gymnastics Federation. 2000, establish any criteria and tests on that score. To achieve this aim, the Q.F.D. methodology was partially implemented, together with a tool called ‘User panel’. The results show that the most important features of gymnastic mats are cushioning, shock absorption, deflection and surface finish. They must also be easy to clean and portable. Nevertheless, it is observed that in spite of the different existing regulations, several aspects such as resilience after the impact (related to shock absorption) and aerolastic behaviour of the surface (related to deflection) are not analysed, which could mean the cause of injuries during gymnasts landing (AU)

Upper-body power as measured by medicine-ball throw distance and its relationship to class level among 10- and 11-year-old female participants in club gymnastics.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not a relationship existed between upper-body power and class level among female club gymnasts. Sixty female gymnasts between the ages of 10 and 11 and between class levels 5 and 8 participated in the study. The distance of a medicine-ball throw was used to measure upper-body power. Three types of throws--overhead forward throw, overhead backward throw, and chest pass--were performed with a 6-lb rubber medicine ball. The mean distances of 2 trails were calculated and categorized into age group and class level. An analysis of variance design was used to determine the relationship between mean throw distances and throw type, age, and class level. No significant differences were found between mean throw distances and throw type, age, or class level. The results of this study show no relationship between upper-body power of female gymnasts and throw type, age, and class level.

Growth retardation in artistic compared with rhythmic elite female gymnasts.

We studied 129 female rhythmic gymnasts (RG) and 142 female artistic gymnasts (AG) who participated in the 1999 Gymnastics World Championship for RG in Osaka, Japan, and the 1999 and 2001 Gymnastics World Championships for AG in Tianjin, China (n = 48), and Ghent, Belgium (n = 94), respectively. RG were taller than average, with a mean height SD score above the 50th percentile, whereas AG were relatively short, with a mean height SD score below the 50th percentile. Both RG and AG followed their respective reported target height SD score, which was above the 50th percentile for the RG and below the 50th percentile for the AG. The RG followed a growth pattern that was higher than their reported target height, whereas AG exhibited a negative growth pattern. RG and AG weighed less than the population mean, with the mean weight for age below the 50th percentile for both groups. RG were taller than AG (t = 17.15; P < 0.001), with a higher reported target height SD score (t = 6.44; P < 0.001), a greater Delta height-reported target height (t = 2.74; P < 0.001), and a lower mean body fat (t = -11.83; P < 0.001) and body mass index (t = -10.73; P < 0.001) than AG. AG started their training at an earlier age than RG (t = 4.13; P < 0.001). Using multiple regression analysis, actual height SD score was independently influenced positively by weight SD score for both RG (b = 0.421; t = 4.317; P < 0.001) and AG (b = 1.404; t = 16.514; P = <0.001), and by reported target height only for RG (b = 0.299; t = 3.139; P = 0.002), and negatively by body mass index only for AG (b = -0.80; t = -9.88; P < 0.001). In conclusion, in elite female AG, a deterioration of growth potential was observed, whereas in RG the genetic predisposition to growth was preserved.

Gimnasios: un mundo de información para la confusión en nutrición / Gyms: a world of misleading in nutrition

Se evaluaron los conocimientos y prácticas nutricionales de 71 sujetos que asistían regularmente a gimnasios en el área metropolitana de Caracas y Valencia. El 61,9 por ciento tienen conocimientos sobre su requerimiento calorico y consideran que los carbohidratos complejos son los nutrientes que más engordan. El 67,6 por ciento lee algo sobre nutrición pero, en su mayoría, de fuentes no científicas. El 50 por ciento de los entrevistados habían realizado alguna dieta en los últimos dos años y el 56,3 por ciento utiliza o ha utilizado algún producto comercial. Predominando las dietas bajas en carbohidratos y los productos a base de esteroides, aminoácidos, ergogénicos y quemadores de grasa. El 37,5 por ciento de los usuarios no conoce la composición de los productos que toman y en general estos no son recomendados por profesionales de la salud. Los instructores constituyen una pieza clave en la información nutricional dentro de los gimnasios. Los usuarios de los gimnasios no cuentan con información seria y accesible que les permitan discernir sobre la conveniencia ó no de prácticas; siendo éstas utilizadas sin ningún tipo de supervisión, constituyendo en ocasiones un riesgo potencial la salud o un despilfarro de dinero