The Effects of an Eight-Week Integrated Functional Core and Plyometric Training Program on Young Rhythmic Gymnasts’ Explosive Strength
Abstract: Background: Explosive strength is essential for rhythmic gymnasts’ performance. It has
been suggested that core stability (CS) and plyometric training can enhance athletes’ explosive
strength. Nevertheless, there is some uncertainty about the effects of integrated core and plyometric
training (CPT) programs on rhythmic gymnastics (RG) performances. Purpose: To evaluate the
effects of an integrated functional CPT program on young rhythmics gymnasts’ explosive strength
and jump/leap performance. Method: We recruited 44 young (age = 10.5 ± 1.8 yers old; peak
height velocity, PHV = 12.2 ± 0.6 yo) female rhythmic gymnasts and randomly allocated them into
a control group (CG) and an experimental group (EG). Pre- and post-intervention, the explosive
strength of both groups was assessed using countermovement jump (CMJ) and single-leg CMJ
(SLCMJ) tests, conducted using a force platform, and expert RG judges evaluated their performance
of RG-specific jumps. Before the post-test, the EG (n = 23) completed an 8eight -week functional CPT
program based on RG technical requirements. Meanwhile, the participants in the CG (n = 21) received
their regular training sessions. Linear mixed model analyses were applied to evaluate the
effects of an intra-subject factor (TIME: pre-post) and an inter-subject factor (GROUP: control-experimental)
on each dependent variable. When no significant interaction effect was found, Cohen’s
d effect size was calculated. Results: After 8eight weeks, the EG obtained significantly better results
in all variables measured by the CMJ and SLCMJ (p < 0.01) tests. The judges’ scores indicated greater
improvements in the EG after the CPT program in the stag and the split leap. Conclusions: An
integrated functional CPT program improved explosive strength in a group of young rhythmic
gymnasts and had a large impact on aspects of RG-specific performance. Coaches should consider
using this CPT to improve RG performance.
