Comparison of the Effects of Core and Plyometric Training on Flexibility Performance in Child Gymnasts

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to examine the effects of an 8-week plyometric and core training program on the flexibility characteristics of female gymnasts.

Method: The sample of this study consists of 20 female gymnasts, regularly participating in gymnastics training, with a mean age of 8.40 ± 1.47 years. The participants were randomly divided into two groups, each comprising 10 individuals: the core training group (CG) and the plyometric training group (PG). While the CG participated in gymnastics training and core training three times a week, the PG performed gymnastics training combined with plyometric training three times a week. Statistical analyses were conducted using the SPSS 26 software.

Results: Paired-samples T-test was used for within-group comparisons, and independent samples T-test was used to evaluate differences between groups. A significance level of 0.05 was adopted to assess the statistical significance of the findings. When the pre-test and post-test results of the CG and PG athletes were examined, no statistically significant difference in flexibility characteristics was observed between the groups (p>0.05). However, within-group comparisons revealed a statistically significant difference between the pre-test and post-test flexibility results in the PG (p< 0.05), whereas no significant difference was found in the CG (p>0.05).

Conclusion: In conclusion, plyometric training was found to have a positive impact on the flexibility of gymnasts.