Dynamic balance of young female gymnasts

Dynamic balance is the ability to maintain a stable body position during movement and represents one of the most important factors of success in exercising on the balance beam. The first aim of our study was to examine dynamic balance of young female gymnasts and also correlations between dynamic balance and success on the balance beam. The second aim was to determine reliability of the Y balance tests in young female gymnasts. The Y balance test and three specific gymnastics balance tests were performed on sample of 47 young female gymnasts, aged between 8 and 13 years. Gymnasts were competitors on an international competition from eight European countries. The three variables (D, E and Final score) taken from official results book define success on the balance beam. Most of the variables of specific dynamic balance showed a significant correlation with the success on the beam, and the correlation coefficients ranged from .321-.652. Between variables of the Y balance test and the success on the balance beam there was a significant correlation only in reach of the right foot forward. Results of regression analysis showed a statistically significant impact of dynamic balance variables on the final score achieved at the competition (p<.000). The Y balance test showed very good reliability, so this test is reliable and can be recommended, especially in terms of prediction of ankle injuries. Gymnasts who had the best scores on the specific dynamic balance tests had better final scores on the balance beam. As the beam is predominantly dynamic apparatus and requires linking of different elements, it is necessary to develop tests to monitor the progress of this ability, especially in young categories of gymnasts.