The Influence of Biological Maturity on Sprint Speed, Standing Long Jump, and Vaulting Performance in Young Female Gymnasts

Abstract

Purpose: To quantify speed, peak momentum, standing long jump (SLJ), and the ratio of vertical to horizontal take-off velocity (Ratiovert–hori TOV) in young female gymnasts of different maturity status and their influence on vaulting vertical TOV. Methods: One hundred twenty gymnasts age 5–14 years were subdivided into maturity groupings using percentage of predicted adult height. Participants performed three 20-m sprints, SLJ, and straight jump vaults that were recorded using 2-dimensional video and analyzed using digitizing software. Results: All speed intervals, peak speed, peak momentum, SLJ distance, vault height, and vertical TOV increased between the early prepubertal and late prepubertal (P < .001; d = 0.65–1.10) and early prepubertal and pubertal (P < .001; d = 0.75–1.00) groups. No differences between these metrics were observed between the 2 most mature groups (d = 0.01–0.55). Multiple regression analyses revealed peak speed had the strongest association with vertical TOV (R2 = 59%) and also identified the Ratiovert–hori as a secondary determinant (R2 = 12%). A separate regression model indicated that maturation (percentage of predicted adult height) moderately influences vertical TOV during vaulting (R2 = 41%). Conclusion: Speed and SLJ performance increase between the early prepubertal and late prepubertal years in young female gymnasts. However, given that peak speed and Ratiovert–hori combined to explain 71% of the total variance in vaulting vertical TOV, in order to increase aerial time for more advanced vaulting, practitioners should attempt to enhance peak speed alongside takeoff technique to develop gymnasts’ ability to transfer linear speed to vertical TOV.

Effects of a 10-Month Neuromuscular Training Program on Strength, Power, Speed, and Vault Performance in Young Female Gymnasts

“…Conversely, no differences in Peak speed were observed in either the GYM or CON groups. Previous data in young female gymnasts indicate that sprint speed plateaus between the late prepubertal and pubertal years, whereas Peak momentum continues to increase (11). Existing training literature has shown equivocal findings, with 8 wk of supplementary plyometric training proving effective at improving young gymnasts’ sprinting abilities (18), but 10 wk of strength and power training failing to significantly improve 10-m sprint performance in young female gymnasts (44).…”

“…Participants completed three trials, and verbal encouragement was given. At least 2 min of passive rest was provided to allow participants sufficient time to recover (11). The fastest trial was used for further analyses whereby Peak speed was calculated.…”

“…Encouragingly, previous data from a longer-term training study involving prepubertal gymnasts reveal that a combination of heavy resistance training and high impact plyometric training was more effective for improving drop jump parameters than habitual gymnastics training alone (8). Furthermore, based on meta-analytical data, it is clear that resistance training can positively enhance vertical jump performance and linear sprint speed in youth (9), which are significant predictors of vaulting take-off velocity (10,11).…”

“…Therefore, using a prospective, longitudinal, repeated-measures design, we aimed to compare the effects of 10 months of NMT in addition to gymnastics training (gNMT) on strength, force-time kinetics, standing long jump (SLJ) distance, sprint speed, and vaulting takeoff velocity in young female gymnasts. These test variables were selected based on their use in our previous studies and/or their practical utility for strength and power diagnostics (10,11,14,22). These data were compared with both gymnastics only training (GYM) and a maturity-matched control group (CON).…”

Practical Strategies for Integrating Strength and Conditioning Into Early Specialization Sports

“…It should be noted that when early specializing athletes approach the pubertal growth spurt, injury risk may increase concomitantly (61,67,73,74) and individuals might experience a plateau or decrement in some aspects of performance (44,46,56). However, PHV and PWV do not necessarily cause injury; rather, the periods of rapid growth are likely to increase the relative risk of injury and specifically the proliferation of risk factors in early specializing athletes (e.g., significantly greater knee abduction angles and moments during landing tasks compared with the multisport athletes) (11,12).…”