Comparison of Ballet Barre Training and Center Training on Lower Limb Flexibility and Balance in Recreational Rhythmic Gymnasts

See, Qin Thon (2022) Comparison of Ballet Barre Training and Center Training on Lower Limb Flexibility and Balance in Recreational Rhythmic Gymnasts. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

Ballet training has been recommended as part of rhythmic gymnasts’ physical training repertoire as it has been found to develop aspects such as aesthetics, poise and elegance which can bring about improved gymnastic performance. The aim of this study was to compare two types of ballet training, barre and center training on lower limb active flexibility and balance in recreational rhythmic gymnasts. Rhythmic gymnasts from a dance academy (n = 21; age = 11.52 ± 1.83 y; weight = 32.58 ± 0.84 kg; height = 140.10 ± 11.17 cm; training experience = 5 ± 1.64 y) participated in this study. Subjects were assigned into barre (n = 11) and center (n = 10) experimental groups for the respective experimental training in addition to the usual gymnastic training regimen twice a week over a 6-week duration. Pre- and post-tests were conducted to determine active flexibility and dynamic balance of subjects. Active flexibility was measured via Front Split Without Help Flexibility Test (FSWH, hip flexion), Side Split Without Help Test (SSWH, hip abduction) and Penché Without Help Flexibility Test (PWH, hip extension) while dynamic balance was assessed through the Side-kick Balance Test (SKB, frontal plane) and Arabesque To Passé Test (ATP, sagittal plane). Paired sample t-test analysis indicated significant main effect improvement in active flexibility for both experimental groups after training intervention (FSWH: p = 0.000, SSWH: p = 0.000; PWH: p = 0.000) but no significant interaction effects were detected. Similarly for dynamic balance, no significant differences were noted between training modes (SKB: p = 0.460; ATP: p = 0.985), with both experimental groups achieving statistically significant improvements (SKB: p = 0.003; ATP: p = 0.003) over the training duration. The present findings suggest that both types of ballet training are appropriate supplementary training for rhythmic gymnasts