Effects of 8 Weeks Core Training on Coordination and Flexibility among Recreational Rhythmic Gymnasts

Ng, Shannon Jia Hui (2023) Effects of 8 Weeks Core Training on Coordination and Flexibility among Recreational Rhythmic Gymnasts. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

The study aimed to examine the effects of 8 weeks core training on coordination and flexibility among recreational rhythmic gymnasts. Twenty-four female gymnasts, aged 12.58 ± 2.02 years, were divided into an experimental group (EG, n= 12) and a control group (CG, n= 12). Both groups underwent a series of tests such as Sit and Reach Test and Hirtz’s Battery Test before and after the 8-week intervention. All subjects were remained in their regular rhythmic gymnastics training during the intervention period and only the experimental group (EG) was involved in the core training programme. The core training programme consists of ten exercises where it involved 4 different sets of training volume and intensity and the exercises remained the same throughout the 8 weeks of intervention. Meanwhile, it comprised 45 seconds for 3 sets in the first 2 weeks and 30 seconds for 4 sets in the 3rd and 4th weeks. As for the 5th and 6th weeks, the core training comprised 45 seconds for 4 sets while for the 7th and 8th weeks, the core training comprised 30 seconds for 5 sets. The core training programme took approximately 30-60 minutes per session include 10 minutes of warm up and cool down. The subjects rested for 45 seconds between each set of exercise for the 1st week, 2nd week, 5th week and 6th week and 30 seconds rest for the 3rd week, 4th week, 7th week and 8th week. Results showed that EG and CG improved significantly on SRT (p= 0.001), (p= 0.04) respectively. Whereas in the Hirtz’s Battery Test, the EG also improved significantly on LJ and OSR (p< 0.001), (p= 0.004) respectively. As for the CG, it improved significantly on OSR (P= 0.005). Besides, significant differences found in BBT in CG and EG (p= 0.001), (p= 0.012) respectively. Other than that, it shows significant improvement in post-test for the LJ and OSR (p< 0.001), (p= 0.007) respectively between EG and CG. As for BBT it improves significantly (p< 0.001) between the EG and CG as well in the post-test. The study concluded that core training on recreational rhythmic gymnasts improve the flexibility and coordination.