Oľga Kyselovičová

The Free Aerial Cartwheel is a complex balance beam skill requiring precise coordination under a limited support surface. This study examined event-specific joint-angle characteristics of the Free Aerial Cartwheel and their associations with technical execution, single-leg countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJa) performance, and lower-limb length. Seven female artistic gymnasts performed the skill on a balance beam. Joint angles were assessed using 2D markerless motion analysis at predefined step, take-off, flight, and landing events, while technical execution was evaluated by five international FIG judges. Associations were examined using Spearman’s rank correlations with Holm correction for multiple comparisons. At the unadjusted level, large correlations were observed between the execution score and the landing-leg ankle angle at take-off (ρ = 0.857, p = 0.024) and opposite-side elbow angle at take-off and flight (ρ = 0.821, p = 0.034 for both). Single-leg CMJa performance showed large positive correlations with the execution score and take-off-leg hip angle at landing (ρ = 0.786, p = 0.048 for both). However, none of the examined associations remained statistically significant after Holm correction. These findings should therefore be interpreted as exploratory and identify candidate variables for further investigation rather than established relationships with Free Aerial Cartwheel execution.

This study investigates individual performance adaptations on 2 years of training between European Aerobics Championships. An elite, 22-year-old aerobic gymnast performed postural coordination test, Y-Balance test, squat and countermovement jumps, 60 s test of repeated jumps, an isokinetic leg muscle strength test, and the Wingate test. Postural stability and flexibility improved in terms of increased distance achieved in the Y-Balance test in the anterior (by 6.3%), posteromedial (by 2%), and posterolateral (by 4.8%) directions. Lower limb muscular endurance also increased, which can be corroborated by a reduced fatigue index in the 60 s test of repeated jumps (from 42% to 27% after the 1^st and to 22% after the 2^nd year of training). In addition, mean power increased during dominant (by 23.2% at 60°/s and by 18.5% at 180°/s) and non-dominant leg extension (by 4.9% at 180°/s and by 15.5% at 300°/s), plus dominant leg flexion (by 2.0% at 60°/s and by 6.9% at 300°/s). Similarly, peak torque/body weight ratio increased during dominant (by 24.9% at 60°/s, by 11.5% at 180°/s, and by 2.1% at 300°/s) and non-dominant leg extension (by 0.5% at 60°/s and by 6.4% at 300°/s), plus dominant leg flexion (by 1.7% at 60°/s and by 5.4% at 300°/s). However, 2 years of training failed to show any significant improvements in the explosive power of lower limbs and anaerobic performance. These findings indicate that general aerobic gymnastics training without any specific inputs leads to performance adaptation, namely, in abilities closely related to competition routine (dynamic balance and strength endurance of lower limbs).

Background and Study Aim. The aim of the study was to determine and compare basic kinematic characteristics in the key phases of the acrobatic element Salto backward tucked. Material and Methods. The research sample was created from two couples of the acrobatic rock and roll category Main class free style. The time, spatial, and time-spatial characteristics for both couples were determined based on a three-dimensional kinematic analysis. Measurements were carried out with Simi Motion 3D. The acrobatic element Salto backward tucked was chosen based on the fact that it is usually learned as the first overturn acrobatic element with the airborne phase. Results. In the time duration of the acrobatic element, a very similar duration was observed for both couples (CZ couple: 3.59 s and SK couple 3.55 s). The maximal height of the center of gravity the partner from the Czech Republic reach 3.54 m and partner from the Slovak Republic 3.35 m. The biggest difference noticed was between the male partners 14.59° in knee angle in the staff phase. Among the female partners, a difference was noted in the angle between the torso and the vertical plane at the moment of the end of the vertical displacement, when SK female partner has twice as much deviation of the torso, by exactly 19.49°. In the staff phase, differences in acceleration were also observed, when the male partner (16.56 m.s-2) and female partner (25.08 m.s-2) from the Slovak Republic achieved higher maximum acceleration. In the airborne phase was the biggest difference between female partners in the culmination point, namely in the angle in the knee joint (35.98°) and the angle between the torso in the vertical plane at the moment of opening the somersault (25.52°). Conclusions. The findings showed similarities and differences in various aspects of the performance, providing valuable insights into the kinematic structure of this acrobatic element in acrobatic rock and roll. Our study should contribute to the extension of knowledge of the kinematic structure of acrobatic element in acrobatic rock and roll.

Balance, together with other motor qualities, plays an important role in the successful execution of specific gymnastic skills. However, it is also not clear whether different demands on dynamic balance and power produced by lower limb can be observed in sport-specific differences among gymnasts of various modalities. The question also is as to what extent isokinetic leg muscle strength contributes to anterior and posterior postural stability in gymnasts. Therefore, the aim of the study was i) to compare variables of dynamic balance and isokinetic leg muscle strength in rhythmic, artistic, and aerobic gymnasts, and ii) to investigate the relationship of reach distances in anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions, as well as the composite score in the Y-balance test with an isokinetic muscle strength during knee extension and flexion at different velocities in female gymnasts of various disciplines. Altogether seven aerobic, five artistic, and six rhythmic gymnasts performed the Y-balance test and isokinetic leg muscle strength test at 60°/s, 180°/s, and 300°/s. Results showed significant between-group differences in the composite score in the Y-balance test of the dominant (F = 3.536, p = .041) and non-dominant symmetry (F = 4.804, p = .015). Similarly, average power produced during knee extension and knee flexion at 60°/s, 180°/s and 300°/s differed significantly among these groups (all at p˂0.05). In addition, there was a significant relationship between the composite score of the dominant limb symmetry and isokinetic dominant limb extension strength at 60°/s (r = .54), 180°/s (r = .87), and 300°/s (r = .84) in aerobic gymnasts. The composite score of the dominant limb symmetry was also associated with isokinetic dominant limb extension strength, albeit only at 60°/s in both artistic (r = .60) and rhythmic gymnasts (r = .55). Such between-group differences may be ascribed to their different demands on maintenance of balance under dynamic conditions and leg muscle power within their sport specializations. Taking into account significant association between the dominant limb symmetry and isokinetic dominant limb extension strength, it may be concluded that both muscle strength and fast speeds contribute to dynamic balance in adolescent gymnasts.

Summary: This study investigates between-gender differences in trunk rotational power produced at various loads in athletes of gymnastic and dance sports. A group of 24 female and 15 male competitive aerobic and acrobatic gymnasts, ballroom and rock & roll dancers completed two trials of standing trunk rotations at each side with a barbell of different weights (increasing from 1 kg by ~5 kg up to max. of 20 kg) placed on their shoulders. The power produced during trunk rotations was evaluated using the FiTRO Torso Premium. Results showed significantly higher mean power in the acceleration phase of trunk rotations in male than female athletes at loads of 10.5 kg (206.8 ± 22.0 W and 165.4 ± 17.8 W respectively, p = 0.033), 15.5 kg (231.8 ± 27.5 W and 155.6 ± 24.4 W respectively, p = 0.001) and 20 kg (196.9 ± 25.3 W and 111.4 ± 20.9 W respectively, p = 0.001). Similar significant between-gender differences for angular velocity at weights ≥10.5 kg were observed. Alternatively, power and force were greater at lower velocities in male than female athletes. However, some females were able to produce slightly greater power and force at higher velocities in spite of their lower values at lower velocities when compared to males. This may be ascribed to both the genetic predispositions and the specificity of their acrobatic and dance elements including trunk rotations at various velocities under different load conditions.

The aim of our study was to discover the effect of different types of feedback in teaching/learning of difficulty elements of aerobic gymnastics. The study was designed as a one-group comparative interrupted time study. For this purpose, eight gymnasts competing in the national development category were selected (average age 9 ± 1.5 years; average sport age 4 ± 1.5 years). The design of the study included two intervention programs; each lasting 23 days interrupted by an 8-week break. In intervention program 1, the group practiced a straddle jump using self-modeling followed by verbal feedback, and in intervention program 2 the group practiced a split jump using expert modeling followed by verbal feedback. The experimental group practiced three times a week for a period of 30 min per usual training session (normally lasting 90 min). The results showed that the execution of the elements in both intervention programs improved at the 5% level of significance. In intervention program 1, we noted a significant improvement (p ≤ 0.05) in subphase approach and culmination. In intervention program 2, we noted a significant improvement (p ≤ 0.05) in culmination only. There was no significant difference between the changes of the final scores of the executed elements in intervention programs 1 and 2. Comparing the results of individual subphases, we noted no significant difference either.

Summary: Acrobatic rock and roll is dynamic sport dance where explosive power is very important ability. Aim. The aim of the thesis was to determine and compare the level of explosive power of the lower limbs of acrobatic rock and roll dancers. We assume that dancers from couple categories will reach a significantly higher level of explosive power of the lower limbs than dancers from ladies formations. Methods. The research sample consisted of 22 acrobatic rock and roll female dancers. To determine the level of explosive power of the lower limbs, we used a 10 s test on a jump ergometer. We used the non-parametric statistical method Mann Whitney U-test for independent files. Results . The female dancers from couple categories achieved better results in all parameters than dancers from ladies formations. The first examined parameter was the power in the active phase of the take off where the dancers from couples achieved 46.08 ± 5.32 W.kg ⁻¹ , the dancers from ladies formations reached 38.13 ± 3.63 W.kg ⁻¹ (p ≤ 0.01, r = 0.64). The second examined parameter was the height of the jump, where dancers from couples achieved 28.91 ± 2.49 cm, dancers from ladies formations reached 25.92 ± 3.21 cm (p ≤ 0.05, r = 0.48). The last examined parameter was the rebound efficiency, where dancers from couples achieved 177.41 ± 25.62 cm.s ⁻¹ , dancers from ladies formations reached 138.48 ± 15.96 cm.s ⁻¹ (p ≤ 0.01, r = 0.65). Conclusions. In addition to differences in the explosive power of the lower limbs, the results also pointed to the importance of development in all categories. We recommend dancers to include plyometric exercises and repeated rope skipping jumps in the pre-competition and competition period, after completing strength training.

Biomechanical considerations as reflected in correct or incorrect technique, particularly in all gymnastic disciplines are more than undoubted. The stag leap as a variation of split leaps is one of the fundamental gymnastics skill and a key movement in the development of elite female gymnasts. The aim of the study was to analyse the kinematic characteristics of the stag leap with back bend of the trunk performed in rhythmic gymnastics and simultaneously find out the explosive power regarding this particular element. A member of Slovakian national team was involved in the study. Kinematic characteristics of the element were analysed. A capture system consisting of 8 infrared cameras were employed to collect the data. The explosive power of the lower limbs were diagnosed by a jump ergometer with 2 standardized tests: vertical counter-movement jump with the fixation of the arms and 10-second repetitive vertical jumps with arms movements. In addition, the explosive power of the lower limbs was also observed in the flight phase of the element. The results in 10-second repetitive jumps show the highest value of gymnast centre of mass 46.4 cm, contact time 0.195 s and the best active output in the flight phase 58.3 W.kg^-1. While performing the difficulty element, slightly different data were observed due to the complexity and more demanding motor coordination of both upper and lower body segments: the highest value of gymnast centre of mass was 40.8 cm, contact time 0.209 s and the output in the active flight phase 52.8 W.kg^-1.  

The authors evaluated the effect of 3 months of resistance and aerobic training (3 sessions/week) on body balance in a group of 25 overweight and obese individuals. Prior to and after the training, they performed static and task-oriented balance tests under various conditions. Mean center of pressure (CoP) velocity and mean trace length of the CoP in the y-axis registered during a one-legged stance significantly decreased after the resistance training (19.1%, p = .024; 29.3%, p = .009). Mean trace length of the CoP in the y-axis decreased significantly also during a bipedal stance on a foam surface with eyes open and closed (10.9%, p = .040; 18.2%, p = .027). In addition, mean CoP distance and mean squared CoP distance in the anteroposterior direction during a visually guided center of mass (CoM) tracking task significantly improved (14.7%, p = .033; 28.2%, p = .016). However, only mean trace length of the CoP in the y-axis during a bipedal stance on a foam surface with eyes open and closed significantly decreased after the aerobic training (10.3%, p = .047; 16.5%, p = .029). It may be concluded that resistance training is more efficient for the improvement of the anteroposterior unilateral stability and the accuracy of the regulation of the CoM anteroposterior position than aerobic training in overweight and obese individuals.

The article dealt with the assessment of somatic changes of the students at the Slovak University of Technology (STU), Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FME), specifically expressed by Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist Hip Ratio (WHR) during the years 2007 and 2013. In total 2228 men were involved in the study and measured upon their entry at the university. It was found out that the values of BMI belonged to the category of average range measured for adults (from 22.96 kg.m-2 to 24.60 kg.m-2) and indicates standard values. Statistically significant differences (p<0.01) were discovered between the years 2011 (23.70 kg.m-2) and 2012 (24.60 kg.m-2), 2012 (24.60 kg.m-2) and 2013 (22.96 kg.m-2). In 2012 participants achieved in average the highest values (BMI = 24.60 kg.m-2), which borders with a moderate overweight. In the contrary, in 2013 the students achieved the lowest values of BMI (22.96 kg.m-2). A slight increase of average BMI values may be observed from the first test in 2007 until 2012. The predominance of standard weight was measured at 71% of the total number of monitored students and the predominance of overweight was measured at 22% of students from the total number of university students. The observation of WHR numbers makes us conclude that during our seven year study no significant differences were discovered in the first five years. The values were stable and from the mean point of view, they do not indicate the risk of development of diseases relating to overweight and obesity. In 2012 and 2013 a slight decrease of WHR values was detected < 0.85. Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were discovered between the years 2010 (0.854) and 2011 (0.864), and also between 2011 (0.864) and 2012 (0.843). The lowest mean value of WHR was measured when performing the last test in the year 2013 (0.823). There was a statistically significant difference at p<0.05 within the years 2012 and 2013. The highest mean value was discovered in 2011 (0.864). However, the average values achieved in a group of students were lower than 1.0, which can be evaluated as a set with no risk of obesity and overweight disease development