4. Discussion
’ explosive strength, ankle joints, ’ explosive
This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of an 8 week RG-based CPT program on the explosive strength of young rhythmic gymnasts. As far as we know, this is the first study to evaluate the effects of a CPT program on the explosive strength of young rhythmic gymnasts. The main findings comprise significant improvements in the EG in CMJ, as well as right and left SLCMJ, post-test results in all the dependent variables (Height, Take-off, AVE P, and RFD). The judges’ scores for the RG-specific jump tests did not indicate significant differences between the EG and the CG in any of the three leaps evaluated (stag, scissors, or split). Indeed, at the time of the post-test, both groups significantly improved their scores on the RG-specific leaps. However, it is worth noting that an examination of the particular kinds of jump shows large effect sizes on the stag and the split leap in the EG, while only a medium improvement in the CG appears in the post-test. Both groups displayed a large effect size in their post-test scissors leap scores. The results of the pre-tests did not show any significant differences between the EG and CG, so the differences obtained in the post-test can be attributed to the functional integrated CPT. These results suggest that adding an integrated functional CPT program to regular RG training can provide young rhythmic gymnasts with greater explosive strength than they would achieve if performing only RG-specific training. To the best of our knowledge, no prior study has evaluated young rhythmic gymnasts’ explosive strength after completing a CPT training program. However, a similar study involving integrated training was found. After 1 month of integrated training using Pilates and water resistance plyometrics, improved results elite rhythmic gymnasts’ jump height and explosive strength were found [Some earlier studies have featured PT programs and evaluated rhythmic gymnasts’ explosive strength. For example, Taktak et al. [Meanwhile, core training might also have helped improve the gymnasts’ explosive strength. Since the core provides greater stability for the movements of the lower extremities, from proximal to distal, improving core function may enhance the legs’ power [The significant improvement of the EG in the post-test in the CMJ and SLCMJ right and left tests on all variables measured (Height, Take-off, AVE P, and RFD) suggest that our functional training helps enhance explosive strength in young rhythmic gymnasts, thus improving physical parameters of the gymnasts’ vertical jump. The jump height variable is related to the length of flight time during the jump, the vertical take-off with the speed and coordination of this phase of the leap, and the power and RFD variables of explosive strength indicators [These results also suggest that the CPT program helped gymnasts improve their performance throughout the three jump phases (take-off, flight, and landing). A prior study of split leap performance in RG highlighted the importance of the take-off and flight phase total time [Regarding the judges’ overall scores, we did not find any significant differences between groups after the CPT program. However, a significant improvement associated with the time factor was found, indicating that both the EG and the CG improved their RG leap scores at the post-test time. A large effect was found for the stag and split leap in the EG compared to a medium effect on the CG. These results show a tendency toward greater improvement in the EG than in the CG after the functional training. A possible explanation for the results, in terms of the judges’ scores, might be that, for young beginning gymnasts, the leap technique is complex, as these athletes may not have fully developed the execution factors involved in scissors, stag, and split leaps. The execution factors include the physical components of explosive strength, leg flexibility, and proper leap movement techniques [As discussed above, it is clear that the angular flexibility of the joints, especially the amplitude of the hips and the extension of the ankle joints (with pointed toes), is an important factor influencing RG leap execution [Our findings suggest a tendency toward improvements in RG jumps in the EG, especially in the stag and the split leap. These two jumps require the widest hip amplitude, indicating that the training program helped the gymnasts improve their legs’ opening capacity and specific explosive force. However, the CPT program was not aimed at improving the technical aspects of RG jumps nor enhancing flexibility, which is why it may not have been reflected as much in the judges’ scores.Our functional CPT is creative and closely tied to the reality and functional needs of RG since it is linked to RG motor patterns. In our study, gymnasts trained using CS exercises that demanded SSC explosive strength, balance, and postural control. The challenges imposed on explosive strength, CS, and balance are close to the RG skills’ demands. This intention is supported by Lederman [This study considered the importance of biological maturity for physical performance by calculating the gymnasts’ PHV age, and no significant differences between the randomly assigned groups were found. In addition, other studies affirm that regular gymnastics training helps to obtain better results in jump height, take-off speed, and maximum vertical speed of the center of mass, all of which are essential for the adequate performance of vertical jumps [There are certain issues and limitations connected to this study’s design. Some researchers have questioned the use of general jumping ability tests to assess athletes in specific sports. For example, a study by Grande et al. [To our knowledge, only one prior study has analyzed the impact of an integrated CPT training program on rhythmic gymnasts [The most important practical application of the present study is that RG functional training, which combines core and plyometric exercises executed with specific RG balance and leap postures, improves young rhythmic gymnasts’ explosive strength. Gymnasts can take advantage of including more specific content in their warm-up, and increasing their performance at the same time, if they try to be explosive in each jump and balanced in each jump reception; furthermore, they should exercise their core while keeping their lumbopelvic area straight and stable and hollowing the navel while exhaling. Considering these considerations, gymnasts will increase their performance and save time, reducing the necessity for extra sessions.