Age-related differences in postural stability and asymmetries among female rhythmic gymnasts: implications for injury prevention and performance enhancement.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine age group differences in the postural stability of female rhythmic gymnasts, as well as the asymmetries in postural control between them.

Methods: A total of 126 female rhythmic gymnasts (aged 6-12 years) were tested. The rhythmic gymnasts were grouped based on their age between 6-8 years (N.=45; young pioneers), 9-10 years (N.=36; pioneers), and 11-12 years (N.=45; cadets). Postural stability and asymmetry were evaluated by the Y-Balance Test (YBT) with both legs (right and left) in three directions: anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral and Balance Error Scoring System (BESS). Postural stability was analyzed between age categories using the Kruskal-Wallis Test and Dunn's post-hoc test, and the differences in asymmetry were determined by univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results: The young pioneers (age 6-8 years) had a greater number of errors in the single-leg foam stance and tandem foam stance than the 9-10-year-old and 11-12-year-old rhythmic gymnasts (P≤0.005). They also had a greater number of errors in BESS Total scores compared to other age categories (young pioneers 18.42±5.63; pioneers 15.08±4.78 and cadets 13.89±5.61; P≤0.005). Results showed significant differences (P≤0.005) between the young pioneers (age 6-8 years) and the cadets (age 11-12 years) in normalized left and right posteromedial reach direction. No significant differences (P≥0.005) in reach asymmetry were observed among age categories.

Conclusions: In conclusion, 6-8-year-old rhythmic gymnasts (young pioneers) should have continuum screening during training and completion development.