Previous research exploring the effectiveness of neuromuscular training (NMT) programs in young female gymnasts [1,2] have primarily implemented short-term interventions and failed to examine the training benefits on gymnastics performance. Purpose: To examine the effects of a 9-month NMT intervention on isometric and dynamic force-time characteristics during strength and power tests and vertical take-off velocity during gymnastics vaulting. Methods: Forty-three pre-pubertal female gymnasts were sub-divided into gymnastics + NMT (GYM + NMT; n = 16), gymnastics only (GYM, n = 15) groups and a maturity-matched control (CON; n = 12). Biological maturation was estimated using percentage of predicted adult height (%PAH) [3]. The GYM + NMT group followed a 9-month NMT program, consisting of 2 × 1-hr sessions/week, while the GYM and CON groups did not receive the additional training stimulus. Force-time characteristics during the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), countermovement jump (CMJ), and drop jump (DJ) tests were measured at baseline (T1) and thereafter on a 3-monthly basis (T2, T3 and T4). Vertical take-off velocity during a straight jump vault was calculated using 2D video analysis. A 3 × 4 (group × time) repeated measures ANOVA with a Bonferroni post-hoc analysis was used to identify any significant between-group differences (p < 0.05), and Hedges' g to calculate effect sizes [4]. Results: Data indicated moderate significant increases in IMTP absolute peak force (PFabs) from baseline to each subsequent testing session and relative peak force (T1-T3 and T1-T4) in the GYM + NMT, and a small significant increase in PFabs from T1-T4 in the GYM group (Table 1). CMJ data showed jump height (JH) and braking impulse (Impulsebrake) significantly increased from T1-T3 in the GYM + NMT group, while propulsive impulse (Impulseprop) significantly increased from baseline to each subsequent testing session. Impulseprop was the only measure that significantly increased in the GYM group (T1-T4). DJ data revealed significant improvements in JH and reactive strength index (RSI) from T1-T3 and T1-T4 in the GYM + NMT, with no significant changes in the GYM group. Significant increases in vaulting vertical take-off velocity were only identified in the GYM + NMT (T1-T4). CON group showed no significant changes, other than a significant increase in DJ contact time (T1-T4). Conclusions: The additional NMT stimulus significantly improved vaulting vertical take-off velocity, maximal isometric force producing capabilities, and slow and fast-stretch shortening cycle function in the GYM + NMT cohort; however, these changes were not evident for GYM or CON. Practical Applications: Positive changes in isometric and dynamic kinetic variables can be achieved in prepubertal female gymnasts following 3 months of NMT and appear to be beyond those obtained from gymnastics alone. Practitioners should realise that the beneficial effects from NMT may take longer to transfer to vaulting performance. Auswirkungen eines 9-monatigen neuromuskulären Trainingsprogramms auf statische & dynamische Kraft-Zeit-Charakteristiken & Absprunggeschwindigkeit bei jungen Turnerinnen
© Copyright 2021 The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. National Strength & Conditioning Association. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.