Author(s): LIN, H., CHEN, C.Y., WU, H.T., NAKATA, M., LIN, J.Z., Institution: NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY OF SPORT, Country: TAIWAN, Abstract-ID: 1201

INTRODUCTION:
Rhythmic gymnasts frequently execute high-difficulty movements combining jumps, aerial maneuvers, and landings, and balance ability critically influences the quality of execution for these challenging routines [1]. Effective balance control enhances proprioceptive awareness, improves stability during landing transitions, and consequently reduces the risk of lower-limb injuries [2]. This study examines the impact of varying difficulty levels on balance capabilities by comparing performance in specialized static balance exercises across different difficulty ratings. It further analyzes the correlation between specialized skills and balance performance.
METHODS:
This study recruited 10 female rhythmic gymnasts representing Taiwan at FISU World University Games to perform basic static balance, Arabesque, and Penché. Data were primarily collected with the dominant foot as the support leg. Further analysis examined dynamic postural stability parameters, maximum grip strength, jump height, and isometric hip strength. Repeated measures one-way ANOVA was used to compare kinematic and kinetic parameters across different balance movements. The study will further compare the correlation analysis between Penché and specialized athletic abilities.
RESULTS:
The results of this study indicate that the pressure center path length for Arabesque and Penché is significantly longer than that for the baseline static balance. Furthermore, the pressure center oscillation velocity and total oscillation area for Penché are significantly higher than those for the baseline static balance. Furthermore, in the correlation analysis between Penché and specialized abilities, significant negative correlations were found between lower limb muscle mass and the spectral peak frequency in the left-right direction, as well as between lower limb muscle mass and the 0.1-1Hz spectral band in the left-right direction. The maximum isometric hip extension power of core muscles showed a significant positive correlation with the 1-2 Hz spectral band in both lateral directions.
CONCLUSION:
The results indicated that both the Arabesque and Penché positions impose significant challenges on the postural control system. No significant differences were observed in most balance indices between the two positions, suggesting that an increased anterior trunk tilt angle does not necessarily further compromise overall stability. Correlation analysis for the Penché revealed that lower-limb muscle mass and hip extension capacity are associated with the frequency domain characteristics of postural control [3], reflecting the potential influence of distinct physical capacities on sport-specific stability strategies. Overall, specialized balance performance likely involves a complex interaction of multiple physical factors rather than a single fitness metric. Future research should employ longitudinal training designs or multivariate modeling to verify the causal roles of muscle mass and hip function in sport-specific postural control.