Examination of the relationship between target joint position sense and force sense and development of performance in elite gymnasts according to the age groups

Purpose: This study had two purposes. The first was to investigate the relationship between target joint position sense (JPS) and force sense (FS) in elite gymnasts at different age groups, and the other was to compare the effect of external load on position sense. Material and Method: 38 healthy gymnast participated in the study. The maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) forces of the participants at 90-degree of hip angle were measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. The acuity of reaching the target of 50% MVIC for the force sense (FS) was assessed. Two AJPS test were conducted without load JPS and with load JPS. 50% of MVIC was applied as a load in with load JPS. In order to analyze obtained data set paired sample t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient was used. Results: Under load JPS error scores were statistically less than no-load. Significant correlation was found between age groups and FS error scores. Conclusions: According to these results, Under load JPS can be used in the evaluation of AJPS of healthy. In addition, it can be said that those at a higher age have a more improved FS.