Comparison of the effects of different dynamic stretching techniques on performance-related physical fitness parameters in child gymnasts

Comparison of the Effects of Different Dynamic Stretching Techniques on Performance-Related Physical Fitness Parameters in Child Gymnasts Aim: To compare the effects of different dynamic stretching techniques applied to child gymnasts on performance-related physical fitness parameters. Material and Method: 7-12 year olds were assigned to dynamic, ballistic, active isolated stretching, and control groups. Subjects were assessed by seven parameters-Flexibility (sit-and-reach), Speed (20m Sprint), Power (Vertical Jump - Medicine Ball Throw), Agility (Pro-Agility), Balance (Performanz® Balance system), Reaction Time (Performanz Spark®), and Coordination (hand/foot ball placement, wall ball throw, slalom)-both pre- and post-an 8-week, 3-day-per-week training intervention. Results: Flexibility significantly improved for ballistic and active isolated stretching (p<0.05). Speed improved in control (p=0.041). Post-training, control was significantly faster than ballistic (p=0.008). In vertical jump, ballistic improved; in medicine ball throw, dynamic and ballistic groups improved (p<0.05). Ballistic and active isolated stretching were significantly more agile than control post-training (p<0.05). In balance, control improved center of pressure density; active isolated and control improved center of pressure amplitude (p<0.05). Slalom improved for all groups; stretching groups were faster than control (p<0.05). Hand ball transfer improved with dynamic stretching; foot ball transfer improved with active isolated stretching (p<0.05). Reaction time improved in dynamic and active isolated stretching (p<0.05). Conclusion: Active isolated stretching showed clearer effects on agility, balance, coordination, and reaction time; dynamic stretching on coordination and reaction time; and ballistic stretching on power and flexibility. Keywords: Active isolated stretching, Ballistic stretching, Dynamic stretching, Gymnastics, Physical fitness.