Investigation of the effects of strength training on performance parameters in 8-10 years old gymnast children

The aim of this study; It was conducted to examine the effects of strength training on performance parameters in 8-10 year old gymnast children. 21 athletes, 11 experimental and 10 control, between the ages of 8-10, doing gymnastics in Hatay province, were included in the study. While the control group had gymnastics training 3 days a week, the experimental group had strength training with resistance bands once a week in addition to gymnastics training 3 days a week. Anthropometric measurements, balance, jump height, flexibility, speed, back strength, leg strength, hanging time with bent arm, forward medicine ball throwing, long jump and hand grip strength were measured on the research group. The differences between pre and post test measurements were evaluated by using mixed design (2 x 2) repeated measure Anova. When the F value is found to be significant, SPPS code was written to determine the origin of the difference. As a result of the statistical analysis, there was significant differences between pre and post test measurements of experimental group in terms of total skinfold thickness, body fat percentage, bent arm hanging time, speed, bridge, forward ball throw, long jump, leg strength and back strength (p<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference between pre and post test measurement in terms of body weight, height, hand grip strength, squat jump, counter movement jump and balance parameters (p>0.05). As a result, it can be suggested that gymnastics trainers should include resistance band training in their programs, since resistance band training contributes positively to the physical and motoric properties of children, is easy to use and has a low risk of injury. Key words: Artistic Gymnastics, Strength in Children, Resistance Band Training