Effectiveness of the conjugate influence method in improving static and dynamic balance in rhythmic gymnastics gymnasts

Abstract

The object of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the conjugate influence method in developing specific static and dynamic balance skills in rhythmic gymnastics (RG) gymnasts in the juvenile and adult categories in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. Sixty female gymnasts in the juvenile and adult categories were selected. The gymnasts were divided at random into an experimental group (training by the conjugate influence method) and a control group (normal training). A pre-test was performed on both groups at the start of the experiment and a post-test after four months. Four tests were applied to assess the gymnasts' balance: Balance test in the high leg backward with hand support position; Balance test in the arabesque position; Balance test in the heel stretch position; Movement from the arabesque to the passé position. Both groups presented improvements in static and dynamic balance, however the gymnasts in the experimental group presented significantly higher mean scores in all the tests than those in the control group. The conjugate influence method developed better control of postural responses by RG gymnasts, resulting in better balance during the execution of static positions and better dynamic balance during the transition from one position to another.