Date of Award

2014

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Kinesiology

Department

Kinesiology

First Advisor

Disa Hatfield

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of a ten week resistance training intervention on bone mineral density and performance measures in competitive female adolescent gymnasts. Previous research indicates resistance training improves performance and reduces injury risk. Resistance training as a mode to reduce injury risk may be of primary importance in sports with history of high injury rates but low participation in resistance training, such as gymnastics. Sixteen female adolescent gymnasts between the ages of 12-20 competing at Junior Olympic levels 7-10 were recruited. Participants were divided into resistance training (N = 10 age; 13.5±1.00 years, height; 155.19±8.38 cm, weight; 51.58±9.63 kg) or gymnastics training (N = 6 age; 15.25±2.25 years, height; 149.23±11.91 cm, weight; 46.52±10.22 kg) groups. The resistance training group participated in a high impact resistance training program twice a week on non-consecutive days for ten weeks while the gymnastics training group continued regular participation in gymnastics practice. Resistance training resulted in significant improvements in bone mineral density, power and jump height, as well as maximal strength (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Full body, high impact resistance training performed on non-consecutive days, following non-linear periodization for 1.5 to 2 hours per week for ten weeks is sufficient to obtain bone mineral density and performance improvements in competitive female adolescent gymnasts.

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