EFFECT OF GYMNASTIC TRAINING ON FLEXIBILITY AND STRENGTH OF COLLEGE ATHLETS

Abstract

Background: In collegiate athletic events, physical fitness especially the flexibility and muscular strength are essential to an athlete. Gymnastic training has become a holistic conditioning of the training which systematically combines various elements of fitness. But there is not much research on its efficacy in college athletes.

Purpose: This research examined the impact of a structured gymnastic training program on flexibility and muscular strength of college athletes. Methods: The experimental research design of one-group pre-test/ post-test was applied to 20 college athletes (16-20 years old) sampled by using purposive sampling. The Sit-and-Reach Test was used to measure Flexibility and the Push-Up Test was used to measure muscular strength. The subjects underwent a four-week program of gymnastic training which comprised of five sessions a week. A descriptive statistical analysis and paired sample t-tests were employed to analyze data.

Results: The mean flexibility score increased significantly from 21.10 cm (SD = 1.37) in the pre-test to 27.00 cm (SD = 1.37) in the post-test, representing a 27.96% improvement (t = 18.45, p < 0.05). Muscular strength improved significantly from 15.40 repetitions (SD = 0.99) to 22.40 repetitions (SD = 0.99), showing a 45.45% improvement (t = 21.32, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Flexibility and muscular strength in college athletes are significantly enhanced by the trainings in gymnastic activities. The results favor the incorporation of exercise using gymnastics in athletic conditioning programs. Gymnastic training should be regarded by sports coaches and physical educators as an effective and affordable way of full-fledged physical fitness development in a collegiate athletic environment.