Utjecaj treninga osnovnih elemenata ritmičke gimnastike na neke motoričke sposobnosti djevojčica u dobi od 8-9 godina

The paper analyses the influence of a rhythmic gymnastics (RG) programmed training on the motor abilities in 36 girls, 8-9 years of age. Since the RG-specific motion structures are based on jumps/leaps, turns/pivots, balances and flexibilities, the battery of measurement instruments was composed of 13 variables assessing explosive power, coordination, balance and flexibility.Between two measurement points the examinees participated in the nine- month training programme consisiting of the RG fundamentals. Statistical significance of differences between the initial and the final motor status was tested by t-test, and significant changes occurred in7 motor tests. The largest positive changes were registered in all the tests assessing flexibility of the entire body, then in one test of leg explosive power and in two tests of coordination, in descending order.The balance tests displayed insufficient reliability. The findings indicated that the initial motor status of the examinees was comparable to the status of a normal peer population, except for the better flexibility of the observed sample. The applied training programme, consisting of the RG specific contents, failed in complying with expecatations. The motor complexity of the sport may be a limiting factor of early selecttion girls 8-9 years of age.