Contributions to the Development of Movement Coordination of the Gymnasts by Using Steps from Rhythmic Gymnastics

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to develop movement coordination for gymnasts of 8-9 years by using variations of steps from rhythmic gymnastics in their training. For this study we used the following methods: literature review, observation, testing, statistical and mathematical methods of data processing and interpretation. After studying the coordination tests from the specialized literature, we chose the following to test the coordination: the balance test on an average height beam – artistic movements executed against time by respecting the range of the motion; the test of movement coordination - motor memory – the gymnasts had to perform certain movements. The experimental study was conducted from the 1st of September 2012 to the 31st of March 2013, on a group of seven gymnasts aged 8-9 years from CSS Gymnastics Focşani. During the study we used a certain training program, which included a series of steps from rhythmic gymnastics. The steps were executed with musical accompaniment, together with other simple movements of the upper body, on the beam, and on the form of combinations. Gymnasts have conducted this program three times a week, during their training lessons.