The role of practice length in the maintenance of power production in collegiate gymnasts

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to observe the effect the length of practice had on power production. Twelve Division III collegiate women gymnasts volunteered for this investigation. During each testing session, gymnasts performed three different power tests: a four consecutive jump test ( 4JT), a loaded squat jump (SJ), and a loaded shoulder throw (TH). Fatigue conditions were measured by the length of practice session performed prior to power testing: following a warm-up (PRE), following half of a practice (PostHalf), and after a full practice (PostFull). In the SJ, peak power (PP) increased following the Half practice, which lead to a significant difference in SJ PP between the Half and Full workout. Peak force (PF) decreased in the TH following the Half practice. The changes in ground contact time (GCT) lead to a significant difference between the Half and Full practice. Motivation, Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), phase of menstrual cycle, and sleep were all found to have no significant correlations with the results. Overall, power training following similar amounts of practice may not hamper trained gymnasts, and strength coaches may want to consider doing power training after a light practice.