Kinetic-functional profile of rhythmic gymnastics athletes

Rhythmic Gymnastics (GR) is a sport that requires athletes to be in good physical condition. However, physical training can promote balance and strength asymmetries among athletes. The objective of this work was to evaluate the balance of the upper and lower limbs and static strength of the lower limbs through the Upper Body Test, Lower Body Test and manual dynamometry in RG athletes during the pre-season. The study is characterized as descriptive with a cross-sectional quantitative approach, composed of 12 female rhythmic gymnastics athletes aged between seven and 17 years. The results of the study demonstrate that for the balance of the upper limbs, there was a significant difference between the left superomedial x right superomedial pattern (G1=101.60 & PLUSMN; 14.20, G2=95.18 & PLUSMN; 13.00; t(11) 2.551; p = 0.027; d =0.47), there was also a significant difference between the left inferolateral x infero- right side (G1= 98.82 & PLUSMN; 9.50, G2= 91.87 & PLUSMN; 8.06; t(11) 3.628; p = 0.004; d =0.79). Regarding the lower limbs, there was significant difference only when comparing the right posterolateral x left posterolateral pattern (G1=80.33 & PLUSMN; 5.06, G2=76.19 & PLUSMN; 8.14; t (11) -3.631; p = 0.004; d = 0.63). Regarding the strength of the lower limbs, there was a difference only between the hip extensors (G1=160.86 & PLUSMN; 42.33, G2=153.44 & PLUSMN; 37.71; t(11) 2.546; p= 0.027; d= 0.19). In conclusion, Rhythmic Gymnastics training promotes balance between limbs as well as deficits.