Impact of gymnastics program on health-related fitness in adolescent pupils

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of gymnastics program in school on health related fitness in adolescent pupils. The study involved 58 adolescent pupils (14.82±0.44 years) attending the first grade at high school involved in a 12 week of gymnastics classes. The variables were selected within the battery of tests Eurofit, measuring abdominal strength, flexibility, aerobic fitness and upper and lower body strength, speed and agility. The results showed average initial level and later dynamic increase in the physical fitness of the participants. Pre-test to post-test values showed significant improvements in all tested variables (p<0.05), except for the 4x10m test. Therefore, participation in gymnastics must be recommended as a positive foundational activity for school-aged children, from early childhood to adulthood. Additionally, the results can provide useful information in optimizing the training loads of pupils involved in gymnastic training throughout Physical Education classes.