Proprioception and Resistance Band Training on Injury Prevention in Gymnasts

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine effects of proprioception and resistance band training on inferior extremity joint kinesthesia, postural sway, and initial injury occurrence in gymnasts.

Methods

Ninety two female gymnasts (13-21 yrs), who trained 30-35 hrs/wk, were randomly selected from nationally recognized gymnastics centers. An injury survey was administered and joint ROM, kinesthesia and postural sway were measured before and after conditioning. Subjects were assigned to: (1) combination, (2) resistance band, (3) proprioception, and (4) control groups. Gymnasts engaged in conditioning 3 times per week for 10 weeks, beginning four weeks prior to and during the early part of the competitive season. Data were analyzed using a repeated measures ANOVA. Scheffe' post hoc tests and correlation were used to analyze differences and examine relationships when significance was found.

Analysis/Results

Gymnasts who participated in proprioception and/or resistance band conditioning sustained significantly fewer leg injuries of lesser severity (p<.001) and when injured, returned to functional performance levels sooner than controls. Postural sway decreased and joint kinesthesia improved (p<.001) in the combination and proprioception groups. When proprioception groups and resistance band group were compared, trends for improved kinesthesia, decreased postural sway and decreased injury occurrence were observed. Correlation showed relationships among joint kinesthesia, postural sway and decreased injury occurrence.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that there is a relationship among increased joint kinesthesia, decreased postural sway, initial injury occurrence, proprioception and/or resistance band conditioning. It is hypothesized that 1) proprioception and resistance band conditioning produce joints that are more proficient at abnormal joint position identification and correction, resulting in fewer injuries and 2) resistance band conditioning is more beneficial than traditional strength training. These results suggest that a combination of proprioception and resistance band conditioning be included in training regimens of female gymnasts. Further study is recommended.