BALANCE IN YOUNG GYMNASTS: AGE-GROUP DIFFERENCES

The aim of this study was to investigate difference in balance test scores and success on the balance beam of young gymnasts, international level of competition. Forty eight young gymnasts divided into two age groups participated in the study (Group 1: n=22, age 9.0 ± 1.1 years, 136.0 ± 7.6 cm, 30.8 ± 4.3 kg; Group 2: n=26, 12.1 ± 0.6 years, 146.0 ± 7.0 cm, 36.9 ± 6.6 kg;). To assess static balance, participants performed 3 stance variations (double leg, single leg, and tandem leg) on stiff surfaces and 3 specific static-balance tests consist of gymnastics elements on the balance beam (Scale, handstand and side handstand). For assessment of dynamic balance, participants performed multidirectional maximal single-leg reaches from a unilateral base of support (Y - balance test) and 3 specific dynamic-balance tests consisted of two connected gymnastics elements (Turns for 360°, jumps with 180º  and cartwheels). In the static balance test there is a significant difference only in one-leg stance (SRJN, .021) and specific static balance test SSSU (.000). In the dynamic balance tests, there was a significant difference in performing SD2Z test between the two groups (p=.043). These results suggests that the older gymnasts had better results in demanding tests such as one-leg stance, handstand and cartwheels on the balance beam. To achieve top results in the Women's Artistic gymnastics it is necessary to achieve good results on the balance beam and monitoring of balance ability for future success

Differences between Healthy-Weight and Overweight Serbian Preschool Children in Motor and Cognitive Abilities

The aim of this study was to determine the differences between healthy-weight and overweight 5–6-year-old preschool children in fine and gross motor skills and cognitive abilities. There were 91 subjects, preschool children (41 boys and 50 girls), who participated in this cross-sectional study. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated based on measures of body height and body mass, and WHO cutoff points were used for the assessment of the children’s nutrition status. Fine motor abilities were determined using two Bruininks–Oseretsky (BOT-2) subtests, and gross motor skills are determined by the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2), while cognitive abilities were tested by the School Maturity Test (TZŠ+). Based on an independent-samples t-test, a difference in two out of three variables of gross motor skills was determined: manipulative skills and total gross motor skills between healthy-weight and overweight children, while in fine motor abilities and cognitive abilities there was no difference between these two groups. Although significant differences were found only in gross motor skills between healthy and overweight preschool children but not in fine motor skills and cognitive abilities, further longitudinal studies are required to understand the mechanisms of this, including the possible role of psychological factors