Stress in Rhythmic Gymnasts
Understanding Stress in Young Rhythmic Gymnasts: Insights from the ACSM Annual Meeting
As parents, we want the best for our children, especially when they dedicate themselves to a demanding sport like gymnastics. At the Kensington & Chelsea Gymnastics Academy, we prioritise not only physical development but also the well-being of our gymnasts. That’s why I, Dr Stefan Kolimechkov, founder of the Academy, along with researchers from the National Sports Academy in Bulgaria, recently conducted a study on stress in young rhythmic gymnasts, the findings of which I had the privilege to present at the 68th Annual Meeting of the prestigious American College of Sports Medicine, 12th World Congress on Exercise is Medicine®, and World Congress on the Basic Science of Exercise in Regenerative Medicine.
The ACSM Annual Meeting is the largest sports science conference in the world, bringing together thousands of experts. It was an honour to share our research online with this esteemed audience in 2021. Our study focused on pre-competitive stress, a common challenge for young athletes.
What did our study involve?
We examined 10 rhythmic gymnasts (aged 14-16) leading up to the Bulgarian Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships. We measured their stress levels using non-invasive methods, including saliva samples to analyze specific stress biomarkers (salivary alpha-amylase, protein, and potassium) and anxiety questionnaires. We collected samples at three different times:
- Nine days before the competition (baseline)
- Five days before the competition (before a training session)
- Just before the competition
What did we find?
Our research revealed some interesting insights:
Anxiety: As expected, anxiety levels were significantly higher just before the training session and right before the competition compared to the baseline. This highlights the increasing pressure as competition nears.
Salivary Alpha-Amylase (sAA): This enzyme, a known marker of stress, also increased significantly before the training session and the competition, mirroring the anxiety results.
Potassium: Salivary potassium levels were significantly elevated right before the competition compared to the baseline, indicating a physiological response to stress.
Protein: While salivary protein levels showed an increasing trend, the changes were not statistically significant.
Why are these findings important?
Our study demonstrates that measuring sAA and potassium in saliva can be valuable, non-invasive tools for assessing stress in young gymnasts. These biomarkers, combined with psychological assessments, can provide a more comprehensive picture of an athlete’s stress levels. This information can be crucial for coaches and parents to:
Recognise stress: Identifying stress early allows for timely interventions and support.
Tailor training: Understanding individual stress responses can help personalise training programms to minimise excessive stress.
Promote well-being: By acknowledging and addressing stress, we can create a healthier and more supportive environment for young athletes.
Join a Community of Health-Conscious Parents
Share this post with other parents who might be interested in stress in sport. Together, let’s inspire a generation of fit and healthy kids! Remember, if you have any questions or need further assistance, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Let’s make fitness a fun and rewarding experience for your child!
What’s next?
Our presentation at the ACSM was just the first step. We are continuing to analyse our findings, and a full article will be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. This will allow us to share our insights with the wider sports community and contribute to a better understanding of stress management in young athletes.
At the Kensington & Chelsea Gymnastics Academy, we are committed to using the latest scientific knowledge to enhance our training methods and support the overall well-being of our gymnasts. We believe that by understanding and addressing stress, we can empower our athletes to reach their full potential, both on and off the mat.
Find Out More
The abstract was published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, Volume 53:5 Supplement, and together with our presentation are both available for download on this page. After the conference, our study will be built upon further and the complete findings will be published in an international peer-reviewed journal.
How to cite this study:
After the 68th ACSM Annual Meeting, our study will be built upon further and the complete findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal, so you can cite the article as follows: coming soon in 2025
0 Comments