ENHANCING ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE THROUGH VESTIBULAR TRAINING IN YOUNG GYMNASTS AND SWIMMERS

Keywords: training process, performance, vestibular training, gymnastics, swimming

Abstract

Aim. This paper aims to enhance athletic performance through vestibular training in young gymnasts and swimmers. Materials and methods. This study was conducted at the clinical base of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, South Ural State Medical University (Chelyabinsk), from September 2023 to May 2024. The sample involved 37 gymnasts (Group 1) and 32 swimmers (Group 2), ages 10–14. Each group was further divided into a control group or an intervention group receiving vestibular training. Vestibular assessments were performed pre- and post-intervention. Results. Changes in center of pressure (CoP) values in the sagittal and frontal planes with eyes open (3.72 mm and 3.45 mm, respectively) and with eyes closed (4.53 mm and 4.68 mm, respectively) contributed to the development of vestibular training protocols. Our findings demonstrate significant reductions in ellipse area indicators: gymnasts showed a 36.8% decrease with eyes closed, while swimmers exhibited decreases of 33.5% (eyes closed) and 34.8% (eyes open). Oscillation reductions were observed in both groups, with swimmers experiencing a 28.7% decrease and gymnasts showing a 24.1% reduction. Conclusion. Our vestibular training protocol appears to enhance athletic performance in swimmers and gymnasts.

Author Biographies

M. Korkmazov , South Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk, Russia; Saint Petersburg Research Institute of Ear, Throat, Nose and Speech, Saint Petersburg, Russia

Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, South Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk, Russia; Chief Researcher, Research Department of Pathology of the Outer, Middle and Inner Ear, St. Petersburg Research Institute of Ear, Throat, Nose and Speech, St. Petersburg, Russia.

M. Lengina , South Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk, Russia

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, South Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk, Russia.

A. Korkmazov , South Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk, Russia

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, South Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk, Russia.

V. Dundik , South Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk, Russia

Postgraduate Student, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, South Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk, Russia.

Y. Yusov , South Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk, Russia

Postgraduate Student, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, South Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk, Russia.

References

References on translit

Published
2025-01-21
How to Cite
Korkmazov, M., Lengina, M., Korkmazov, A., Dundik, V., & Yusov, Y. (2025). ENHANCING ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE THROUGH VESTIBULAR TRAINING IN YOUNG GYMNASTS AND SWIMMERS. Human. Sport. Medicine, 24(4), 7-18. https://doi.org/10.14529/hsm240401
Section
Physiology