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Despite information from world media, worldwide interest in artistic gymnastics has never been assessed. Memberships, equipment and apparel purchases, subscriptions, and other data have been used as indirect substitutes for gauging interest and participation in gymnastics. A readily available tool for assessing gymnastics interest could be of use in uncovering myriad trends. Aim of Study: This study sought to use a relatively new internet search tool called Google TrendsTM (GT) to assess gymnastics interest by records of search terms used in GoogleTM. Methods: GoogleTM searches involve the use of search terms that are recorded and then accessible by GT. As GoogleTM searches provide access to topics of interest nearly anywhere in the world, by anyone with internet access, then using Google TrendsTM, then GT could be used to harvest the number and types of searches involving the search-terms “men’s gymnastics” and “women’s gymnastics.” The tally of the search terms was obtained using filters such as country, region, and others. GT reports the search-term trends by calculating a relative percentage based on a sample of the largest number of specific search-term use during a particular time. Although the relative percentage approach is somewhat awkward, processing large amounts of data may be considered valuable and otherwise unattainable. Results and Conclusions: Results should be interpreted cautiously. However, the analysis revealed a litany of important trends in the worldwide interest in gymnastics.

The purpose of this study was to examine Self-Perceptions and Self-Esteem in adolescent rhythmic gymnasts of different training levels. One hundred female rhythmic gymnasts (32 competitive and 68 recreational level gymnasts), aged 13-15 years, participated in this study. Participants’ Self-Perception and Self-esteem were evaluated through the Greek version of Harter’s Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents (Harter, 1986;2012; Makri-Mpotsari, 2001) which measures nine specific domains of self-perception (Scholastic Competence, Relations with Peers, Relations with Parents, Mathematics Competence, Athletic Competence, Physical Appearance, Language Competence, Behavioral Conduct, Close Friends) consisting of 5-items each. The inventory also includes a ten-item Global Self-Worth scale that measures Self-Esteem. In addition, gymnasts provided information on their training. Competitive level gymnasts scored higher than recreational in the domain of Relations with Parents (p=0.027, d=0.50) and in Global Self-Worth (p=0.046, d=0.45). No differences were found between groups in other self-perception domains (p=0.068 to 0.611, d=0.41 to 0.10). Engaging in competitive sport may enhance adolescent athletes’ Self-Esteem and it is likely that this engagement strengthens the relations of the gymnasts with their parents. Further research is required on the association between training level and Self-Perception domains, and in particular in the case of adolescent female athletes.

Trampoline use has skyrocketed in recent years in a variety of recreational contexts and among athletes in sports ranging from gymnastics and diving to skiing and snowboarding. The purpose of this study was to examine the bounce characteristics elicited by athletes bouncing on three types of trampolines. Tumbl Trak, Standard, and Super Tramp trampolines were assessed by 10 experienced trampoline and acrobatic athletes (5 males, 5 females). A triaxial accelerometer (250 Hz) characterized the 10 highest controlled bounces on each trampoline and each athlete. Repeated measures ANOVAs showed statistical differences in bounce characteristics: time from bounce start to peak acceleration (p

U.S.A.’s Women’s Gymnastics team has performed exceptionally at the Olympic Games and World Championships in recent years. One of the aspects of performance thought to be important in team events is the prior experience of the athletes. Prior experience can be measured by an athlete’s total number of world level competitions and career durations prior to a given competition. Olympic and World Championship team rosters and team ranks were examined from 1936 to 2016. The number of competitions per athlete and ranks of the teams were tallied and analyzed over the entire period. There were 193 individual athletes and 43 competitions. Athlete career durations were determined by calculation of years between competitions in which the athlete participated. Time-series regression analyses showed no relation between career durations and time while there was a statistically significant trend of team rank reduction (better team finishes) over time. After dividing the study period into two-time segments, there were no statistical differences between early and late periods in career durations, while there were statistical differences in team ranks over the same durations. Olympic Games and World Championships were separated and again there was no statistical difference between the two competition levels on career durations nor did the ranks of the two periods show statistical differences. There did not appear to be a relationship between career durations and team performance ranks.