Postural trials in Rhythmic Gymnastics: a new approach revealed expertise in a simple postural trials

The aim of this paper was to investigate if expertise in rhythmic gymnastics influences postural performance even in an easy non-specific task such as bipedal posture, using a new elaboration approach, called Asma (Angular smoothing areas).A group of high level rhythmic gymnasts and a group of university students, trained in other sports, in the bipedal posture under eyes open and closed conditions, were compared. Anthropometric variables are not significantly different between groups. A force platform was used to record body sway. Asma is a closed polygon associated to sway. Comparing the two groups, it was found that gymnasts had better strategies than other sport athletes in major, minor, and mean distances, under both visual conditions. The best result is under eyes closed conditions in major and mean distances. Data showed elite rhythmic gymnasts had special strategies in postural trials These founded were not yet registered in previous studies concerning elite athletes in other sports.