RIAF Journal ISSN: 2953-6693 Vol – 4 No. 2, July 2026
182
Articles
Malla García Jandry Fabián
Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Ecuador
jmalla5644@utm.edu.ec
ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9445-5884
Vásquez Solórzano Richard Wilmer
Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Ecuador
richard.vasquez@utm.edu.ec
ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6790-431X
Abstract: The study evaluated a 16-week strength
training program involving five male gymnasts
aged 8 to 10, using tests from the FIG program.
Although no statistically significant differences
were found between pre- and post-intervention
measurements, functional improvements were
observed in pushing strength, stability, and
technical efficiency—improvements primarily
attributed to neuromuscular adaptations
characteristic of the prepubertal stage. Two
athletes achieved levels of excellence according to
FIG standards, and coaches highlighted the
importance of strength training at an early age. The
study concludes that the program was safe and
effective for strengthening physical and technical
foundations; recommendations include expanding
the sample size, incorporating a control group, and
adjusting the training load to the specific demands
of artistic gymnastics.
Keywords: Speed training; artistic gymnastics;
children's training; neuromuscular development;
physical performance.
Training program for improving strength in 8 to 10-year-old gymnasts
Malla García Jandry Fabián
1
& Vásquez Solórzano Richard Wilmer
2
RIAF. International Journal of Physical Activity
Universidad de Guayaquil, Ecuador
Frequency: Semi-annual
Vol. 4, N°. 2, 2026
revista.riaf@ug.edu.ec
Received: June 9th, 2026
Approved: July 10th, 2026
Published: July 25
th
, 2026
URL: https://revistas.ug.edu.ec/index.php/riaf
DOI: https://doi.org/10.53591/riaf.v4i2.3455
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RIAF Journal ISSN: 2953-6693 Vol – 4 No. 2, July 2026
183
Introduction
Artistic Gymnastics is a sport that requires a
combination of strength, flexibility, coordination,
and precision. In artistic gymnastics, it is key for
gymnasts to develop their physical capacities in a
balanced manner (Chingal, 2024). Strength and
flexibility are the foundation, but it is also
important to work on speed and endurance, as
the latter allows them to face training sessions
with more demanding loads. When a gymnast
manages to improve these qualities jointly, they
have a much greater chance of executing their
movements with higher quality and safety. In
other words, the stronger, faster, and more
flexible they are, the easier it will be for them to
master technique and perform confidently in each
element (Pazmiño, 2025).
According to Ramírez and Santiago (2021),
strength training, without underestimating other
capacities, enables the integral development of
their preparation level, subsequently achieving
effectiveness in the execution and mastery of
technical elements that underpin high-level
results.
In this context, the development of speed
strength is fundamental for the execution of
explosive and precise movements. Artistic
Gymnastics (AG) is composed of multiple
elements regulated by the International Scoring
Code established by the Federation
Internationale de Gymnastique, FIG (2025). This
code indicates that for the female branch, there
are 4 apparatuses (vault, uneven bars, balance
beam, and floor exercise) (de la Rosa et al., 2023),
while for the male branch, there are 6 (floor
exercise, pommel horse, still rings, vault, parallel
bars, and horizontal bar). However, training in
children presents unique challenges due to
differences in physical and psychological
development compared to adults (Rebuffo &
Peña, 2023).
AG is classified as a technical sport, as the
virtuosic execution of technical elements in a
unique routine determines sports results
(Pochino, 2017). In agreement, it is associated
with modalities that demand high aesthetic and
expressive requirements. Its learning and
refinement emphasize the optimization of
technique, which is evaluated under
biomechanical efficacy criteria, centered on the
"execution" phase of the motor action.
Consequently, judges, within the dynamics of
competition, issue a judgment on the maximum
degree of perfection or refinement of the actions
(Prassas et al., 2006).
This sport requires gymnasts to develop these
capacities from an early age. Among these
components, speed strength, also known as
power, is crucial for the execution of numerous
elements. This research examines the
development of strength in 8 to 10-year-old
gymnasts in artistic gymnastics within the
Federación Deportiva de Manabí, Ecuador,
drawing on research at the global, Latin
American, and national levels.
According to Echevarría (2022), controlling
physical capacities is fundamental for achieving
objectives. She states that "measuring flexibility
constitutes a key piece in the learning of
techniques" (p.133).
Lloyd et al. (2014) and Echeverry-Botero et
al. (2020, cited in Pérez, 2023) mention that:
Strength training at an early age is highly
recommended as it strengthens different
neuromuscular processes, provided it is
supervised and designed by qualified individuals,
and this is where the importance of knowing the
current state of the athletes comes in, thus
allowing for good planning by sports coaches in
the field. (...) The evaluation of strength
endurance at an early age contributes notably to
gymnastics, as it can serve for correct training
planning, which can enable gymnasts to enhance
their capacities at more advanced ages.
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It is suggested that strength training should be
adapted to the age and physical condition of
children, avoiding the same methods used for
adults. According to Pérez (2022), there are
different types of strength: Explosive Strength:
Refers to the ability of a muscle group to develop
maximum tension in the shortest possible time. It
is fundamental in activities requiring rapid and
powerful movements. Types of Strength:
According to López and López (2008, cited in
Pérez, 2022), different types of strength are
defined, including: Maximum strength: Maximum
tension a person can develop. Strength
endurance: The ability to maintain tension over a
prolonged period. Construction or functional
strength: General strength aimed at the
harmonious and balanced development of all
muscle groups in the organism. Specific strength:
Exercises that increase strength under the specific
conditions of a sports discipline.
The capacity to produce the greatest amount
of force in the shortest possible time is known as
speed strength (Badillo & Ayestarán, 2002). In
artistic gymnastics, this ability is fundamental for
performing jumps, rotations, and other explosive
movements that require a significant amount of
muscular strength, also considering the stature,
weight, somatotype, and body composition of the
gymnasts (Amigó et al., 2009). Speed strength is
an important component in the physical
development of athletes, especially in the context
of physical education and gymnastics. Although
not detailed extensively in the provided
fragments, it can be inferred that speed strength
relates to the ability to perform explosive and
high-intensity movements in a short period
(Ligña, 2023).
In a study conducted by Granacher (2011), the
impact of a speed strength training program on
children aged 6 to 10 years was evaluated.
The results demonstrated significant
improvements in jump power and running speed,
indicating that speed strength can be effectively
developed at an early age. This study underscores
the importance of specific and well-structured
training from an early age to maximize speed
strength development. In Latin America, a study
conducted in Brazil by Almeida (2013)
investigated the effects of a plyometric training
program on child gymnasts aged 7 to 11. The
results showed significant improvements in jump
height and execution speed of gymnastics-
specific movements, confirming the efficacy of
plyometric training in developing speed strength
in children.
Furthermore, it is highlighted that parkour can
be used as an educational resource to develop
explosive strength in youths aged 11 to 15,
suggesting that speed strength is fundamental for
improving performance in physical and sports
activities. According to Ligña (2023), speed
strength is essential for performing movements
such as transitions on the bars, floor exercises,
and vault in AG. The ability to advance in
technique and routine execution is more evident
in children who develop this capacity from an
early age.
In Ecuador, Saldarriaga and Solórzano (2024)
indicate that AG characterizes its activity by
demonstrating a high level of response to actions
of strength, speed, endurance, and flexibility. The
latter being the first to be lost, attributed to bone
maturity and muscle and ligament stiffness
resulting from physical load. Therefore, it is
important to work on and control flexibility
frequently and in detail. To develop strength in
child gymnasts, it is crucial to implement training
programs that include plyometric exercises,
resistance training, and activities that foster speed
and explosiveness (Acosta & Alfonzo-Marín,
2024). These programs must be designed and
supervised by specialized coaches to guarantee the
safety and effectiveness of the training.
RIAF Journal ISSN: 2953-6693 Vol – 4 No. 2, July 2026
185
The present research was grounded in the
hypothesis that the application of a 16-week
strength training program would produce positive
effects on the strength development of male
gymnasts aged 8 to 10 years, according to the
standardized tests of the International
Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Age Group
Program. It was assumed that systematic
exposure to strength stimuli, adapted to the
prepubertal stage, would promote improvements
in physical performance levels, particularly in the
manifestations of pushing strength, pulling
strength, and trunk stability. Conversely, the null
hypothesis established that the program would
not produce significant differences between pre-
test and post-test measurements, implying that
observed variations could be attributed to natural
development, individual variability, or factors
external to the training. Furthermore, it was
considered that the program's effects could be
expressed differentially depending on the type of
strength evaluated, anticipating that the greatest
increases would be observed in tests most aligned
with the movement pattern worked during the
intervention, such as dipping on parallel bars or
leg raises on a wall bar.
In coherence with the stated hypothesis, the
general objective of this study was to analyze the
effects of a 16-week strength training program on
physical performance in male gymnasts aged 8 to
10 years, assessing modifications in their strength
levels through the FIG Age Group Program tests.
This purpose sought to establish an empirical
basis to understand how systematized strength
stimuli, applied at prepubertal ages, contribute to
the physical and neuromuscular development of
developing athletes in male artistic gymnastics.
Complementarily, specific objectives were
established to operationalize this general purpose,
including the evaluation of changes in general
strength before and after the program, in order to
identify the magnitude and direction of variations
in the main manifestations of strength required in
the discipline. Likewise, it was proposed to
analyze the behavior of pushing strength, pulling
strength, and trunk stabilization based on the
specific tests of rope climb, dipping on parallel
bars, and leg raises on wall bars, respectively, and
determine if these improvements reached
statistical significance. Finally, it sought to
interpret the results in terms of the biological and
neuromotor development characteristic of 8 to
10-year-old children, considering the so-called
sensitive periods of training, in which the
adaptive response depends largely on the
maturation of the central nervous system and
intermuscular coordination rather than muscle
hypertrophy.
Materials and Method
A pre-experimental pretest-posttest design
with a single group was employed, aimed at
evaluating the effects of a 16-week strength
training program on the physical performance of
male gymnasts aged 8 to 10 years.
The sample consisted of five gymnasts (age =
9.3 ± 0.7 years) belonging to the children's
category of male artistic gymnastics and 14 male
artistic gymnastics coaches at the national level.
Participants were intentionally selected according
to the following inclusion criteria:
Athletes (children's category) within the sports
specialization process focused on high
competitive performance of the “Federación
Deportiva de Manabí” (Manabi Sports
Federation) systematic practice, absence of
injuries, and regular attendance at 90% of
sessions. All guardians signed informed consent,
and the athletes gave their voluntary assent, in
accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki (2013).
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186
The training program lasted 16 weeks, with
three weekly sessions of 60 minutes each.
The dependent variables corresponded to
physical performance measured using tests from
the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG)
Age Group Program:
• Rope Climb (pulling strength).
• 20 m Run (anaerobic power).
• Leg Raises on Wall Bars (abdominal strength).
• Support on Brachial Parallel Bars/Rings SP
(suspension strength).
• Dipping on Parallel Bars (pushing strength).
• The independent variable was the strength
training program.
The FIG tests were applied before (week 0)
and after (week 16) the intervention, under
standardized conditions and supervision by a
certified coach. Results were recorded
individually and coded in spreadsheets for
statistical analysis.
Descriptive statistics (mean, standard
deviation, and average difference) and inferential
statistics using Student's t-test for related samples
were employed, with a significance level of α =
0.05. Processing was performed using SPSS v26.0
software. Assumptions of normality and
homogeneity of variance were verified.
Table 1 establishes a scale corresponding to
the ranges of repetitions by age in the FIG tests.
Table 1.
FIG Physical Tests Scale
Test/Points
Deficient
1-2 pts
Regular 3-4
pts
Good 5-6
pts
Very Good
7-8 pts
Excellent 9-
10 pts
Rope Climb (5 m)
25-50 s
20-22 s
16-18 s
8-14 s
0-5 s
Handstand Push-up on
Parallel Bars
1-2 reps
3-4 reps
5-6 reps
7-8 reps
9-10 reps
Leg Raises in Suspension
5-6 reps
7-8 reps
9-10 reps
11-12 reps
13-14 reps
Pull to Support (Hercules)
1-3 reps
5-7 reps
9-11 reps
13-15 reps
17-19 reps
Dips on Parallel Bars
5-10 reps
15-20 reps
25-30 reps
35-40 reps
45-50 reps
The operationalization of the dependent
variable "strength development" according to the
scales of the FIG Age Group Program (8–10
years) summarizes the tests used, the indicators
measured, the recording units, and the
standardized scoring criteria on a scale of 1 to 10
points, guaranteeing the objectivity and
comparability of pre-and-post test results.
This matrix allows for the direct linkage of
each dimension of strength with its technical and
quantitative evaluation, ensuring the validity of
the analysis of the applied training program.
Below, Table 2 shows the BMI of the
children/athletes.
Table 2.
Control of height, weight, and BMI
Athlete
height (m)
weight (kg)
BMI
Classification
Athlete 1
1.35
29.0
15.9
Normal
Athlete 2
1.37
30.0
16.0
Normal
Athlete 3
1.24
24.5
15.9
Normal
Athlete 4
1.31
26.0
15.2
Normal
Athlete 5
1.45
35.5
16.9
Normal
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187
Individual values of height, weight, and body
mass index (BMI) corresponding to the five
evaluated athletes are shown. The results allow
identification of a height range between 1.24 m
and 1.45 m and a weight between 24.5 kg and 35.5
kg, with BMI values ranging from 15.2 to 16.9, all
within the "normal" range established by the
WHO (14.0-18.0) for the child population aged 8
to 10.
The consistency in BMI values reflects a
balanced anthropometric development, without
the presence of cases of malnutrition or
overweight.
In terms of variability, the observed differences
in height and weight are typical of individual
growth, with no evidence of atypical dispersion.
Overall, the data suggest that the group presents
an adequate nutritional and morphological status,
compatible with healthy physical development
favorable for the systematic practice of sports
activities.
Table 3 shows the averages for height, weight,
and BMI.
Table 3.
Group averages for height, weight, and BMI (n = 5)
Variable
Mean
Standard Deviation
Minimum
Maximum
Size (m)
1.34
0.08
1.24
1.45
Weight (kg)
29.0
4.0
24.5
35.5
BMI
16.0
0.6
15.2
16.9
The anthropometric control results show a
child population with growth parameters within
the expected ranges according to WHO standards
(2007). The average height (1.34 m), weight (29.0
kg), and BMI (16.0) indicate a normal and
balanced nutritional condition, consistent with
the physical development corresponding to the 8
to 10-year age group.
The low dispersion of the data (standard
deviation: 0.6 for BMI) suggests morphological
homogeneity in the group, reflecting an adequate
general health status and proportional growth
between body mass and stature. The absence of
cases with values outside the normal range (BMI
<14.0 or >18.0) reinforces the interpretation that
the evaluated sample presents an optimal
nutritional status, with no signs of malnutrition or
overweight.
Table 4.
Ranking by athlete by total points (PRE vs POST)
Athlete
Total, Pre
Total, Post
Total %
Improvement
Ranking
Athlete
athlete_4
15
26
+11
73.33
1
athlete_2
13
17
+4
30.77
2
athlete_5
7
8
+1
14.29
3
athlete_3
27
30
+3
11.11
4
athlete_1
14
14
0
0.00
5
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188
Table 5.
Comparison of means (achievements) Paired Student's t-test (PRE-POST)
Test
n
Mean ± SD
(Pre)
Mean ± SD (Post)
t
p
Leg Raises in Suspension
5
7.00 ± 4.11
7.20 ± 4.89
-0.34(4)
0.74
Dips on Parallel Bars
5
9.40 ± 7.82
10.80 ± 8.18
-1.26(4)
0.23
Pull to Support (Hércules)
5
4.30 ± 1.25
4.30 ± 1.16
0.00(4)
1.00
Handstand Push-up on Parallel
Bars
5
2.00 ± 2.21
2.60 ± 2.27
-1.50(4)
0.16
Rope Climb (5 meters)
5
14.19 ± 14.71
12.73 ± 11.84
1.04(4)
0.32
(Diff= Post-Pre; lower time is better, higher repetitions is better)
Athlete_4 presents the greatest overall gain in
technical quality (= +11; +73.3%), followed by
athlete_2 (+30.8%). Athlete_5 and athlete_3
show modest improvements (+14.3% and
+11.1%, respectively). Athlete_1 remains stable
(0%). This metric summarizes the technical
transfer of the program onto the FIG scale and is
sensitive to execution changes; therefore, it serves
as an indicator of overall effectiveness per athlete,
regardless of specific performance units (time or
repetitions). Recommendation: prioritize
technical reinforcement for those showing lower
relative progression (athlete_1 and, secondarily,
athlete_3-5 depending on the test).
With a sample size of n=5 per test, no
statistically significant differences were found
between PRE and POST values (all p > 0.16).
However, positive performance trends are
observed, especially in the dips on parallel bars
and handstand push-up on parallel bars tests,
where the average number of repetitions
increased. Likewise, in the rope climb test, a slight
reduction in the average time is noted, reflecting
better execution efficiency, although without
statistical significance due to high variability and
the small number of participants.
In practical terms, the results suggest discrete
improvements in pushing strength and inverted
postural control, along with a slight improvement
in vertical pulling speed.
To confirm these findings, it is recommended
to increase the sample size, extend the duration
of the intervention period, or adjust the load and
specificity of the tests in future evaluations.
Table 6.
Overall athlete ranking according to POST SCALE
Athlete
POST SCALE Points
Technical Performance
Level
Ranking
athlete_3
30
Excellent
1st
athlete_4
26
Excellent
2nd
athlete_2
17
Moderate
3rd
athlete_1
14
Moderate
4th
athlete_5
8
Low
5th
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189
The analysis of the adjusted FIG technical
scale shows a clear differentiation in the final
performance of the athletes after the
intervention. Athletes 3 and 4 reach levels of
technical excellence, exceeding the scale
thresholds (≥25 points), demonstrating efficient
execution, advanced motor control, and effective
transfer of technical training. Athletes 2 and 1
show moderate performance (14-17 points),
indicating partial consolidation of technique and
the need to reinforce components of applied
strength and inverted control. Finally, athlete 5,
with 8 points, remains at a low level, reflecting
limitations in both specific strength and postural
mastery. Globally, the group average (19 points)
suggests a generally positive trend, with two
outstanding athletes elevating the group's
technical standard and a significant gap between
high and low performance.
Survey Analysis
Table 7.
Strength training in artistic gymnastics
Question
Dominant
Response
Frequency
Percentage
(%)
General Trend
Strength development is
fundamental in physical
preparation
Agree
14
100.0
High agreement
Planning should include
strength work adapted to age
Agree
14
100.0
High agreement
Strength development
prevents injuries in artistic
gymnastics
Agree
14
100.0
High agreement
I implement strength exercises
in every session
Agree
12
85.7
Solid agreement
There are sufficient resources
and infrastructure for strength
work
Somewhat
agree
8
57.1
Moderate
disagreement
The methods I use include
specific strength exercises
Agree
12
85.7
Solid agreement
Strength work should be
integrated with other physical
capacities
Agree
14
100.0
High agreement
I possess sufficient knowledge
to plan strength training
Agree
11
78.6
Solid agreement
I would like to receive more
training on child strength
training
Agree
14
100.0
High willingness
Strength is essential for
technical progression in
artistic gymnastics
Agree
13
92.9
High agreement
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190
Based on n=14 responses, the items on the
importance of strength, inclusion of strength
work in planning, injury prevention, integration
with other capacities, and willingness to receive
training registered 100.0% "Agree." In the
application of strength in all sessions, 85.7%
"Agree" (12/14) and 14.3% "Somewhat agree"
(2/14) were observed. Regarding sufficient
resources and infrastructure, "Somewhat agree"
predominated with 57.1% (8/14) versus "Agree"
with 42.9% (6/14).
For methods that include specific strength
exercises, 85.7% "Agree" (12/14) and 7.1%
"Somewhat agree" (1/14) were reported.
Regarding sufficient knowledge to plan strength,
78.6% "Agree" (11/14) and 21.4% "Somewhat
agree" (3/14) were obtained. Finally, on strength
as an essential component for technical
progression, 92.9% "Agree" (13/14) and 7.1%
"Somewhat agree" (1/14) were recorded.
Discussion
From a descriptive perspective, the data reflect
that the program allowed maintaining or slightly
improving the functional strength of the
gymnasts, with a positive trend in the dipping on
parallel bars test (+1.83 repetitions), while other
tests such as rope climb showed a mean decrease
(-3.75 units). This behavior indicates that,
although no quantitatively significant increases
were observed, the overall physical condition was
preserved, which is relevant considering the age
and particularities of childhood growth.
According to Faigenbaum et al. (2009) and
Behringer et al. (2011), during prepubertal ages,
adaptations to strength training are
predominantly neuromuscular and relate to
improved motor unit recruitment, intermuscular
coordination, and neural efficiency, rather than
muscle hypertrophy. At this developmental stage,
hormonal levels (particularly testosterone and
somatotropin) have not yet reached the values
required to generate significant structural
increases in muscle tissue. Therefore, strength
gains observed in 8 to 10-year-old children tend
to be reflected in improvements in technique,
stability, and body control, rather than in
measurable increases in muscle mass (Lloyd &
Oliver, 2012; Faigenbaum et al., 2016).
The lack of statistically significant differences
in the inferential analysis can be attributed to
multiple methodological and biological factors.
First, the small sample size (n = 5) limits the
statistical power to detect small or moderate
variations. Second, the degree of biological
maturation of the participants may have been
heterogeneous, which influences the response to
training and the capacity to generate
homogeneous adaptations. Furthermore, the 16-
week period may be considered relatively short to
induce detectable changes in strength at this
developmental stage (Behringer et al., 2010; Lloyd
& Oliver, 2012).
Likewise, it is important to highlight that
performance in male artistic gymnastics does not
depend exclusively on absolute strength, but
primarily on relative strength (ratio of strength to
body weight) and postural and technical control
(Granacher et al., 2011). Therefore, a training
program that prioritizes general loads may not
reflect direct improvements in specific tests such
as those used in this study. Recent literature
emphasizes the need for programs based on
multi-joint movements, controlled plyometrics,
and bodyweight exercises, which enhance
functional transfer to gymnastics apparatuses
(Faigenbaum et al., 2016; Behm et al., 2017).
At a pedagogical and motor development
level, 8 to 10-year-old gymnasts are within a
sensitive phase for acquiring coordinative and
neuromuscular skills (De Ste Croix et al., 2020).
RIAF Journal ISSN: 2953-6693 Vol – 4 No. 2, July 2026
191
During this period, strength training programs
should focus on technical refinement, movement
efficiency, and safe execution, rather than on
seeking quantitative increases in load. This
orientation facilitates the preparation of the
physiological and motor foundations necessary
for optimal development in subsequent stages of
sports specialization (Lloyd & Oliver, 2012).
The discussion reveals a conceptual coherence
among coaches regarding the relevance of
strength development in pediatric physical
preparation, understood as a foundational
capacity for technique, coordination, and injury
prevention.
This consensus reflects a mature
methodological approach, aligned with the
principles of multilateral preparation and the
progressive development of motor abilities.
Nevertheless, a persistent gap remains between
theoretical knowledge and applied practice,
conditioned by infrastructural limitations and
professional updating. Bridging this gap requires
strengthening technical training and available
resources, so that strength instruction at early
ages becomes consolidated as a systematic and
safe process within artistic gymnastics.
In summary, the results of the present study
indicate that the implemented training program
did not produce statistically significant
differences, although it did succeed in
maintaining strength capacity and promoting
slight functional improvements. Such findings are
consistent with the expected responses in
prepubertal pediatric populations, in which
adaptations are slow, progressive, and dependent
on neuromuscular maturation. For future
research, it is recommended to expand the
sample, include a control group, and extend the
intervention to 24 or more weeks, with a design
that incorporates gymnastics-specific strength
(e.g., suspension work, support holds, and
dynamic planches). Furthermore, it is necessary
to integrate complementary assessments,
including the monitoring of growth and
biological maturation, in order to better isolate
the training effect from the natural course of
development.
Conclusions
The reviewed literature reveals a solid
theoretical foundation regarding the importance
of strength training at early ages within artistic
gymnastics.
Previous investigations concur that the
development of rapid and functional strength
from childhood enhances coordination,
technique, and safety in movement execution.
Collectively, the evidence supports that
progressive and well-structured strength
stimulation constitutes a key factor for the
comprehensive development of the gymnast,
providing a scientific basis that guides both
applied practice and future research.
The study findings reflect a positive trend in
the improvement of gymnasts' physical
performance, particularly in pushing strength and
postural control. Although the differences did not
reach statistical significance, general physical
fitness was maintained and even optimized,
which remains relevant considering the subjects'
age and the phases of neuromuscular
development. Individual variations and the short
duration of the program influenced the
outcomes; however, the analysis indicates that the
adaptations were consistent with the prepubertal
stage, wherein technical and coordinative
improvements predominate over structural
changes.
The 16-week training program proved to be an
adequate strategy for introducing strength work
in child gymnasts, promoting safe and
progressive bodily adaptation to physical effort.
Nevertheless, to attain more consistent results, it
is necessary to extend the program duration,
incorporate a control group, and tailor the
exercises to the specificity of the gymnastic
apparatus and the individual capacities of the
children.
RIAF Journal ISSN: 2953-6693 Vol – 4 No. 2, July 2026
192
Overall, the program represents a promising
foundation which, with appropriate
methodological refinements and extended
follow-up, could yield significant improvements
in both the performance and technique of young
gymnasts.
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Conflict of Interest Declaration: The authors
declare that they have no conflicts of interest
regarding this article.
Author Contributions:
Vásquez participated in the conceptualization of
the study and the theoretical systematization of
the research variables. He/she was also
responsible for drafting the discussion of the
results, the conclusions, and the final review of
the manuscript.
Malla participated in the methodological design
concerning the selection of the research
instruments, the administration of the
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194
instruments for data collection, the tabulation of
the data obtained, and the review of the
manuscript.
