Relationship Between Vertical Jump, Balance, Muscle Strength, Flexibility, and Foot Posture in Artistic Gymnasts

Overview

Artistic gymnastics is a highly demanding and technically complex sport that requires strength, flexibility, agility, balance, and coordination (Nassib et al., 2020). Gymnasts perform a series of dynamic movements, such as flips, turns, and somersaults, which require explosive muscular power and precise control (Potop et al., 2014). In this sport, jumping ability, balance, muscle strength, and flexibility are fundamental physical parameters that directly influence both movement quality and injury risk. Among these, jumping ability plays a particularly critical role by facilitating take-offs and aerial maneuvers, enabling gymnasts to generate the necessary height and momentum to perform complex routines effectively. Moreover, gymnasts with greater jump capacity are able to absorb landings more efficiently, thereby reducing injury risk and maintaining consistent performance throughout their routines (Feng et al., 2024; Geiblinger et al., 2025). Another essential parameter is balance-particularly dynamic balance, which can be defined as the body's ability to perceive and respond to postural changes that occur during motor activities. This involves maintaining the center of mass within the base of support, requiring a high level of neuromuscular activation. Dynamic balance is vital not only in sports but also in daily life activities such as walking, stair climbing, running, and sit-to-stand transitions. Its role in preventing injuries and enhancing athletic performance has been well established (Paillard, 2019; Dana et al., 2021). The Y-Balance Test (YBT), which measures dynamic balance in three directions-anterior (ANT), posterolateral (PL), and posteromedial (PM)-is commonly used in clinical and athletic settings. In clinical practice, a difference of less than 4 cm between limbs in each direction is considered normative. Lehr et al. (2013) reported in a study conducted among collegiate athletes that average YBT performance could serve as a predictor of future lower extremity injuries. From a biomechanical perspective, the foot represents the distal segment of the lower extremity kinetic chain. Any morphological changes or alterations in the weight-bearing alignment of the foot can influence balance control. Considering the critical role of the foot in stabilizing and modulating the kinetic chain, accurately assessing foot posture is essential. Postural characteristics such as high or low arches may impact balance capacity, jump performance, and the ability to attenuate forces during landing (Seyedahmadi et al., 2024). In light of this evidence, the primary aim of the present study is to examine the relationships between vertical jump performance, balance, muscle strength, flexibility, and foot posture in artistic gymnasts. Investigating these parameters comprehensively is expected to provide valuable insights from both scientific and clinical perspectives. Specifically, the study seeks to: Determine the relationship between vertical jump performance and lower extremity muscle strength, flexibility, and balance. Analyze the potential associations between foot posture and vertical jump, balance, and muscle strength. By addressing these objectives, the study aims to contribute to both guiding the design of training programs and reducing the risk of injury among gymnasts, thereby offering meaningful clinical implications. This is an observational, cross-sectional study. Participants will continue their regular gymnastics training routines without any intervention assigned by the investigators. Data collection will consist solely of measurements (vertical jump, balance, muscle strength, flexibility, and foot posture). No exercise program, treatment, or intervention will be applied as part of the study.