Knowing the current status of
rhythmic gymnasts’ motor abilities allows a valid objective evaluation of their
competitive preparedness and facilitate planning of their further development.
The main objective was to determine possible differences in motor abilities of
rhythmic gymnasts regarding program level they were competing in, their age and
national ranking. Three groups of junior rhythmic gymnasts, competing in either
A, B, or C level programs, were investigated. Both the multivariate analysis of
variance and univariate analysis of variance showed statistically significant
differences in the selected motor abilities regarding the program level
(flexibility, strength and coordination). A-level rhythmic gymnasts scored best
in all the tests assessing flexibility, coordination and strength. The
differences in motor abilities between junior rhythmic gymnasts with regard to
their national ranking showed no statistical significance, whereas age was
statistically significant. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient revealed
significant relations between certain motor abilities among rhythmic gymnasts
in A, B and C level programs. The higher the level of a program, the higher the
correlatives, and vice versa. Two tests had the largest contribution to the
success achieved in the competition: the figure of eight with bending and forward
bent on the bench. The scientific value of the proposed research is aimed at
better planning, programming and control of training process in rhythmic
gymnastics.