FIG FIG Sports Science and Conditioning 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport' (RED-S) and why is it a concern for gymnast coaches?
- A recovery technique using energy drinks post-training
- A condition where inadequate caloric intake impairs health and performance, common in weight-sensitive sports (Correct answer)
- A supplement protocol to optimize energy during competition
- A biomechanical inefficiency in skill execution
Correct answer: A condition where inadequate caloric intake impairs health and performance, common in weight-sensitive sports
RED-S occurs when energy intake is insufficient relative to exercise demand, negatively affecting hormonal, bone, and metabolic health — a significant risk in gymnastics.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes 'overreaching' in a gymnast's training program?
- Attempting skills beyond the gymnast's current ability level
- A short-term increase in training load that temporarily decreases performance but is followed by supercompensation (Correct answer)
- Ignoring warm-up protocols before intense training
- Performing too many repetitions of a single skill in one session
Correct answer: A short-term increase in training load that temporarily decreases performance but is followed by supercompensation
Functional overreaching is a planned short-term training overload that, with adequate recovery, leads to performance gains via supercompensation.
Question 3: Which muscle group is MOST critical to strengthen for injury prevention on the balance beam?
- Hip flexors
- Ankle stabilizers and peroneals (Correct answer)
- Biceps
- Pectorals
Correct answer: Ankle stabilizers and peroneals
Strong ankle stabilizers and peroneals are essential for balance, proprioception, and absorbing landing forces on the narrow beam surface.
Question 4: In sports science, 'Rate of Force Development' (RFD) is most relevant to gymnastics because:
- It measures maximal aerobic output during routines
- Faster RFD allows gymnasts to generate explosive power within the brief contact times of tumbling and vaulting (Correct answer)
- It determines how long a gymnast can hold a strength element
- It assesses flexibility improvements over a training cycle
Correct answer: Faster RFD allows gymnasts to generate explosive power within the brief contact times of tumbling and vaulting
High RFD enables gymnasts to produce maximum force quickly during the brief ground contact phases of tumbling and vaulting.
Question 5: What is the recommended hydration approach for gymnasts during a multi-session training day?
- Drink only water after the final session
- Hydrate consistently throughout the day, consuming fluids before, during, and after each training session (Correct answer)
- Avoid fluids during training to prevent stomach discomfort during skill performance
- Rely on thirst as the primary hydration cue
Correct answer: Hydrate consistently throughout the day, consuming fluids before, during, and after each training session
Consistent hydration throughout the day maintains performance, cognitive function, and recovery across multiple training sessions.
Question 6: In gymnastics conditioning, 'proprioception training' is most valuable for:
- Building maximal strength for press handstands
- Improving the body's ability to sense joint position and movement to enhance balance and injury prevention (Correct answer)
- Increasing aerobic endurance for floor exercise routines
- Developing power for vault approaches
Correct answer: Improving the body's ability to sense joint position and movement to enhance balance and injury prevention
Proprioception training enhances sensory feedback from joints and muscles, improving balance, coordination, and reducing injury risk on apparatus.
FIG FIG Sports Science and Conditioning 2
What is 'Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport' (RED-S) and why is it a concern for gymnast coaches?