FIG Sports Science and Conditioning Flashcards

Which growth-related injury is gymnastics coaches must be aware of in adolescent athletes involving the apophysis at the heel?

Answer: Sever's disease (calcaneal apophysitis)

Sever's disease is a common overuse injury in young gymnasts where repetitive stress inflames the growth plate at the heel bone.

What does 'supercompensation' mean in the context of gymnastics training load management?

Answer: The temporary rise in fitness above baseline that occurs after training stress followed by adequate recovery

Supercompensation is the period after recovery when fitness levels temporarily exceed the previous baseline, the ideal window for the next training stimulus.

In gymnastics biomechanics, 'moment of inertia' is important when coaching because:

Answer: It determines how easily a gymnast can rotate — a tucked body rotates faster than a layout because of reduced moment of inertia

Moment of inertia is the resistance to rotational change; a compact tuck reduces it and speeds rotation, while an extended layout increases it and slows rotation.

Which training method is MOST appropriate to develop maximal strength in a junior gymnast (ages 12–15)?

Answer: Bodyweight gymnastics-specific strength exercises with progressive overload

Bodyweight progressive exercises are safest and most effective for junior gymnasts, building strength relevant to skills while respecting skeletal immaturity.

A gymnast complains of wrist pain that worsens with weight-bearing on an extended wrist. The FIRST step a FIG-certified coach should take is:

Answer: Refer the gymnast to a sports medicine physician before resuming weight-bearing wrist activities

Wrist pain in gymnasts can indicate growth plate injury or stress fracture, requiring prompt medical evaluation before further loading.

What is 'training monotony' and why should gymnastics coaches avoid it?

Answer: Low variability in training load day-to-day, which increases illness risk and overtraining syndrome

Training monotony occurs when daily training loads are too similar, increasing cumulative fatigue and the risk of overtraining and illness.