Exploring the Motivations of NCAA Women's Artistic Gymnasts to Participate in Strength and Conditioning Training

Abstract

This is the known first study completed on NCAA gymnastics motivations to participate in strength and conditioning. The study was open to all NCAA women’s artistic gymnastics participants. Research included the completion of an online survey (n = 141) with the opportunity to volunteer for a follow up phone interview (n = 5). Three research questions were examined: 1. What are the motivations of student-athletes in NCAA Women’s Artistic Gymnastics to participate in strength and conditioning training? 2. How does motivation to participate in strength and conditioning training influence the performance level of the student-athletes? 3. How does motivation to participate in strength and conditioning training influence the injury rate of the student-athletes? Overall, this study did not identify significant findings in the relationship with motivation to participate in strength and conditioning training with level of performance or injury rates. Qualitative phone interviews provided additional insight on experiences and feelings toward strength and conditioning training, which can be utilized by both researchers and practitioners. In order to further explore the relationship between strength and conditioning and gymnastics performance more research needs to be completed.