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Analysis of physical fitness indicators of 10–12-year-old female pole dancers at the stage of preliminary basic training

M.O Lavrynenko · Scientific Journal of National Pedagogical Dragomanov University Series 15 Scientific and pedagogical problems of physical culture (physical culture and sports) · 2026

Researchers tested 40 girls aged 10-12 who had trained in pole sport for over a year, measuring grip strength, endurance, flexibility, speed-strength and coordination against standards drawn from EUROFIT, ACSM and gymnastics/acrobatics norms. The young athletes scored well on flexibility and static endurance (plank, superman hold, wall-sit) but fell below norms for grip strength, dynamic abdominal strength (one-minute sit-ups) and explosive power (pole jump).
Takeaway: Add dedicated grip strength, dynamic core, and explosive power work to pole training that already builds flexibility and isometric endurance.
Abstract (source)

Abstract. The article presents the

Results: of a comprehensive analysis of the physical fitness indicators of girls aged 10–12 years engaged in pole sport at the stage of preliminary basic training. The study involved 40 female athletes who had been practicing pole sport for more than one year. To assess physical fitness, a set of tests was used to evaluate grip strength, muscular and static endurance, flexibility, speed-strength abilities, and coordination skills. The normative framework was developed on the basis of the EUROFIT test battery, ACSM recommendations, and standards adopted in artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, sports acrobatics, and aerial acrobatics. The

Findings: indicate that the athletes demonstrated a sufficient level of flexibility, static endurance of the core and back muscles, as well as muscular endurance of the lower limbs. High performance was recorded in the plank, superman hold, and wall-sit tests, as well as in exercises assessing hip joint and spinal mobility. At the same time, an insufficient level of grip strength, dynamic abdominal muscle strength, and speed-strength abilities was identified. This was reflected in lower-than-normative

results in hand dynamometry, one-minute sit-up tests, and pole jump performance. The obtained data made it possible to identify both the strengths and weaknesses of the physical fitness profile of young pole athletes and to substantiate the need for adjustments to the training process. In particular, greater emphasis should be placed on the development of grip strength, abdominal muscle strength, and speed-strength abilities. The

results in hand dynamometry, one-minute sit-up tests, and pole jump performance. The obtained data made it possible to identify both the strengths and weaknesses of the physical fitness profile of young pole athletes and to substantiate the need for adjustments to the training process. In particular, greater emphasis should be placed on the development of grip strength, abdominal muscle strength, and speed-strength abilities. The results of the study may be used to improve physical training programs for athletes at the stage of preliminary basic training in pole sport.

Primary studyOpen accessWomen's & Youth Athletics
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