We examined the predictive values of morphological characteristics at the rhythmic gymnastics exercises performance at the sample consisting of unselected sample of 127 female pupils of first, second and third grades of high school. We used the set of the 22 variables, indicators of morphological characteristics and predictor system representatives, as well as the set of 10 basic rhythmic gymnastics elements as the indicators of criterion system. The examinees participated in a three-month rhythmic gymnastics training programme as a part of regular sport classes. The aim of the programme was to master the basic body elements: jumps, body balance, pirouettes and rhythmic gymnastics flexibility. After the three-month programme we examined the predictive values of the morphological characteristics at the 10 rhythmic gymnastics elements performance results which represent the basic movement structures of the free composition. Regression analysis showed a relatively high multiple correlation coefficients which confirms that the morphological characteristics have a high degree of predictive values in the rhythmic gymnastics elements performance results.

With the new FIG Code of Points for men (2006) based on the philosophy of open ended difficulty score, point advantages have been given, again, to those who are in search for and willing to perform new elements. Each element in the Code of Points can be developed by changing its start and its final position, the start and the final grip with the apparatus, the body position during the element, by adding a flight phase or a rotation around the frontal, the longitudinal or the sagital axis. The Tkachev is quite an old release element (approximately 40 years old) on high bar. In line with the knowledge available to us today, we have been looking into the possibility of performing the Tkachev salto. Following series of biomechanical analysis with consideration of the gymnast's safety, we calculated that the Tkachev salto could be performed by those gymnasts who can perform the straight Tkachev with a high amplitude. Gymnast who will be able to perform the Tkachev salto at a major competition will enter the gymnastics history and have huge chances of wining the most prestigious competitions.

The main objective of the study is to determine differences between male and female gymnasts in 4 mechanical variables during the qualification C.1 Aarhus (Denmark) 2006 in Artistic Gymnastics World Championships. On a sample of 449 gymnasts (44 MAG vault and 34 WAG vault) only 13 vaults are performed the same by men and women. During World Championship Qualification in Debrecen 2002 and Aarhus 2006 we found that only 14 men and women together performed first phases of the vaults the same. By analyzing the WCQ 2002 and WCQ 2006 only 20 male gymnasts executed second flight phases of the vaults the same. The results in 4 mechanical variables acquired from the vault elements performed by both male and female gymnasts are extremely high. Vault is the most studied biomechanical gymnastics apparatus because it is the only one during which gymnasts make only one skill (Sands et. al., 2003).

The aim of the research was to examine the effects of isokinetic training on knee stabilizer muscles strength, and whether this increases the efficiency of performing basic gymnastic vaults. A total of 60 respondents, students of the Faculty of Sports and Physical Education (average age 19.7±1.5 years, weight 75.3±2.9 kg, height 179.8±6.7 cm) were included. The subjects were divided into two groups, experimental (EG) (n=30) and control (CG) (n=30). As part of the 12-week program, the experimental group (EG) in addition to exercises within the regular classes at the university had an additional concentric isokinetic training 3 times a week on the Biodex System 3 dynamometer, while the control group (CG) only had exercises within the regular classes at the university. The results indicated statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between EG and CG, both in increasing the knee stabilizer muscles strength and in the performance of gymnastic vaults in favor of EG. It can be concluded that the additional isokinetic training resulted in a greater increase in strength, but also a better performance of gymnastic vaults. The results of the research can be used as guidelines for planning and programming isokinetic strength training of knee stabilizer muscles, which will contribute to a better performance of gymnastic vaults. Since there is a small amount of research on the topic of this work, this study represents a good foundation and basis for some future research on the effects of isokinetic training in sports gymnastics.