Introduction: Basic gymnastics tasks require abilities such as upper body pulling strength, isometric endurance of trunk muscles, and balance control. Functional training and nitric oxide–enhancing supplements are among the strategies that may improve these capacities. However, evidence regarding the effects of these interventions on performance related to gymnastics talent identification tests remains limited.Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of eight weeks of functional training, nitric oxide supplementation, and their combination on the performance of female university students in TOPS tests.
Methods: In this study, female physical education students were randomly assigned to three groups: functional training, supplementation, and combined. All participants attended regular gymnastics classes for eight weeks. In addition, the functional training and combined groups performed extra functional training sessions. The supplementation and combined groups consumed a nitric oxide supplement prior to training sessions. Participants’ performance in the rope climb, L sit (angle), and handstand against the wall tests was evaluated before and after the intervention.
Results: The findings showed that the interventions generally improved participants’ performance in some TOPS test indicators. Greater improvements were observed in tests related to upper body pulling strength and static endurance. The combined group demonstrated better overall performance compared with the other groups and showed greater improvements in several indicators. However, no considerable change was observed in the wall-supported handstand skill.
Conclusion: It appears that adding functional training to regular gymnastics programs, especially when combined with nitric oxide supplementation, may improve certain performance components related to gymnastics talent identification tests.