【Introduction】 Rhythmic gymnastics, which is one of the artistic sports, have limited evaluation studies conducted on the comprehension of competitiveness of rhythmic gymnastics for spectators. The purpose of this study is to develop three types of basic watching scales for rhythmic gymnastics, and to investigate the relationships among techniques, artistic, and physical emotional expressions in rhythmic gymnasts' performance.
【Methods】 The sample in this study includes 309 university students (153 male and 156 female, mean age = 19.95, SD = 1.22), who were asked to answer a questionnaire after watching All Japan Rhythmic Gymnastics Athletes Competition's DVD. Using the questionnaire, explanatory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, reliability analysis, multiple regression analysis and covariance structure analysis were conducted.
【Results】 The results of explanatory factor analyses indicated that both the Performance Technique Evaluation Scale for Rhythmic Gymnastics Athletes (PTESRGA) and Evaluation Scale of Artistic Expression and the Impression for Rhythmic Gymnastics Athletes (ESAEIRGA) included four factors. In addition, the Physical and Emotional Expression Evaluation Scale for Rhythmic Gymnastics Athletes (PEEESRGA) contained two factors. Confirmatory factor analyses and Cronbach's alpha coefficient confirmed that these models showed acceptable fit indices and reliabilities. The results of the multiple regression analyses showed that the PTESRGA had a positive effect on the ESAEIRGA. Lastly, covariance structure analysis were performed to compare the fit indices of hypothetical models and to examine for the influences among PTESRGA, ESAEIRGA, and PEEESRGA.
【Conclusion】 When the spectators are watching rhythmic gymnastics, various factors are observed in the process of evaluating. As a further investigation, the study should also be conducted towards the experienced performers of rhythmic gymnastics to compare the similarities and differences of factors, when evaluating, and evaluation study that could lead to the generalization of watching rhythmic gymnastics should be investigated.
