Enhancing Motor Competence in Rhythmic Gymnastics: Effects of the Overlapping Waves Strategy in School-Based Physical Education

Background: Rhythmic gymnastics offers a context for motor development. This study examined the association between the Overlapping Waves Strategy and traditional instruction in fundamental club skills. Methods: A cluster-allocated quasi-experimental design (16 sessions) was implemented among 64 fifth-grade female students. Participants received Overlapping Waves Strategy (n = 32) or conventional instruction (n = 32). Four skills were assessed by certified judges. Results: Two-way mixed ANOVA revealed significant group × time interactions (all p < 0.001). The experimental group exhibited greater pre-post performance gains than the control group. Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity: The strategy provides a structured pedagogical framework for physical education, suggesting potential feasibility, though limited by the specific single-setting and demographic parameters, and policy recommendations remain premature without broader replication. Conclusion: Preliminary findings indicate greater short-term execution of club skills in the experimental classroom. Classroom-level confounding cannot be excluded. Replication in cluster-randomized designs with retention measures is required.