Relationship between body composition indicators and physical tests in artistic gymnastics girls

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine the relationship between body composition indicators and physical tests in artistic gymnastics girls.

Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out. Ten gymnasts from the gymnastics academy “Club escuela de gimnasia” of the San Borja district of Lima were studied. The age range was 9 to 12 years old. Weight and height, tricipital and subscapular skinfolds were evaluated. Body mass index BMI and maturity status APHV were calculated by means of a regression equation. Fat %, fat mass and fat free mass were calculated by regression equations. Pistol Squat strength test (right and left side) was evaluated.

Results: The anthropometric variables of the artistic gymnastics girls are shown in Table 1. The average age was 10.7±0.78 years. The maturity status was -1.35±0.78APHV. The results show that MG with physical tests were negative (R= -0.41 to -0.46). Meanwhile, with fat-free mass were positive (R= 0.673 and 0.63).

Conclusion: Body composition, especially fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM), is crucial for the physical performance of gymnasts. Higher FFM is positively related to performance, while excess FM can negatively affect strength.