Differences in Height and Weight in Young Female Gymnasts

Abstract

Following the changes in basic anthropological characteristics of the young gymnast can help coaches to recognize how the process of training influence the growth and development of gymnasts. This also can be useful in the specialization of specific apparatus. The aim of this investigation was to find the differences in weight and height between young female gymnasts. The sample consisted of 26 female gymnasts: 10 years old who are competing at different levels – compulsory (16) and free (10) programs. Compulsory program training was three times per week, each lasting two hours. Training in the free program lasted two and a half-hour five times per week. K-S test was used for testing the normality of distribution. Differences between height and weight are calculated by ANOVA at the level of statistical significance of p<0.05. Results show that there is a statistically significant difference in height and weight between categories. Girls from the compulsory program are taller and heavier than girls in free program. The free program is the hardest program and physically more demanding for execution than a compulsory program. It seems that the bigger volume of training influences height and weight. Keywords: artistic gymnastics, anthropological characteristics, children