Somatotype in Adolescent Rhythmic Gymnasts from Bulgaria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7546/CRABS.2024.11.15Keywords:
somatotype, rhythmic gymnasts, adolescentAbstract
A specific body constitution of rhythmic gymnasts (RGs) has a positive impact on their performance and is essential in selecting talents in the field of professional sports. The aim of this study is to assess the anthropometric characteristics of Bulgarian adolescent rhythmic gymnasts in order to identify their somatotypes. A total of 32 RGs divided into three age categories (16 pre-juniors, aged 8–10 years; 11 juniors, aged 11–12 years; and 5 seniors, aged 13–14 years) volunteered to participate in this study. All athletes participate in national championships and have training experience for at least two years, not less than 20 hours weekly. Using Martin–Saller's anthropometric method (1957) ten anthropometric measurements are conducted. Heath–Carther's methodology (1990) is used to determine the three somatotype components (endomorph, mesomorph, ectomorph). One-Way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests are used to compare intergroup differences (p < 0.05). All analyses are conducted using SPSS 16 statistics software for Windows. Body height and weight of adolescent Bulgarian RGs increase significantly from the age of 8 to 14 years. Comparative analysis of the other morphological characteristics has shown significant intergroup differences according to the biepicondylar diameter of the humerus and subscapular skinfold between the pre-junior and junior group and upper arm circumferences between a pre-junior and senior group. The somatotype of rhythmic gymnasts of all assessed categories is 2.36–3.79–1.13 and indicates the endo-mesomorphic dominant type. The current study emphasizes the role of somatotypology in sports practice, in particular rhythmic gymnastics. The established somatotype in adolescent gymnasts from Bulgaria can be used as a basis in their sports training and selection process.
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