Review Article
Year: 2019 | Month: July | Volume: 9 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 249-256
Anthropometric Determinants of Competitive Performance in Gymnastics: A Systematic Review
Kawaldeep Kaur1, Dr. Shyamal Koley2
1Research Scholar, Department of Physiotherapy, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar-143005, Punjab, India
2Professor and Head, Department of Physiotherapy & Dean, Faculty of Sports Medicine and Physiotherapy, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar-143005, Punjab, India
Corresponding Author: Kawaldeep Kaur
ABSTRACT
Background: Gymnastics is a highly skilled, complex artistic and aesthetic sport with a specific training process and which demands high levels of physical and psychological stress in competition. Not many studies explain a good proposal which determinate the role of anthropometric traits to competitive performance. In this view, based on a critical examination of the literature about “Anthropometric characteristics” and “Gymnasts performance”, the aim of this research is to identify the anthropometric factors that have been studied to predict a higher performance in Gymnastics.
Materials and Methods: Google Scholar, Springer, PubMed, Europe PMC and Google databases EBSCO were explored till May 2019. Studies published in English language were included. Several anthropometric parameters affecting the performance in rhythmic, acrobatic and artistic gymnastics were considered in this study. Out of total 76 studies reviewed, 16 studies met our inclusion criteria.
Results: Various anthropometric characteristics such as body size and composition affect the functional parameters (physical capacity), fitness (explosive strength, maximum speed, anaerobic and aerobic capacity) and agility that will benefit positively in enhancing the performance in gymnastics.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study it is considered that requisites for the success of gymnasts depends largely on their physical characteristics, namely somatic dimensions, somatotype and body composition. Gymnast’s anthropometric traits have been linked to performance scores in all apparatuses suggesting marked influence on overall presentation and final standing.
Key words: Back strength, Anthropometric variables, Performance, Gymnasts.