Morphological characteristics of Portuguese rhythmic gymnasts in different competition levels of performance

Abstract

This study aimed to: (1) identify and compare morphological and training characteristics in Portuguese gymnasts across competitive levels of performance; (2) investigate the morphological variables with higher discriminatory power between the groups; (3) verify the morphological variables that better explain the competition success. The sample (n=164) consisted of three competition levels (Base, 1^st division and Elite) from Portugal. 19 anthropometric and 2 body composition measurements were performed. Somatotype was defined by Health-Carter method. Training data were collected by interviewing. For the statistical analyses, Kruskal-Wallis test, Linear Regression and Discriminant function were used. Portuguese gymnasts (13.5±2.0 years) presented 43.7±9.3kg of body mass, 152.6±8.9cm of height, 18.5±2.4kg/m² of BMI, 17.5±4.1% of body fat, endomorph-ectomorph somatotype and 16.9±7.5hours/week of training volume. Elite gymnasts differed from other groups in having lower skinfolds and body fat; and higher training volume and training years. Elite and 1^st division showed higher ectomorphy and lower endomorphy component than Base. Thus, the Elite presented morphological and training characteristics closer to the international standards, followed by 1^st division and Base. The variables that more discriminate the gymnasts by competition levels were body fat and lower limb length. Furthermore, body fat was the main morphological predictor of performance in competition.