Talent Selection Proposal Based on Physical and Anthropometric Indicators in Artistic Gymnastics

Abstract

The objective of this research was to design a method based on physical and anthropometric tests to facilitate the selection of girls aged 6 to 8 for the initiation of female artistic gymnastics practice in the Antioquia League. The research methodology used was a descriptive quasi-experimental study, which allowed the identification of body components in comparison with gymnasts from the Colombian Children’s and Youth National Teams.

For this purpose, a sample of 8 pre-childhood category gymnasts was taken. Examining the results, a body composition with an average height of 127.1 cm and a weight of 23.5 kg was observed. Regarding the “ideal” somatotype for the sport, it is meso-ectomorphic, with values of 2.0-3.7-3.1. Comparing these results with research conducted by the Colombian Gymnastics Federation on the somatotype profile of youth national team gymnasts during the National Championship in Cúcuta from June 7 to 10, 2019, and a study of 201 athletes who competed at the 1987 World Gymnastics Championship in Rotterdam, our population presents a projected somatotype and physical conditions in line with the analyzed profile.

Considering that artistic gymnastics requires high relative strength to perform movements and skills in the different events, it can be concluded that a good body composition allows for a better relationship between performance and achievement in the sport.