The influence of morphologic, motor and psychological variables on sport performance of aerobic gymnastics athletes

Introduction

The aim of this study was to assess the power of morphologic, motor and psychological variables on sport performance considering a group of aerobic gymnasts.

Methods

This study used a total of 32 gymnasts of national and international level. The specific motor performance was evaluated by a group of technical experts. The anthropometric measures were obtained according to Fragoso and Vieira (2000), the somatotype was evaluated in agreement with Heath and Carter (1967), and maturation level was calculated according to TW3 method (Tanner et al., 2001). It was also accomplished an evaluation of motor and psychological variables and a questionnaire was applied to assess the socioeconomic status and daily life routines. To know which variables were the best predictors of their classification we used a multiple regression model. Finally we made a discriminant analysis between groups of different levels of success. Statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS 11.5 software.

Results

74% of the difficulty value variability was explained by maturational age, flexibility (splits done with the dominant leg), thoracic skinfold, explosive power, represented by vertical jump, and thigh skinfold. With only five covariates, flexibility (splits done with the dominant leg), maleolar diameter, medium lumbar strength, abdominal skinfold and medium dorsal strength, 77% of the variability of the artistic value was explained. The technical value varies with maturational age, flexibility (splits done with the dominant leg), lumbar medium strength and thoracic skinfold. These variables explained 59% of technical value variability. 71% of final score variability was explained by maturational age, flexibility (splits done with the dominant leg), thoracic skinfold and lumbar medium strength. Finally, it was evaluated which variables best discriminated between the best and the worst gymnasts of our sample. The discriminate variables were menarcheal age, bicipital skinfold and lumbar medium strength. Thoracic skinfold and flexibility could be easily discriminant variables when small group alterations were considered.

Discussion/ Conclusions

The explanatory variables obtained to explain the final score variability were in general the same capable to discriminate between the best and the worst performers. Besides maturational age and some skinfolds, flexibility and the lumbar medium strength seemed to be very important for these athletes’ success.

References

[1]. Fragoso I. & Vieira F. (2000). Morfologia e Crescimento. Cruz Quebrada, Edições FMH.
[2]. Heath B. H. & Carter J. E. .L (1967). American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 27, 57-74.
[3]. Tanner J. M. et al. (2001) Assessment of skeletal maturity and prediction of adult Height (TW3 Method). London: W.B. Saunders.