SOMATOTYPE ANALYSIS BY AGE CATEGORIES IN SPANISH FEMALE ACROBATIC GYMNASTS

Abstract

Somatotype is one of the variables seen as the key to success in sports and talent detection at different ages. This is confirmed by evidence in some gymnastic disciplines in different age categories, but no study has been conducted for Acrobatic Gymnastics. The objective is to establish the characteristic somatotype profile in Acrobatic Gymnastics for each age group, determining whether there are differences among them and between the roles in each one. The sample was made up of 54 female tops (X= 11.23 years; 29.62 Kg) and 75 female bases (X= 14.46 years; 50.48 Kg). The somatotype was calculated using the Heath-Carter method to determine the mesomorphy, endomorphy, and ectomorphy of each group. The statistical analysis carried out consisted of a descriptive and comparative analysis based on the component in particular and the mean somatotype dispersion in general. The results showed that mesomorphy was the most important component in all categories and roles. They indicated different somatotype classifications in each group, but the importance of ectomorphy in tops and endomorphy in bases should also be pointed out. Significant differences were obtained in mesomorphy (tops: p = .012; bases p = .026) and ectomorphy in both roles (tops p = .036; bases p = .001). Despite finding significant differences among certain categories, this did not follow a linear, chronological development. Therefore, one cannot conclude that the somatotype evolved with age, since this may be due to sports specialization. However, it was confirmed that mesomorphy, as in other gymnastics disciplines, is the predominant component in all categories and roles.