Somatotype, body composition, and physical fitness in artistic gymnasts depending on age and preferred event

Somatotype, anthropometric characteristics, body composition, and global flexibility range in artistic gymnasts and sport hoop athletes

The objective of the study was to analyze the somatotype, anthropometric characteristics, body composition, and the global flexibility battery test. A total of 48 athletes of both sexes from Women's Artistic Gymnastics, Men's Artistic Gymnastics, and Hoop Sport (mean ± standard deviation, age 12.50 ± 2.67 years, body mass 43.16 ± 11.00 kg, height 150.15 ± 11.91 cm). Anthropometric data were obtained using the ISAK protocol. The somatotype was analyzed using the Heath-Carter method. The results indicate significant differences in fat, bone, and residual mass, as well as in the proportions of endomorphy, mesomorphy, and ectomorphy (p <0.05). The somatocard revealed that most athletes were classified as endomorphic mesomorph or ectomorphic mesomorph, with variations between groups. Positive and negative correlations were identified between the anthropometric variables, somatotype, body composition, and global flexibility. All positions of the global flexibility battery test showed negative correlations with residual mass, indicating that the greater the range of flexibility, the lower the residual mass.

Run-up velocity and jumping ground reaction force of Chinese female gymnasts

The run-up velocity and jumping ground reaction force directly influence gymnasts' ability to perform more difficult manoeuvres and win competitions on vault. However, the variables influencing them among elite female gymnasts remain inadequately understood and warrant detailed investigation. This study aimed to analyse critical variables including run-up velocity and jumping ground reaction force, and to compare these factors across different vault types while further exploring the correlations among them. The study hypothesized that there are significant differences in run-up velocity and jumping ground reaction force across vaulting types, and that these differences will affect athletes' performance. To test this hypothesis, the study analyzed data from performance tests on 16 elite Chinese female gymnasts, focusing on vaulting run-up velocity and jumping ground reaction force. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and binary logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate the relationships between the variables. The study found significant differences in interval run-up velocities between the Front handspring vaults and the Tsukahara vaults, particularly before the last 10 m (p = 0.04) and the last 5 m (p = 0.03). Specifically, the Front handspring vaults had higher velocities before the last 10 m, while the Tsukahara vaults had higher velocities within the last 5 m. Differences were also noted in the lengths of the penultimate (p = 0.03), last (p = 0.01), and hurdle steps (p = 0.04). The jumping ground reaction force showed a strong negative correlation with run-up velocity before the last 10 m (ρ = -0.469, p < 0.01) and the last 5 m (ρ = - 0.604, p < 0.01). However, no significant associations were found with the 25 m run-up velocity (p = 0.346). Significant differences were observed in the hip joint angle (p = 0.001) and the trunk-to-ground angle (p = 0.001), but not in the landing angle (p = 0.435) and take-off angle (p = 0.594) during the take-off phase. These findings suggest that revising the run-up rhythm and improving pedaling techniques could contribute to the successful performance of more difficult vaulting maneuvers for female elite gymnasts in China.

Somatotype and bioelectrical impedance vector analysis of Italian CrossFit® practitioners

Objectives

CrossFit® is a high-intensity sport characterized by various workouts that require strength, speed, endurance, or agility, impacting participants' body composition. This observational study aimed to determine the morphological (anthropometrical and bioelectrical) profile of CrossFit® athletes and to compare them with other athletic populations.

Methods

Anthropometrical measurements and bioelectrical vector analysis (classic and specific approaches) were performed on 145 CrossFit® practitioners (107 men aged 30.7 ± 8.4 years and 38 women aged 28.1 ± 6.7 years). Each participant's relative somatotype was calculated and compared between sexes and with a Spanish CrossFit® athletes' group. Resistance-reactance graphs and Hotelling's T2 test were applied to characterize the sample, compare them with an athletes' reference population, and identify differences between somatotype groups.

Results

The most represented somatotype in both groups was the balanced mesomorph (male 3.5-5.2 - 1.7 and female 4.4-4.5 - 1.8). Compared with Spanish CrossFit® athletes, significant differences were denoted for men but not women (SAD = 2.3). The bioelectrical graphs indicated that the distribution of CrossFit® athletes is quite heterogeneous and within average values for the athlete's reference. The mesomorphic and endomorphic components were associated with a higher phase angle.

Conclusions

CrossFit® practitioners predominantly present a mesomorphic component and show a body type like other power athletes, although with less pronounced characteristics. The somatotype may influence the vector's position in the RXc graphs. This study provided the bioelectrical tolerance ellipses for CrossFit® practitioners in classic and specific approaches for the first time.

Construction of a physical fitness evaluation index system and model for high-level freestyle skiing aerials athletes in China

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to enhance the competitive level of Chinese freestyle skiing aerials athletes by developing a specialized physical fitness evaluation index system and model tailored for high-level Chinese athletes. This system intends to provide theoretical references and training monitoring schemes in preparation for the 25th Milan Winter Olympics.

METHODS

A study was conducted on 29 high-level Chinese freestyle skiing aerials athletes. Physical fitness test indexes were selected using a literature review, expert interviews, and questionnaire surveys, and athletes were tested. Athletes were ensured to be in optimal physical condition before testing. Based on the test results, the representative indexes of the evaluation system are finally determined by combining R-type clustering analysis, multiple linear regression analysis. Determine index weights through weight questionnaires and normalization, and develop evaluation standards through methods such as percentile counting and weighted scoring.

RESULTS

Physical fitness evaluation system for Chinese freestyle skiing aerialists includes three aspects: evaluation index, index weight, and evaluation standard. The evaluation indexes include 3 first-level, 11 second-level, and 11 third-level indexes of body form, physiological function, and physical quality. In the evaluation weight, physical quality is ranked first, and physiological function and body form rank second and third, respectively. The evaluation standard consists of a scoring evaluation standard and a rating evaluation standard. Based on the index system, this study constructs the general and ideal physical fitness model of China's high-level freestyle aerials athletes.

CONCLUSION

The constructed physical fitness evaluation system effectively represents physical fitness development status of high-level freestyle skiing aerials athletes, providing a basis for creating personalized training plans. The established model serves as a reference for athletes' physical fitness development objectives.

EFFECTS OF HIGH-INTENSITY GYMNASTICS ON SKELETAL MUSCLE PROTEINS

ABSTRACT Introduction: Although the current method of muscle stretching in gymnastics teaching in colleges and universities can reduce sports fatigue, it has been shown to have little effect on the well-being of athletes because it requires a long recovery time from psychological fatigue. Progressive muscle relaxation training is a method that uses the basic principle of sympathetic nerve activity to reduce the impact of negative emotions psychologically and relieve fatigue physiologically, requiring a further study of its impact on muscle protein. Objective: Explore the effect of high-intensity gymnastics on skeletal muscle protein and study the progressive muscle relaxation training method post-workout adjustment. Methods: After three weeks of training, excluding the standard deviations in the experimental data caused by the athletes’ irregular movements, the athletes’ blood lactate content and heart rate were counted and recorded. The collected data were analyzed using Excel software to integrate and compare the data using the T-test method. Results: After exercise training, the skeletal muscle function indices of the subjects increased to different degrees. From the point of view of heart rate recovery efficiency, the rate of heart rate decline of progressive relaxation training was higher than that of the two groups, and the degree of fluctuation was lower than that of the two groups, indicating that the level of recovery in heart rate of progressive relaxation training was better. Conclusion: The action of the high-intensity gymnastics team has a good effect on improving the athletes’ skeletal muscle and skeletal muscle proteins. Post-exercise conditioning training plays an important role in athletes’ physical recovery. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

CONTROL OF JOINT INJURIES IN AEROBIC GYMNASTS

ABSTRACT Introduction Joint injuries are a common problem in aerobic gymnastic athletes due to the particularities of this sport. Therefore, the method of controlling and preventing joint injuries in athletes has become an important focus of current research. Objective Study a post-training prevention protocol for joint injuries in aerobic gymnasts. Methods The experiment lasted 8 weeks, in which 10 athletes from the control group performed a traditional stretching recovery protocol. In contrast, the experimental group performed rehabilitation training through previously defined suspension training. The stability and flexibility of the athletes’ lumbar and ankle joints were recorded and compared before and after the beginning of the experimental training. Results The suspension training proposed in this paper can optimize the static balance parameters of the athletes’ joints, improving stability and promoting joint injury control. Conclusion The scheme proposed in this paper may help athletes to control joint injuries, improve dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system, reduce interference from sports injuries, and help them to perform better in the field. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigating treatment outcomes.

INFLUENCE OF ATHLETICS ON MUSCLE COMPOSITION AND BALANCE OF STUDENTS

ABSTRACT Introduction The physical quality of college students decreases annually, a problem that physical education teachers should consider. Athletics can exercise the body’s musculature integrally and improve young college students’ physical and psychological abilities. Objective Analyze the influence of athletics on the muscle composition and hemodynamic balance of students. Methods In a given university 70 volunteers were randomly selected and divided into experimental and control classes, with 35 students each. The experimental class chose a gymnastics course, while the control class performed athletic activities represented by running. Results Under continuously increasing exercise duration and intensity, the athletes gradually shifted from aerobic to anaerobic exercise, so that muscle oxygen saturation gradually decreased. The dynamic balance ability of the students in the experimental class was greatly improved compared to the control class, reaching a balanced state. Conclusion The athletic program proposed in this paper can promote the adjustment of athletes’ blood oxygen saturation, increase muscle oxygen delivery capacity, and exercise endurance, and fully promote fitness progress in the students. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Biological Age in Relation to Somatic, Physiological, and Swimming Kinematic Indices as Predictors of 100 m Front Crawl Performance in Young Female Swimmers

BACKGROUND

Some swimmers reach high performance level at a relatively young age. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between adolescent female swimmers' 100 m front crawl race (Vtotal100) and several anthropometry, body composition, and physiological and specific strength indices.

METHODS

Nineteen adolescent female swimmers were examined for biological age (BA) and body composition. Oxygen uptake was measured during water-flume stage-test front crawl swimming with ventilatory thresholds examination. Specific strength indices were assessed during 30 s of tethered swimming. Stroke rate (SR), stroke length (SL), and stroke index (SI) were also examined.

RESULTS

BA was strongly correlated with anthropometrics and tethered swimming strength indices, and showed moderate to strong correlation with ventilatory thresholds. Speed of swimming in the race was moderately to largely correlated with speed at V˙O2&nbsp;max-VV˙O2max (r = 0.47-0.55; p < 0.05)-ventilatory thresholds (VAT,&nbsp;VRCP) (r = 0.50-0.85; p < 0.05), SL (r = 0.58-0.62; p < 0.05), and SI (r = 0.79-0.81; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Results confirmed a significant role of biological maturation mediation on body composition and body size, ventilatory indices, and specific strength indices. BA was not a significant mediation factor influencing the swimming kinematics (SL, SI) and speeds of VAT, VRCP or VV˙O2&nbsp;max, which were strong predictors of the 100 m race.

Mediterranean Diet Adherence, Body Composition and Performance in Beach Handball Players: A Cross Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Beach handball (BH) is a sport in which sporting performance is influenced, together with team interaction, by individual performance in terms of strength. Body composition is one of the main factors for sports performance and eating habits can condition this variable. The Mediterranean diet (MD) can significantly reduce the risk of mortality or cardiovascular disease. In addition, the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment carries out different campaigns to promote it among young athletes, establishing it as a suitable diet for sports.

OBJECTIVES

The main aims of the study are to assess body composition, physical activity and adherence to the MD of beach handball players. It also aims to evaluate age group differences in male and female players, as well as studying the possible relationship between MD, body composition and performance variables.

METHODS

A total of 59 Spanish BH players were recruited in the national championship of BH in the province of Alicante. Thirty-eight male (14 junior; 17.0 ± 0.1 years and 24 seniors; 25.5 ± 4.7 years) and twenty-one female (7 junior; 16.1 ± 1.46 years and 14 seniors; 23.2 ± 2.0 years) BH players participated in this study. The questionnaire to evaluate eating habits was Mediterranean diet adherence (KIDMED). Body composition was measured with electrical bioimpedance. Strength was evaluated by means of a maximum isometric handgrip test of the dominant hand with handgrip and height of jump by counter-jump on contact platform. In the statistical analysis, descriptions and correlations between the study variables were made.

RESULTS

In females, when the adherence to the MD is lower, the weight is higher, the lean body mass is lower and worse results are observed in performance tests. As for males, there are differences in weight and lean body mass according to category.

CONCLUSIONS

Adequate eating habits are related to the weight of beach handball athletes. In addition, specifically with junior players, it has been observed that adherence to the MD correlates with weight.

Morphological and Physical Profile of a Collegiate Water Skier

This study aimed to examine morphological and physical fitness profile in collegiate water skiers and to identify the potential morphological and physical fitness factors, important for success in the slalom, trick, and jump events. Twenty collegiate water skiers were subject to anthropometric, somatotype measurements and a battery of physical tests inclusive of water ski-specific fitness variables. An independent t-test was used to compare the gender differences of dependent variables. Partial correlation and linear regression analyses were used to identify the factors that are associated with water ski performance. Male water skiers were lower in endomorphic component and better in power, speed, and cardiorespiratory fitness than female water skiers (p < 0.05). Somatotype such as mesomorphic (r = -0.48) and ectomorphic components (r = -0.60), sum of hand-grip strength (r = 0.98), and muscular endurance including posterior extension (r = 0.59) and left lateral flexion (r = 0.63) were significantly correlated with water skiing performance score (p < 0.05). The results of regression analyses showed that mesomorphic component (r² = 0.24, p = 0.04), sum of hand-grip strength (r² = 0.95, p = 0.001), and muscular endurance (r² = 0.30, p = 0.03), appear to be crucial factors associated with water ski performance in slalom, trick (hands pass), and the jump events, respectively. Our study suggests that different morphological and fitness components are required to succeed in each tournament water skiing event. Coaches and athletes can utilize the battery of physical tests and design a specialized training regimen for each tournament water skiing event.

Genetics of somatotype and physical fitness in children and adolescents

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the influence of genetic and environmental factors on the variation in somatotype, physical fitness, and their mutual associations.

METHODS

Twins from 214 pairs (87 monozygotic) of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, Portugal, from 3 to 18 years of age (51% girls) were assessed in anthropometry and physical fitness tests. We estimated endomorphy, mesomorphy, and ectomorphy based on anthropometric measures and physical fitness using the Eurofit test battery. Two age categories were analyzed: children (3-11 years) and adolescents (12-18 years). Genetic and environmental variations were estimated using quantitative genetic twin modeling.

RESULTS

No genetic sex differences were found, thus boys and girls were pooled in all genetic analyses. Heritability estimates were high for somatotype (a²  = 0.80-0.93), physical fitness traits (a²  = 0.67-0.83), and largely similar in children and adolescents. Positive correlations were found for ectomorphy with motor ability and cardiorespiratory endurance as well as for endomorphy and mesomorphy with muscular strength (r = 0.25-0.37). In contrast, negative associations were found for ectomorphy with muscular strength, as well as for endomorphy and mesomorphy with motor ability and cardiorespiratory endurance (-0.46 to -0.26). Twin modeling indicated that these associations were explained mostly by genetic factors in common to the two associated traits (84% or more).

CONCLUSIONS

Associations between somatotype and physical fitness tests are mainly explained by common genetic background in children and adolescents. Therefore, interventions in youth should consider that a child's performance in physical fitness tests partly reflects their inherited physique.

A data-driven classification of 3D foot types by archetypal shapes based on landmarks

The taxonomy of foot shapes or other parts of the body is important, especially for design purposes. We propose a methodology based on archetypoid analysis (ADA) that overcomes the weaknesses of previous methodologies used to establish typologies. ADA is an objective, data-driven methodology that seeks extreme patterns, the archetypal profiles in the data. ADA also explains the data as percentages of the archetypal patterns, which makes this technique understandable and accessible even for non-experts. Clustering techniques are usually considered for establishing taxonomies, but we will show that finding the purest or most extreme patterns is more appropriate than using the central points returned by clustering techniques. We apply the methodology to an anthropometric database of 775 3D right foot scans representing the Spanish adult female and male population for footwear design. Each foot is described by a 5626 × 3 configuration matrix of landmarks. No multivariate features are used for establishing the taxonomy, but all the information gathered from the 3D scanning is employed. We use ADA for shapes described by landmarks. Women’s and men’s feet are analyzed separately. We have analyzed 3 archetypal feet for both men and women. These archetypal feet could not have been recovered using multivariate techniques.

Muscle Strength and Flexibility in Male Marathon Runners: The Role of Age, Running Speed and Anthropometry

Most studies on marathon runners have focused on physiological parameters determining performance, whereas neuromuscular aspects, such as muscle strength and flexibility, have received less attention. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine the relationship of age, body composition, and running speed with muscle strength and flexibility of recreational marathon runners. Male marathon runners (n = 130, age 44.1 ± 8.6 years, height 176 ± 6 cm, body mass 77 ± 9 body mass index 24.7 ± 2.6 kg.m^-2, and race speed 10.29 ± 1.87 km/h) were separated into eight age groups (<30, 30-35, 55-60, >60 years). Four weeks before competing in a marathon, participants performed the sit-and-reach test (SAR), squat jumps (SJ), and countermovement jumps (CMJ), and four isometric muscle strength tests (right and left handgrip, lifting with knees extended and flexed), providing an index of overall isometric muscle strength in absolute (kg) relative to body mass values (kg.kg^-1 body mass). Afterward, participants competed and finished the Athens Classic Marathon (2017), and race speed was used as an index of running performance. As an average for the whole sample, SAR was 17.6 ± 8.5 cm, SJ was 24.3 ± 4.2 cm, CMJ was 25.8 ± 4.8 cm, overall isometric muscle strength was 386 ± 59 kg in absolute values and 5.06 ± 0.78 kg/kg of body mass in relative terms. The older age groups had the lowest scores in SJ (p < 0.001, η_p ² = 0.298) and CMJ (p < 0.001, η_p ² = 0.304), whereas no age-related difference in SAR (p = 0.908, η_p ² = 0.022), absolute (p = 0.622, η_p ² = 0.042) and relative isometric muscle strength (p = 0.435, η_p ² = 0.055) was shown. Race speed correlated moderately with relative isometric strength (r = 0.42, p < 0.001), but not with the other neuromuscular measures (r < 0.13,p > 0.130). In summary, age-related differences were shown in jumping ability, but not in flexibility and isometric muscle strength. Although these parameters - except relative strength - did not relate to running speed, they were components of health-related physical fitness. Consequently, coaches and runners should consider exercises that include stretching and strengthening in their weekly program to ensure adequate levels for all components of health-related physical fitness.

Familial Resemblance in Body Shape and Composition, Metabolic Syndrome, Physical Activity and Physical Fitness: A Summary of Research in Portuguese Families and Siblings

We report a summary of Portuguese families and siblings research under the umbrella of the Portuguese Healthy Family Project. Families lived in mainland Portugal, as well as in the Azores and Madeira islands. All samples comprise children and adolescents (9-20 years) and their parents (27-57 years). Recruitment procedures and phenotypes were detailed. Familial resemblance in body shape and composition, metabolic syndrome, physical fitness, physical activity and sedentary behaviors are presented, as well as future research avenues.