AN ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL TRAINING ON YOUNG GYMNASTS`ANTHROPOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to analyze the possible alterations in young gymnasts` anthropometric characteristics. 11 pre-pubertal female gymnasts, aged between 8 and 12, were evaluated. The anthropometric variables measured were: physical mass (Kg), stature (cm), BMI (Kg/m ²), lean body mass (kg), fat body mass (kg), circumferences (cm) and wingspan (cm). The percentage of fat (%G) was obtained through the equation of Lohman. In the statistics, the signs in posts Wilcoxon test was used, with p <0,05. There was statistically significant difference in the variables: body mass, fat percentage, BMI, fat body mass, lean body mass, wingspan, triciptal cutaneous fold and circumferences of contracted arm, forearm, thigh, calf, thorax, pelvis and hip. It has been concluded that the prescription of physical training alters substantially the components of adiposity and lean body mass, going in agreement with the specificity of the sport.