Abstract

In 21 selected contributions, this volume examines the social image, persona- lity traits, somatic characteristics, and performance of female athletes. Papers share the goal of combating stereotypes of female athletic inferiority with rigorous scientific assessment of physiological function and performance.This volume begins with contributions analyzing how social attitudes and tra- ditional sex roles may influence sports participation and performance. Find- ings from personality research and studies of leisure time are also pre- sented. Subsequent papers employ the methods of kinanthropometry to present new data on the somatic characteristics and performance potential of women. Papers offering general observations are followed by efforts to define and compare the physical traits characterizing elite athletes in such sports as swimming, gymnastics, basketball, and rowing. The influence of intensive training on the maturity process of girls is also evaluated. The volume concludes with a biomechanical study covering sex differences in joint movement range during growth. Verf.-Referat (gekuerzt)