Abstract

High level (N=25) and low level (N=41) competitive female gymnasts were compared with regards to their injury, physical and performance characteristics measured through a battery of tests. T-tests involving these variables and Discriminant and Stepwise Discriminant analyses of principal components derived from these variables served to identify what characteristics distinguished the high level from the low level gymnasts. The principal components could very well classify the high and the low competitive level gymnasts correctly (88 to 100) in Discriminant Analyses. Stepwise discriminant analyses showed that Body Size Strength and Power (largely an age factor) significantly contributed to the discrimination in the whole sample (p<0.001, High>Low). Endurance was a significant discriminator in all analyses (p<0.01 or better, High>Low), and Extent Flexibility in the oldest age group (p<0.001, Low>High). Time Lost due to Injury and Number of Previous Injuries were significantly higher for the High Level gymnasts in the whole sample (p<0.001 and p<0.05 respectively), but Injury Rate was not significantly different. These findings may assist in the eventual identification of characteristics required to become a high level gymnast. However, the relatively small number of subjects in this study dictates a cautious interpretation of the results. Verf.-Referat