Abstract des Autors

The purpose of this study was to determine the trends of fitness acquisition via isometric knee extension breaking strength (IKEBS) as measured by a Nicholas Manuel Muscle Tester-TM (NMMT) and body composition as measured by summing skinfolds. The data were analyzed on 7 female gymnasts for 1 academic year. The four skinfold thicknesses taken from the right side of the body by the same investigator included medial gastrocnemius, anterior thigh, triceps, and chin. The IKEBS measurement was obtained by placing the NMMT approximately 2 cm proximal to the anterior ankle joint line, placing the knee in 30ø of flexion, and pushing on the NMMT until the athlete could no longer resist the displacing force. The gymnasts showed a marked decrease in sum of skinfolds during the preparatory phase of training. Skinfolds stabilized during the competition phase and then increased postseason. The IKEBS assessments were calculated as absolute values, relative to body mass, and relative to skinfold sums. The IKEBS trends indicated rapid increases during the preparatory period followed by moderate increases during the competition phase. Both body composition and strength changes occurred weekly throughout the year. Verf.-Referat