Abstract

Regular physical training and intensive loads are specific factors, which influence body composition at child and adolescent age (Douda et al., 2002; Georopoulos et al., 1999, 2001, 2002). Rhythmic gymnastic is demanding discipline that requires gymnasts to be in optimal body composition and maintain thin body type with lowest possible body fat content. This means that among others, body composition and morphological characteristics may be considered as important factors in determining the quality of sport performance (Douda et al., 2002; Georopoulos et al., 1999, 2001, 2002). It is particularly important to determine gymnast’s optimal body composition (at the different age groups), which can be helpful to the best quality of performance. In this research took part 41 gymnasts from Kaunas sport school (11,84 ± 1,33 age; 152,94 ± 9,1 weight; 39,78 ± 6,87 height; 16,86 ± 1,4 KMI; 11,74 ± 4,96% fat content). Gymnasts were divided into six groups according to their sport results and into two according their age. In 12–14-year age group better results demonstrated taller gymnasts, with average or over weight (42,4 kg and 48,6 kg), and smaller body mass index (p < 0,05). Better results reached in younger gymnasts age group (9–11 year) shorter, lighter, with smallest body mass index and average body fat content gymnasts (p > 0,05). Comparing of some anthropometric data of Lithuanian, Greek (Douda et al., 2002), Canadian (Klentrou, Pyley, 2003) and elite (Georgopoulos et.al., 2001) gymnasts showed, that Lithuanian gymnasts were apt to be taller and heavier in all age groups (p < 0,001). And this can be negative factor for judge’s values (Popovic, 2000; Павлова, 1988; Douda, 2000a; Nordin, 2003) also for realization of sport performance. Verf.-Referat