A COMPARISON OF PHYSIOLOGICAL-CHARACTERISTICS OF ELITE AND SUBELITE RHYTHMIC GYMNASTS

A comparison was conducted between the physiological characteristics of a group of elite (N = 9) and subelite (N = 14) rhythmic sportive gymnasts. The elite gymnasts were members of Canadian National team, and were all ranked in the top ten in Canada at the time of testing; while the subelite gymnasts were members of a local Winnipeg gymnastics club. The elite gymnasts trained for between 25-30 hours per week, while the subelite athletes trained for 9-12 hours per week. The subelite gymnasts were younger (13.7 vs. 15.5 years), slightly shorter (3 cm) and almost the same weight (49.3 vs. 49.1 kg) as the elite gymnasts. The sum of five skinfolds was significantly higher for the subelite group (47.89 mm vs. 38.30 mm for the elite group), suggesting that the elite gymnasts had substantially less surface adipose tissue. This is important in the enhancement of their esthetic appeal during their performances, which are judged subjectively. The per cent body fat values were somewhat higher in the subelite group (14.49%), compared to the elite group (12.15%) although these values were not significantly different. The anaerobic capacity, as measured by a treadmill test, was similar between the two groups (35 vs. 39 seconds). The blood lactate values following the performance of the routine were slightly higher for the elite gymnasts, suggesting a higher anaerobic lactic power. The mean VO2 max values were also similar between these two groups, with the elite values slightly higher (50.4 ml.kg-1 min-1 vs. 48.8 ml.kg-1 min-1) than those for the subelite. The major differences found between these two groups occurred between flexibility test scores. In seven out of ten flexibility measures, the elite athletes were significantly more flexible. The largest differences occurred in trunk flexion-extension values, lumbar spine flexibility, thoracic flexibility, and flexibility of the shoulder joint. The subelite gymnasts had slightly higher flexibility scores on the hip abduction measure, or the ability to perform sideways splits. The majority of the concentric strength scores were not significantly different between the two groups; however the two scores which were higher for the elite group were right knee extension and left shoulder extension. The elite group of athletes were significantly stronger in six out of the twelve eccentric strength scores, suggesting increased eccentric strength development, likely due to the increased number of takeoffs and landings. These results suggest that elite rhythmic gymnasts must have lower percent body fat, increased flexibility and increased strength levels to be successful.