The influence of anthropometry on the balance beam performance of young gymnasts

Achieving the best results in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics depends on many factors. The balance beam is one of the four apparatus in women’s all-around competition, and it is necessary to identify the factors that are crucial in achieving the best results on this apparatus. A review of the literature showed that a small number of studies dealing with this problem, especially in the younger age categories of gymnasts. The main aim of this research is to determine anthropometry as a factor of success in practicing on the balance beam in young categories of gymnasts. The research included 47 gymnasts, participants of the “Laza Krstic and Marica Dželatovic” competition held in Novi Sad. Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software version 20.0. For each variable the main central and dispersion parameters are shown, and the normality of distribution was tested using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Regression analysis revealed a statistically significant impact of anthropometry on the success. The scientific contribution of this research is to determine the share of selected variables in achieving success on the balance beam in young gymnasts.