Investigation of the Effect of Anthropometric Measurements of 11-12 Years Old Female Swimmers on Flexibility Parameter

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of anthropometric measurements on flexibility parameter of 11-12 years old female swimmers. 36 female swimmers aged 11-12 who trained in the Van Indoor Olympic Swimming Pool voluntarily participated in the study. The participants had an average age of 11.44 years, average height of 153.0 cm and average body weight of 44.04 kg. Diameter, perimeter, length and subcutaneous fat fold values were recorded with the anthropometric set. For the flexibility measurement, sit-reach test was taken and for the other flexibility measurements; shoulder flexibility test, dorsal and planter flexion, V-sitting test and hamstring flexibility test were used. The data collected were analyzed using the SPSS 21.0 statistical package program. Pearson correlation test and descriptive statistics were used in the analysis of the data and their significance levels were examined (p<0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between some of the anthropometric measurements and the sit-reach test of the female swimmers (p<0.01). A statistically significant difference was found between the anthropometric measurements and other flexibility tests of the female swimmers (p<0.01). A statistically significant difference was found between upper body length the left wrist planter flexion (p<0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between height-overarm difference and shoulder diameter and foot length (p<0.05). In conclusion, the effect of anthropometric measurements on flexibility parameter of 11-12 year old female swimmers was found to be significant in our study. Female swimmers aged 11-12 who receive regular swimming training can be said to have improved flexibility levels and increased sporting performance.