Artistic Gymnastics Improves Biomarkers Related to Physical Fitness and Health at Primary School Age

Artistic gymnastics requires the performance of a variety of technical elements on different apparatuses where gymnasts have to overcome their body mass. Maintaining optimal health and a good level of physical fitness is crucial in order to successfully perform the routines. The aim of this study was to assess health and physical fitness related biomarkers in young gymnasts, whilst estimating the benefits of regular gymnastics practice at primary school ages. The study included 90 children, 49 of whom (mean age 9.5 years) were practising artistic gymnastics for at least 2 years with an average of 6 hours per week, and a control group of 41 children (mean age 8.9 years). The participants completed the Alpha-Fit physical fitness test battery (BMI, %Fat, handgrip strength, standing long jump, 4x10m shuttle run test and 20m multistage fitness test). Percentile scores were calculated for the results of each test. The height, body mass, BMI, and %Fat of the male and female gymnasts were significantly lower than those of the control groups (p 1.20). All gymnasts had their body fat within the norms. The results from the standing long jump test, 4x10m shuttle run test, as well as the 20m shuttle run test, were significantly greater in favour of the gymnasts in comparison to the control groups for both genders (p 1.20). These findings show that practising artistic gymnastics has a positive impact on the health-related biomarkers of children’s physical fitness, and it contributes to sustaining a normal health status.