Original scientific paper
Effects of Biomotor Structures on Performance of Competitive Gymnastics Elements in Elementary School Male Sixth-Graders
Sunčica Delaš
Nebojša Zagorac
Ratko Katić
Abstract
In order to identify the biomotor systems that determine performance of competitive gymnastics elements in elementary
school male sixth-graders, factor structures of morphological characteristics and basic motor abilities were determined
first, followed by relations of the morphological-motor system factors obtained with a set of criterion variables evaluating
specific motor skills in competitive gymnastics in 110 male children aged 12 years 3 months. Factor analysis of
17 morphological measures produced three morphological factors: factor of mesoectoendomorphy (general morphological
factor) and factor of pronounced endomorphy, i.e. excessive adipose tissue, along with low skeleton longitudinality.
Factor analysis of 16 motor variables yielded four motor factors: factor of general motoricity; factor integrating leg flexibility
and arm explosiveness; factor juxtaposing body flexibility and repetitive leg strength; and factor predominantly defining
leg movement frequency. Three significant canonical correlations, i.e. linear combinations, explained the association
between the set of six latent variables of the morphological and basic motor system, and five variables assessing the
knowledge in competitive gymnastics. The first canonical linear combination was based on the favorable and predominant
impact of the general motor factor (a system integrating leg explosiveness, whole body coordination, relative arm
and trunk strength, and arm movement frequency), along with unfavorable effect of morphological factors on the gymnastics
elements performance, squat vault and handstand in particular. The relation of the second pair of canonical factors
pointed to the effects of leg flexibility and arm explosiveness on the cartwheel and backward pullover mount performance,
whereas the relation of the third pair of canonical factors showed a favorable impact of the general morphological
factor and leg movement frequency regulator on the forward shoulderkip from increase, cartwheel and handstand performance.
Keywords
elementary school male students; morphological-motor status; competitive gymnastics; canonical relations
Hrčak ID:
27225
URI
Publication date:
7.7.2008.
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