Aim: To analyse anthropometric, body composition profile, onset of menarche and training experience of young and adult elite group rhythmic gymnasts (GRG). Methods: Eighty-four GRG, who participated in the 2009/2010 RG World Cup were evaluated. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and relative body fat (% BF), fat mass (FM) and lean body mass (LBM) were estimated from skinfold thickness (suprailiac, triceps, thigh and calf). Age at menarche was recorded using a questionnaire. Results: Elite GRG had a similar height, % BF, FM and waist/hip ratio profile no matter their chronological age (20.5 ± 1.7 vs 16.5 ± 0.9 years old), but the values were higher than those reported in previous RG studies. However, the adult elite RG had a higher BMI than younger gymnasts (19.0 ± 1.2 vs 18.5 ± 1.4 kg/m2) both at the normal range. The absolute and relative LBM (kg; %) were higher in the adult gymnasts with higher training experience level (25.0 ± 2.5 vs 27.5 ± 2.5 kg; 48.4 ± 2.1 vs 50.6 ± 2.1%). The younger gymnasts began training RG earlier (6.1 ± 1.2 vs 6.8 ± 1.7 years old), suggesting nowadays an earlier specific initiation in RG, and had a lower training experience (10.3 ± 1.6 vs 13.4 ± 2.5 years). Conclusion: The younger gymnasts recorded earlier onset of menarche (14.8 ± 1.1 vs 16.6 ± 1.2 years old). Years of training before menarche and chronological age were both correlated with age at menarche: the greater the years of training before menarche and the older the chronological age, the later the age at menarche.
© Copyright 2013 Science & Sports. Elsevier. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.