KINANTHROPOMETRY Anthropometric Profile of Age Level & National Level Female Gymnasts In Bangladesh

Introduction: Each sport has a unique anthropometric profile that may be distinguished based on the position, function, or event type within each sport discipline. Anthropometric measurements of gymnasts are important because they play a crucial role in their athletic performance. There isn't much research on gymnastics in Bangladesh. Hence, the purpose of this study was to determine the anthropometric fitness traits of age-level and national-level female gymnasts in Bangladesh. Methods: A total of 20 female gymnasts from Bangladesh Krira Sikkha Protisthan (BKSP) were recruited for the study, divided into two groups: 10 age-level gymnasts and 10 national-level gymnasts. Their ages ranged from 15 to 18 years. The International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry has outlined certain techniques for taking kinanthropometric measurements. The anthropometric characteristics, including height, weight, arm length, leg length, shoulder width, hip circumference& sitting height, were analysed, and the results obtained from the two groups were compared by the analysed "t-test" (p < 0.05). Results: The results indicate that the national-level gymnasts had significantly lower BMI and body fat percentages compared to the age-level gymnasts. Additionally, the study found that age-level gymnasts had significantly higher body fat percentages compared to national-level gymnasts. Conclusion: This study’s findings suggest a significant difference in the anthropometric profile of female gymnasts in Bangladesh between age-level and national-level athletes. These findings could be useful for coaches and athletes in designing training programs and optimizing performance for female gymnasts in Bangladesh.


Introduction
Physical qualities, such as anthropometric measurements and body composition, play a significant role in the requirements for success in various sports (Claessens et al., 1999). Numerous research has been carried out in recent years to determine the best body type for various sports. The average height and weight of female athletes in numerous sports, including tennis, swimming, and sports competitions, are comparable to or frequently higher than the median value of the typical non-trained peer group of females. The primary benefit in the category of aesthetic sports, however, is a smaller body size with a significantly reduced amount of fat in the body composition and performance-related acceptable fat-free mass in the female athlete. This is especially true in gymnastics (Arriaza et al., 2016). Even though the anthropometric character does not ensure a greater degree of accomplishment in a particular activity, several morphological traits have been thought to be related to individual achievement in sports like rhythmic gymnastics (RG). These gymnasts exhibit low-fat mass and lengthy extremities, as per earlier research in RG (Georgopoulos et al., 1999;Klentrou & Plyley, 2003). It is generally known that physical characteristics, such as body type and size, have a substantial impact on performance in a variety of sports, especially aesthetic sports and all forms of dance. Figure skating, rhythmic gymnastics, and artistic gymnastics are the three most difficult sports to compete in among the so-called feminine aesthetic sports (Lukić, 2020). The selection of young, outstanding female gymnasts has typically been done using anthropometric measures (Bradshaw & Le Rossignol, 2004). By measuring the body's size, shape, proportions, and composition utilizing non-invasive, reasonably priced, and portable technologies, anthropometric evaluation contributes to a better knowledge of the overall functioning of the human body (Claessens et al., 1991;Garrido-Chamorro et al., 2012). In the beginning of the rhythmic gymnastics training process as well as in the sport selection process, the establishment of morphological traits with the performance of certain abilities may be extremely beneficial (Jelicić et al., 2002). These anthropometric constitutions are associated with the gymnasts' first selection (Baxter-Jones & Maffulli, 2002) and, because of their anthropometric traits, serve as a predictor of the potential of young female gymnasts (Claessens et al., 1999;Di Cagno et al., 2009). Additionally, it is well established that morphological constitution, skill-based elements, and psychological aspects all significantly influence achieving strong achievements in gymnasts (Claessens et al., 1999;Di Cagno et al., 2009). Certain body shapes may be favorable for winning accomplishments since elite players' physical and physiological traits vary across sports (Arazi et al., 2023). To identify the features and traits of elite athletes in various sports, physiological and anthropometric profiles have been created. The gymnast's performance might well be influenced by a wide range of physiological and anthropometric parameters, according to the evidence (Faria & Faria, 1989). To our awareness, the fitness and anthropometric information on gymnasts that is accessible is sparse and lacking in Bangladesh. Thus, the goal of this study was to identify the anthropometric fitness characteristics of age level & national level female gymnasts in Bangladesh.

Methods
A total of 20 female gymnast (15.20±3.4 years) were selected as subject for the present study. Among them 10 were age level & 10 were national level female gymnast. The subjects were from Bangladesh Krira Sikkha Protisthan. The regional ethics committee gave its approval to the study protocol. The Bangladesh Krira Sikkha Protisthan and the Expert Committee of the Gymnastics Federation of Bangladesh received quick written requests, and after being told of the study's significance to science and its many advantages, authorization was given for the testing to proceed. In the present study, anthropometric measurements were the measuring criteria. Anthropometric profile was assessed by measuring height, weight, arm length, leg length, shoulder width, hip circumference& sitting height.

Instruments & Tools Used
Following instruments & tools were used for collecting data in the present study: a. An Anthropometric tape for measuring length.
b. Digital weighing machine for measuring weight.
c. Stadiometer used for measuring standing height.

Procedure of Collecting Data
Seven different anthropometric parameters were measured by following standard procedures as mentioned below:

Standing Height
A stadiometer was used to determine the standing height. The subjects were instructed to stand straight up against the measurement post on the wooden platform without shoes. A movable pointer for precise measuring was fastened to the top of the post. The individual stood such that their heels were in contact with one another. The movable pointer was positioned such that it created a right angle with the post and contacted the midway of the head. Then, centimeters were measured vertically from the top of the head to the surface of the wooden platform.

Body weight:
It was taken by Digital weighing machine with normal dress of the subject. The measurement was taken in Kilogram

Leg length
It was measured by anthropometric tape. The leg length was measured from greater trochanter to lateral malleolus in a standing erect position. The measurement was taken in centimeter.

Sitting Height
The sitting height was measured in such a way that the subject was directed to sit erect on a chair against a measured wall. The arm rested on the thigh. The ruler was placed on the head parallel to the ground from the highest point on the head to base sitting surface was measured by the anthropometric tape. The distance measured between the highest points of the head to sitting surface was considered as sitting height.

Shoulder Width
The subject was made to stand erect with shoulder relaxed and elbows closed to the body. The measurement was taken from the behind of the subject. To measure the actual shoulder width, the most lateral margins of the acromial processes was taken by a steel tape in centimeter.

Hip Circumference
By a steel tape it was measured. The subject was instructed to stand erect position facing tester. The steel tape was placed at a level from the maximal protrusion of the buttocks to the symphysis pubis. The reading of the measurement was taken in centimeter

Analytical procedure
For analysis of data standard statistical procedure was used. Mean was calculated as a measure of central tendency by using the formula.

= ∑
The standard deviation (SD) was calculated as the measure of variability by using the formula- The formula used for T-test, t = x 1 − x 2 √ σ 1 2 N 1 + σ 2 2 N 2

Results and interpretation
The raw data were analysed following standard statistical technique. The central tendency of different parameters for different level female gymnast in Bangladesh were found out by calculating mean and their variability DOI: 10.34256/ijk2315 was expressed by standard deviation. For better understanding the data have been presented separately for different parameters in the following sections. Table 1 represents the mean and standard deviation for age level and national level female gymnast in Bangladesh It is seen from Table 1 that the mean values of standing height for age level and national level female gymnast were 146.68 cm and 154.43cm respectively. It is clear from Table 1 that the mean values were higher for national level female gymnast than that of age level female gymnast. The mean values of standing height for age level and national level female gymnast in Bangladesh have been presented in Figure 1. understood that the national level female gymnasts were taller than that of age level female gymnast. In order to test whether the difference in mean height between age level and national level female gymnast was statistically significant,'t' value was calculated. Table-2 shows the result.

Standing height
It is clearly understood from the results shown in above table that the national level female gymnasts were taller than their age level female gymnast counterpart in standing height and it was statistically significant.  It is seen from Table 3 that the mean values of body weight for age level and national level female gymnast were 36.9 kg and 47.8 kg respectively. It is clear from the table that the mean values were higher for national level female gymnast than age level female gymnast. The mean values of weight for age level and national level female gymnast have been presented in Figure 9  Fig 9, it is clearly understood that the national level female gymnasts were heavier than age level female gymnast. In order to test whether the difference in mean body weight between age level and national level female gymnast was statistically significant, 't' value was calculated. Table-4 shows the result.
It is clearly understood from the results shown in above table that the national level female gymnasts were heavier than their age level female gymnast counterpart in body weight and it was statistically significant.

Arm length
Table-5 represents the mean and standard deviation forage level and national level female gymnast in Bangladesh.
It is seen from Table -5 that the mean values of arm length for age level and national level female gymnast were 64.5 cm and 68 cm respectively. It is clear from Table 5 that the mean values were higher for national level female gymnast than that of age level female gymnast. The mean values of arm length for age level and national level female gymnast in Bangladesh have been presented in Figure 10. Figure 10. Mean values of arm length for age level and national level female gymnast From Fig 10 it is clearly understood that the national level female gymnast got longer upper limbs than the age level female gymnast. In order to test whether the difference in mean arm length between national level female gymnast and age level female gymnast was statistically significant, 't' value was calculated. Table 6 shows the results.
It is clearly understood from the results shown in above table-6 that the national level female gymnast had longer upper limbs than their age level female gymnast counterpart in arm length and it was statistically significant. Table 7 represents the mean and standard deviation leg length forage level and national level female gymnast.

Leg length
From the table it is seen that the mean value of leg length age level female gymnast was 79.1 cm whereas this value for National level female gymnast was 84 cm. It is clear from the table that the value was higher for National level female gymnast than their counterpart age level female gymnast.
The mean values of leg length for age level and national level female gymnast in Bangladesh have been presented in Fig 11 Figure 11. Mean values of leg length for age level and national level female Gymnast From Fig 11 it is clearly understood that the national level female gymnast got longer lower limbs than the age level female gymnast. In order to test whether the difference in mean leg length between national level female gymnast and age level female gymnast was statistically significant,'t' value was calculated. Table 8 shows the results.
It is clearly understood from the results shown in above table that the national level female gymnast had longer lower limbs than their age level female gymnast counterpart in leg length and it was statistically significant. Table 9 represents the mean and standard deviation forage level and national level female gymnast in Bangladesh.

DOI: 10.34256/ijk2315
It is seen from Table 9 that the mean values of sitting height for age level and national level female gymnast were 73.4 cm and 80.7 cm respectively. It is clear from the Table that the mean value was higher for national level female gymnast than age level female gymnast.
The mean values of sitting height for age level and national level female gymnast have been presented in figure-12.

Figure 12.
The mean values of sitting height for age level and national level female Gymnast From Fig 12 it is clearly understood that the national level female gymnasts were greater in sitting height than the age level female gymnasts. In order to test whether the difference in mean sitting height between age level female gymnasts and national level female gymnasts was statistically significant, 't' value was calculated. Table 10 shows the result. It is clearly understood from the results shown in above table that the national level female gymnasts were higher in sitting height than the age level female gymnasts counterpart and the mean difference was statistically significant. So the difference in sitting height between age level and national level female gymnast was to be accepted as significant. Table-11 represents the mean and standard deviation for different level female gymnasts in Bangladesh.  It is clearly understood from the above Fig 13 that the national level female gymnasts had greater shoulder width than the age level female gymnasts. In order to test whether the difference in mean shoulder width between age level female gymnasts and national level female gymnasts was statistically significant, 't' value was calculated. Table-10 shows the result. It is clearly understood from the results shown in above table that the national level female gymnasts had greater shoulder width than the age level female gymnasts counterpart and the mean difference was statistically significant. So the difference in shoulder width between age level and national level female gymnast was to be accepted as significant. Table 13 represents the mean and standard deviation for different level female gymnast.  It is clearly understood from the above figure that the national level female gymnasts had greater hip circumference than the age level female gymnasts. In order to test whether the difference in mean hip circumference between age level female gymnasts and national level female gymnasts was statistically significant, 't' value was calculated. Table-14 shows the result. It is clearly understood from the results shown in above table that the national level female gymnast had greater hip circumference than the age level female gymnast counterpart and the mean difference was statistically significant. So the difference in hip circumference between age level and national level female gymnast was to be accepted as significant.

Discussion
Anthropometric profiling of female gymnasts involves measuring and analyzing the physical characteristics of the athletes such as height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and body composition. This information is useful in understanding the physical demands of the sport, as well as in determining the optimal body type and physical abilities needed to excel in gymnastics (Mohammad, 2015).
Anthropometric measurements, such as height, weight, limb lengths, and joint range of motion, can vary among female gymnasts of different age levels and national levels. However, some common characteristics of gymnasts include a small body frame, proportional limb lengths, and high levels of flexibility and strength (Bauli & Mridha, 2018). It's important to note that the ideal anthropometric profile for a gymnast will vary based on the specific requirements of each event and the rules of the governing body (Ávila-Carvalho et al., 2013). For example, taller gymnasts may have an advantage in events such as the uneven bars, while shorter gymnasts may have an advantage in tumbling and floor exercise. Additionally, national level gymnasts may have unique anthropometric profiles based on their training and coaching programs, cultural background, and genetics (Bauli & Mridha,2018).
At the age level, female gymnasts are usually between the ages of 5 and 18, and the anthropometric profiles can vary greatly depending on the gymnast's age and skill level. Generally, younger gymnasts tend to be shorter and lighter, while older gymnasts tend to be taller and have a higher body mass index (Sinning & Lindberg, 1972). This can be attributed to the natural growth and development that occurs during adolescence. At the national level, female gymnasts have a high level of athleticism, with a lean and muscular physique. This body type allows for the strength, flexibility, and coordination necessary for performing difficult gymnastics skills (Bauli & Mridha, 2018).
From the results of the research, we found significant differences (p<0.05) in the values of body height, weight, arm length, leg length, shoulder width, hip circumference & sitting height which are observed between two groups. To evaluate an athlete's development, growth, the impact of training, nutritional planning, as well as the choice and orientation of possible skills, it is advantageous to look at their body composition (Cabañas-Armesilla & Esparza-Ros, 2009). Regarding the findings, it was discovered that participants' performance increased as they grownup (relative to their age) (Lindner et al.,1991). This might be because gymnastic exercises required training, and older individuals put in a lot more practice time than younger subjects did, as Kaur also observed in her research (Kaur ,2014).
In summary, the anthropometric profile of female gymnasts at both the age and national level can vary greatly, with the ideal body type being lean, muscular, and athletic. However, the most important factor for success in gymnastics is not physical size, but rather technical skill, strength, flexibility, and mental preparation.

Conclusions
On the basis of the results obtained, following conclusions are drawn: a) National level female gymnasts were taller than age level female gymnasts. b) National level female gymnasts were heavier than age level female gymnasts. c) In regard to arm length, the national level female gymnasts had longer upper limbs than age level female gymnasts.
d) In regard to leg length, the national level female gymnasts had longer lower limbs than age level female gymnasts.
e) National level female gymnasts sitting height was more than the age level female gymnast.
f) National level female gymnasts were superior to age level female gymnasts in shoulder width. g) National level female gymnasts were superior to age level female gymnasts in hip circumference