The Physical Characteristics of Elite Female Figure Skaters

Authors : Emine Kutlay, Gamze Güner, Eylül Kaplan

Pages : 342-353

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Publication Date : 2021-09-15

Article Type : Research

Abstract :The physical characteristics of high-level athletes differ in each sport, and coaches and athletes have a tendency to these traits. In this study, the physical characteristics of figure skaters (N=22) were examined. Anthropometric measurements were taken in accordance with ISAK protocol. Variables that were derived from anthropometric measurements and somatotype components of the athletes were calculated. Descriptive statistics analyses were carried out using IBM SPSS 25.0 statistics program. Percentage increase amounts were calculated in age groups and significant increase rates were examined. Body weight (BW), biceps, iliac crest, suprasipinale, abdominal, front tight skinfold thickness (ST), Σ6 and Σ8 between Groups I and II; biceps ST between Groups II and III; BW, subscapular, iliac crest, suprasipinale, abdominal ST and Trunk/Extremity ratio between Groups III and IV; BW, biceps, medial calf ST between Groups IV and V showed changes of 20% and more. In Groups II and IV an increase was observed in more parameters and ST values. In arm girth measurements were observed a change of 15.5% in groups III, IV and in other girth measurements were observed a change of 10% between age groups. In breadth measurement values, the most significant change was seen between Groups IV and V (12-16%). Somatotype components were determined 2.3-3.2-3.4 and 2.3-3.5-3.3 in Group IV, V. In our study, the physical characteristics of the athletes in the groups have changed with maturation. As the age progressed, an increase in the parameters related to the amount of body fat was observed.
Keywords : Physical characteristics, Anthropometric measurements, Figure skating, Athletes.