Features of gender-related somatotypes and a range of anthropometric indicators in female partner acrobatics

Aim. The article aims to study somatic changes and a number of anthropometric indicators in gender-related somatotypes in “base” (in standing or lying position) and “flyer” acrobats. Materials and methods. Studies have been carried out to determine several anthropometric indicators and morphofunctional index values such as standing body length, upper and lower limb length, shoulder and pelvis width, sexual dimorphism index by J. Tanner & W. Marshall, body mass index. The experiment included 44 athletes in the period of puberty and adolescence engaged in female partner acrobatics. Research methods used: analysis of available scientific and methodological literature; mathematical processing of index values and the results obtained. Results. An analysis of the results showed significant differences in all anthropometric and morphofunctional values of the “base” and “flyer” acrobats. It was revealed that among the “base” acrobats there were no athletes with a gynecomorphic somatotype. Among the “base” acrobats, there was a predominance of female athletes with a mesomorphic somatotype - 18 (81.82%), while there were only 4 (18.18%) athletes with andromorphic somatotype. In “flyer” acrobats, there were mostly female athletes with a gynecomorphic somatotype - 19 (86.36%), 3 (13.64%) athletes were characterized by a mesomorphic somatotype, and there were no representatives of the andromorphic somatotype. Conclusion. Specialization and selection of “flyer” and “base” acrobats should be carried out taking into account not only the age difference between these athletes but also such anthropometric indicators as upper and lower limb length, shoulder and pelvis width and such morphofunctional index values as sexual dimorphism index and body mass index.