Abstract

Introduction and aims: the aim of the present study is to characterize the evolution of the height and weight, somatotype and body composition, with age, in elite rhythmic female gymnasts (RG), and to compare these values with the Spanish reference population. Method: the design of the study is retrospective, observational, descriptive and has two grouping strategies of the sample: cross-sectional (n=151) and mixed-longitudinal (n = 79). It has measured height, weight, somatotype and body composition. Results: the results of the transversal sample were considered as changes due to age because no significant differences were observed in the analysed variables between the cross-sectional sample and the mixed-longitudinal one, within the same age range. Conclusions: from de age of 10, the rhythmic female gymnasts are taller and lighter than de Spanish reference population. Both variables show a growth trend in agreement with previous studies, and support the delay of both peak height and peak weight velocity (PHV and PWV). The gymnasts conform from first ages a somatotypical homogenous group, with prevalence in ectomorphism. No significant differences are observed in fat mass and muscular mass through the age. From the first ages, the described somatic characteristics in RG, suggests a previous process of selection.