Statistical analysis of the results of physical, motor, and skill tests to determine indicators of outstanding performance in artistic gymnastics among youth in Iraq

Abstract

This study aimed to statistically analyze the results of physical and skill tests to determine the most important indicators of distinguished performance in artistic gymnastics among young athletes in Iraq. The study followed the descriptive analytical approach on a sample of (32) artistic gymnasts registered in the Iraqi Central Gymnastics Federation, aged between (16-19) years. The sample underwent a set of physical tests including (strength, flexibility, agility, balance, muscular endurance), and skill tests specific to the six gymnastics apparatuses. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze data through means, standard deviations, Pearson correlation coefficient, and factor analysis.

The results showed a strong correlation between certain physical variables and the level of skill performance, where seven main factors explained 78.65% of the total variance in performance level. Statistical analysis revealed that arms and shoulders muscle strength, hip-specific flexibility, static balance, and abdominal muscular endurance were among the most important physical indicators associated with distinguished skill performance. The results also indicated that the performance level of rotation and stability skills on parallel bars and jumping skills on the vaulting table were among the strongest skill indicators that distinguished outstanding athletes.

The study recommends adopting these indicators in selection, evaluation, and training processes for young artistic gymnasts, designing training programs that focus on developing physical and skill factors with the greatest impact on performance level, and conducting more future studies to include different age groups and comparing results with international standards.