Anthropometrical and Physiological characteristics of Indian National Artistic Gymnasts: A Gender-Based Perspective

Introduction: Artistic gymnastics is a type of sport in which physiological and anthropometric characteristics play a substantial role in performance which differ by gender. Severa studies are carried out on these aspects internationally, but very limited studies were concentrated on Indian gymnasts. Therefore, the aim of our study is to assess and compare the anthropometric and physiological characteristics of national-level male and female artistic gymnasts. Methods: The study was carried out among 38 gymnasts (20 males and 18 females). Anthropometric parameters such as height, weight etc. were measured according to standard protocols followed by ISAK manual. Physiological assessments included flexibility (sit-and-reach test), VO₂max (treadmill test with gas analyzer), and anaerobic power (Wingate Anaerobic Test). Results: Male gymnasts had significantly higher values in height (p = 0.005), weight (p = 0.037), lean mass (p = 0.009), VO₂max (p < 0.001), and maximum power (p = 0.006) compared to female gymnasts. Female gymnasts had higher body fat percentage (p = 0.006). Flexibility and BMI showed no significant gender difference. Effect size analysis indicated large differences in strength and aerobic/anaerobic capacities, with males outperforming females. Conclusions: The study highlights clear gender-based differences in the anthropometric and physiological profiles of Indian artistic gymnasts.