Petr Hedbávný1, Miriam Kalichová1
1Masaryk University, Faculty of Sport Studies, Brno, Czechia
Morphofunctional Characteristics of Elite Male Artistic Gymnasts Assessed by Bioelectrical Impedance
Sport Mont 2026, 24(2), Ahead of Print | DOI: 10.26773/smj.260614
Abstract
Artistic gymnastics requires a specific morphological profile characterized by high muscle mass and low body fat. Understanding body composition in elite gymnasts is essential for optimizing performance and guiding specialization. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to describe the body composition characteristics of current elite male artistic gymnasts competing at the international level, and to compare all-around gymnasts with upper-body and lower-body specialists, while also analyzing the variability of selected anthropometric and bioelectrical parameters. Thirty-one elite male artistic gymnasts were assessed using a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer (InBody 770). Basic anthropometric data, whole-body and segmental composition, somatotype indices, and phase angle were evaluated. Athletes were divided into four subgroups: all-around, floor and vault specialists, pommel horse specialists, and ring specialists. Based on somatotype classification, the gymnasts demonstrated a homogeneous mesomorphic profile with high fat-free and skeletal muscle mass and low body fat percentage. Significant inter-group differences were observed in BMI, obesity degree, hip and thigh circumferences, and age (p<0.05). Floor and vault specialists had higher BMI (24.3 vs. 22.2 kg/m²) and larger thigh circumferences (52.4 vs. 49.0 cm) than pommel horse specialists, while ring specialists were older (28.0 vs. 20.0 years) than other groups. Segmental analysis provided additional insight into the distribution of fat-free and fat mass and phase angle in the limbs. Elite male artistic gymnasts exhibit a consistent mesomorphic body type with event-specific adaptations reflecting the biomechanical and functional demands of each apparatus. The inclusion of segmental analysis and non-parametric variability indices adds methodological value and enhances understanding of morphological characteristics in elite gymnastics. These results may serve as reference data for athlete monitoring, selection, and training optimization.
Keywords
anthropometry, artistic gymnastics, body composition, InBody, phase angle, specialization
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