Anthropometric Measurements, Motor Abilities, and Their Contribution to the Selection of Female Gymnasts Aged 4–5 Years

Abstract

The selection of children aged 4-5 years in gymnastics is a crucial age group. The researcher, who is interested in this activity, observed a significant problem: the lack of reliance on scientific principles in the selection process for this important age group by most professionals in this field. There is a lack of understanding regarding the contribution of anthropometric measurements and biomechanical abilities to the selection process for this age group. This research aims to identify the most important anthropometric measurements and biomechanical abilities suitable for this age group, as well as the contribution of these measurements to the selection process. The research sample consisted of 180 girls aged 4-5 years from the center of the holy city of Karbala, representing 23% of the total population of 800 children from 15 kindergartens distributed throughout the city of Karbala. The sample was distributed as follows: 40 One child was selected for the pilot sample, and 100 children were selected for factor analysis. One of the most important conclusions reached by the researcher is the acceptance of two factors for anthropometric measurements.

Among the most important recommendations reached by the researcher is the finding that there are four factors, two of which are accepted for biomotor abilities. This relies on the significant indicators contributing to the acceptance of anthropometric and biomotor ability factors when selecting children aged 4-5 years. It also depends on the acceptance of factors in terms of their order and composition when selecting this age group.