The relationship between women’s artistic gymnastics technical skill, physical performance test results and success in competitions in Finland

Abstract

The aim of this study was to find out the potential of the Minoritest to identify the most likely talented gymnasts to join the national team pre-training group in Finland. The study examined the relationships between gymnasts’ (N=215, age 10-13) Minoritest results (2006-2010) and success in competitions after the Minoritests until the end of 2016. The competition results were also compared between the gymnasts who had participated in the test and a random number (N=180) of gymnasts who had not. According to this study, the majority (92%) of the best gymnasts in competitions had participated in the Minoritest. 39% of the best in competitions were among the top 10 in the Minoritest. The test results from the technical skills showed a significant connection to the average competition results in all age groups and to the average competition level in the 10-12-year-olds. The test results of the flexibility section did not show relation to competition success. The test results of the strength section showed a significant connection to the average competition results and to the average competition level in the 10-11-year-olds. In the 12-13-year-olds the test results of the strength section showed a relation to the average competition level. According to this study Minoritest success have a positive connection to the future competition success. However, the relation cannot be considered unequivocal. The test results of the strength section can be considered a significant section for the 10-11-year-olds to predict future potential to succeed.