Analysis of factors influencing sport cooperation in noncompetitive group gymnastic activities

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to analyse and identify the factors that have an influence on cooperation relationships during the carrying out of a non-competitive sports event, so to determine the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants in such event. For this reason, a cross-sectional study of the XII Gymnastic of Extremadura 2011 was done. The sample consisted of 478 gymnasts chosen randomly from the 1,802 athletes from different nationalities participating in the event (Spanish and Portuguese), aged from 3 to 69 years old. A Sociodemographic Questionnaire was used to collect the data of the study, along with the Sports Cooperation Questionnaire. Among the most relevant results, the majority of participants were women from Cáceres and participated in this event for the first time. Moreover, significant differences were found in the factors influencing the Cooperation variable, fun being the main reason for practicing. Therefore, participants in the Gymnastic of Extremadura do not display the same reasons to compete as players from other sports team modalities. In fact, these gymnasts' purpose is to show montages for the mere pleasure of showing them, without any competitive intention.