The effects of gymnastics training on selected parameters of anaerobic capacity in 12-year-old boys

One of the aims of the study was to describe the physiological factors of young boys participating in artistic gymnastic training and evaluate differences between the levels of aerobic and anaerobic efficiency in this group as compared to the control group.

The young male gymnasts selected to participate in the present study have been (G) participating in the training process since they were 6 years old (N.=12, age 11-12 y). In the control group (N.=12, age 11-12 y), boys were participating in physical education classes (C). Anaerobic efficiency was evaluated by using a 30 s Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) for arms. Adjusted load was defined on the level of 50 g·kg-1 of body mass. Aerobic efficiency was defined using gradual effort to exhaustion for lower limbs on the cycle ergometer with simultaneous analysis of breathing gases.

The test to exhaustion showed that group G achieved lower VO2peak results as compared to group C. The values were respectively: 48.1 mL·kg-1·min-1 and 55.6 mL·kg-1·min-1 (P<0.05). In the examination of anaerobic efficiency for upper limb parameters, total work and mean power were higher in group G than in group C, while the fatigue index (FI) was lower.

It is likely that early specialization in young male gymnasts may influence proper aerobic metabolism development. Executing WAnT using arms in group G was more convenient and precise according to anaerobic efficiency.