Analysis of the Influence of Personality Factors on Vaulting Performances in Women's Artistic Gymnastics

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the influence of personality attributes on sports performances achieved in competitions during vaulting event in the case of junior gymnasts aged 12 to 15. This was a two-stage study: the first stage, initial testing – September 2012 and the second stage – final testing – September 2013, with a group comprising 14 gymnasts aged 12 to 15, members of junior Olympic team of Romania, during their training sessions in Deva Center in 2012 and in the Olympic Center of Izvorani – 2013. Regarding the results of manifestation of junior female gymnasts’ personality, we found an improvement of indices level in final testing and significant differences between these indices and the scores achieved in vaulting event. As for the sports performances in vaulting event, we observe an increase in vaults difficulty, a better execution technique and higher final scores. Following a comparative analysis between the indices of personality attributes and the performances achieved in competitions in vaulting event, we have highlighted the level of manifestation of personality factors and their influence on the sports performances for this apparatus.