Caracterização antropométrica e física das posições base e flyer de Cheerleading: um estudo transversal

Abstract

Objective: To describe and compare the anthropometric characteristics and physical abilities of cheerleading athletes in the flyer (individual who is lifted by a group of people while performing a sequence of acrobatic movements) and base position (group or individual, in contact with the ground, responsible for lifting the flyer). Method: A cross-sectional quantitative study with the participation of cheerleading athletes in the base, flyer, and base/flyer positions, aged between 19 and 28 years. The participants underwent anthropometric assessment (body mass, height, and body mass index - BMI) and physical ability tests [step test (cardiorespiratory fitness), push-up test (upper limb strength and endurance - FMMSS), vertical jump test (lower limb power - PMMI), handgrip strength, and flexibility]. The comparison between groups (base, flyer, and base/flyer) was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. In cases of statistical significance between groups, the Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner test was applied to identify differences. The analyses were conducted using JAMOVI software, version 2.3.28, and a significance level of p≤0.05 was considered. Results: The study included 21 cheerleading athletes (11 bases, 7 flyers, and 3 base/flyers). The median age was 22.6 years (range: 19-28). Bases showed greater height [1.76m (1.54 - 1.87) vs. 1.55m (1.51 - 1.75) vs. 1.70m (1.60 - 1.73), p=0.021], body mass [85.1kg (67.9 - 110) vs. 52.3kg (43.2 - 57.5) vs. 61.0kg (48.2 - 64.8), p=0.038], and BMI [26.6 (24.1 - 36.2) vs. 20.1 (18.7 - 24.0) vs. 20.4 (18.8 - 22.4), p=0.001] than flyers and base/flyers, respectively. Regarding physical ability variables, no significant differences were observed when comparing these variables between groups. Conclusion: It is concluded that base-position athletes have greater height, body mass, and BMI but show similar performance in physical ability tests (FMMSS, PMMII, handgrip strength, flexibility, and cardiorespiratory fitness) compared to flyer and base/flyer positions.