Studies
Study on World Gymnaestrada participants
What does being engaged in non-competitive and recreational gymnastics, Gymnastics for All, entail? Was does it mean to take part in the World Gymnaestrada, the official worldwide event of Gymnastics for All? What is it like to interact with fellow gymnasts from all over the world in the context of a non-competitive gymnastics performance? What does it mean to watch other gymnasts’ displays?
These are some of the key questions this study of Prof. Angela Wichmann, lecturer at Hochschule Fresenius University of Applied Sciences in Munich, Germany, is looking into.
Her study, which is based on her dissertation and realized for the Federation International Gymnastic, can be downloaded here.
What motivates people to participate in a noncompetitive gymnastics festival
Sport participation might have very different goals, especially for non-competitive events. This study analyses the motivation of participants to join in the XV World Gymnaestrada in Helsinki in 2015, which is considered one of the largest international non-competitive gymnastics festival worldwide. Methods: The Goal Content for Exercise Questionnaire (GCEQ) was applied to 86 adults (56 female/ 30 male) and analyzed statistically. In addition, 24 short interviews were conducted and the data were analyzed by a Content Analysis. Results: “Social Affiliation” and “Skill Development” seem to be the principal motivations. Both are more important for women than for men. “Social Recognition” was also of particular relevance for the participants. Finally, the number of WG participations shows the same tendency in motivation for beginners and very experienced participants.
