Antropometria e biomecânica na performance de praticantes de calistenia: uma revisão narrativa

Abstract

Calisthenics, originally a 19th-century gymnastic method, has evolved over the decades and is now widely recognized as a form of bodyweight-based exercise. Its versatility, characterized by minimal equipment requirements, combined with its increasing popularity, has drawn growing interest from the scientific community. Objectives: To analyze and correlate anthropometric parameters that may influence performance in calisthenic exercises, identify key anatomical and biomechanical factors associated with this modality, and map research gaps and trends to guide future investigations. Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and SciELO, including studies published between 2010 and 2025 in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. The search focused on studies investigating anthropometric and biomechanical parameters related to performance in bodyweight-based physical exercises. Results: A total of 25 studies were included. The main finding indicates that lower body fat percentage and a higher proportion of lean mass are consistently associated with better performance in calisthenic exercises. Other variables, such as segmental measurements, training experience, and biological maturity, were also discussed, although less consistently across studies. Conclusion: Body composition emerges as a central determinant of performance in bodyweight exercises. From a practical perspective, these findings suggest that calisthenics training programs should prioritize body composition management combined with individualized technical progressions to optimize performance and reduce injury risk.