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PubMed1992

Growth and menarcheal status of elite female gymnasts.

The growth and maturity status of 201 elite female gymnasts was considered. The subjects were participants at the 24 World Championship Artistic Gymnastics in 1987. In addition to age at menarche, weight, stature, biacromial, and bicristal breadths, the sitting height/stature ratio, and the Health-Carter anthropometric somatotype of gymnasts 13-20 yr of age were compared with reference data for a nationally representative sample of Flemish girls. Median age at menarche (probit analysis) in gymnasts is 15.6 +/- 2.1 yr compared with 13.2 +/- 1.2 yr in Flemish girls. Anthropometric dimensions increase with age until about 16 yr and then tend to plateau. In contrast to body size, there is little variation in somatotype with age. Compared with adolescent girls, elite gymnasts are considerably shorter and lighter with narrower shoulders and hips, but the differences are more apparent after 17 yr. Elite gymnasts do not differ from nonathletes in relative leg length, but they have proportionally broader shoulders relative to hips. Differences in somatotype occur primarily in endomorphy (especially lower in gymnasts) and to a lesser extent in mesomorphy (higher in gymnasts).

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

The morphotype in a group of peri-pubertal soccer players.

Few morphological data are available for adolescent soccer players (SP), a lack that could affect young-age talent selection. In order to collect lacking data for SP, 50 performers aged 13.1 +/- 0.5 years old were checked in one of the main "vivariums" of talented "A League" SP. All subjects were measured according to the Heath/Carter anthropometric somatotype method and subsequently, the results were compared with those found in relevant literature for adolescents. To gain further insight, the sample was subdivided into two classes, according to their performance level: beginners (B, n = 26) and those experienced (E, n = 24). Between B and E subjects significant differences were found for: weight, abdominal skinfold, calf circumference, body density (0.05 < p < 0.01); height, tricipital skinfold, humerus biepicondylar width, ponderal index, LBW, endo and ectomorph components (p < 0.01). B somatotype resulted to be: 1.6-4.3-3.5; while E: 2.2-4.5-2.9. Both in E and B sub-groups the distribution of somatotypes according to their component dominance revealed to be rather similar, indicating a substantial homogeneity inside the subgroups. When compared with adult SP, the whole sample shows a morphotype that is already adapted for soccer. Observing this, it is possible to infer that our adolescent group contains the morphotype needed to perform well (and probably to excel), in the considered sporting activity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Morphologic discrimination among healthy subjects and patients with progressive and nonprogressive adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective and controlled comparative study. OBJECTIVES: To identify variables that would allow discrimination among patients with progressive adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, patients with nonprogressive adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and control subjects. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: In a previous study, the correlation was demonstrated between morphologic somatotypes and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. METHODS: One hundred forty-six subjects were evaluated anthropometrically and were classified according to their morphologic somatotype. Of these subjects, 52 were adolescent girls with progressive idiopathic scoliosis, whereas 32 girls had nonprogressive idiopathic scoliosis. The control group was composed of 62 healthy adolescent girls. Somatotype values for ectomorphism, mesomorphism, and endomorphism were obtained according to a technique based on Sheldon's method, and 77 anthropometric measurements of segments of the thorax, head, and limbs were taken. RESULTS: The discriminant analysis realized on a subset of 18 variables allowed the correct identification of each subject's group in 84% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to differentiate healthy adolescent subjects, patients with nonprogressive adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and patients with progressive idiopathic scoliosis by using anthropometric measurements and morphologic classification. These findings may be useful in the early detection of children at risk for progression of scoliosis and may allow earlier application of treatment methods without waiting for a significant increase in the curve.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

[Morphofunctional parameters of immunocompetent blood cells in people with varying constitutions].

The examination of young healthy men has allowed to establish peculiarities of metabolism and reactivity of immunocompetent cells in relation to their somatotype. In individuals with somatotypes processing high fatty component (abdominal and undetermined) total lipid content in lymphocytes is increased predominantly due to unsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol ethers; the activity of dehydrogenases (succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glutathione reductase) is increased. Cell responsiveness to emotional stress is sharply reduced. Metabolism is the most balanced, and regulatory processes are most mobile in muscular somatotype.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2001

Croatian rugby project-Part I. Anthropometric characteristics, body composition and constitution.

BACKGROUND: There are no data in important literature about the anthropometric characteristics of rugby players in countries where rugby is not a popular sport. The goals of this study were to analyze morphological anthropometric characteristics, body composition and constitution of players in the first Croatian-Slovenian rugby league (CSRL) with regard to player's position in the team, team position in the division, and to compare results with the results of rugby players from the more popular rugby leagues. METHODS: The study was carried out in a sample of voluntarily included 111 male rugby players from six clubs members of the CSRL, in the season 1996/97. Eleven anthropometric measures required for the calculations of body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BF%), and somatotype components were obtained in the clubs according to the recommendations by Jackson and Pollock and Heath and Carter. RESULTS: Forwards in the CSRL are on the average 93.5 kg heavy, 182.4 cm tall, with BMI 28.3 kg/m2, BF% 20.8% and somatotype 6.7-5.9-1.4. Backs are on average 82.2 kg heavy, 178.3 cm tall, with BMI 26.1 kg/m2, BF% 16.9% and somatotype 5.3-5.3-1.5. Backs from upper half of the division are on the average heavier than those from lower half, BF% in forwards from upper half of the division is higher than in forwards from lower half. Both differences were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the rugby players from more developed rugby leagues, forwards from the CSRL are lighter, backs are heavier and both have higher body fat percentage. Backs and forwards are more endomorphic and forwards are less mesomorphic compared with the rugby players from more developed rugby leagues.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Physique of patients with carcinoma of the female genital tract.

The authors carried out an investigation with a detailed anthropometric programme on 135 women suffering from different kinds of cancer: ovarian n = 35, endometrial n = 22, cervical n = 54, and vulvar/vagina n = 24. All patients were Hungarian and belonged to European ethnic groups. Their age varied between 25.6 and 85.0 years. Somatotype of the patients was estimated with the Heath-Carter anthropometric somatotyping method. Somatotype (endomorphy, mesomorphy, ectomorphy) of the patients with ovarian cancer was respectively: 6.8-5.3-1.0, patients with endometrial cancer 7.9-5.8-0.9, patients with cervical cancer 6.8-5.3-1.3, and patients with vulvar cancer 7.5-5.9-0.9. Based on variance analysis, there was no significant difference among subgroups at the p < 0.05 level. The patients in all four groups--in the overwhelming majority of cases--showed mesomorphic-endomorph forms, i.e., endomorphic elements dominated in their physique and mesomorphy (robusticity) was greater than ectomorphy (linearity).

Adult↗
PubMed1993

The physiological effects of step training with and without handweights.

The purpose of this study was to examine the physiological effects of eight weeks of step training with (N = 12) and without (N = 12) handweights. Twenty-four college-aged females volunteered as subjects for the study which involved pre- and post-laboratory testing consisting of the following: an incremental treadmill test for determination of aerobic work indices, which included maximal oxygen uptake rate (VO2max), maximal heart rate, ventilatory threshold oxygen uptake rate (VT-VO2), and ventilatory threshold heart rate (VT-HR); hydrostatic weighing for determination of body composition, which included percent body fat (%BF), fat mass (FM), and lean body mass (LBM); anthropometric measurements for determination of body build characteristics, which included the endomorphic (ENDO) somatotype rating, mesomorphic (MESO) somatotype rating, and ectomorphic somatotype rating; isokinetic strength testing at 60 degrees.sec-1 for determination of flexion and extension strength of the arm at the shoulder joint, forearm at the elbow joint, and leg at the knee joint; and the concentric leg press for determination of overall lower body strength. Two-way analysis of covariance indicated that the main effect of step training resulted in significant (p < 0.05) overall improvements in VO2max (38.29 +/- 1.05 to 41.32 +/- 0.95 ml.kg-1/min-1), VT-VO2 (22.86 +/- 0.86 to 26.03 +/- 0.84 (ml.kg-1/min-1), VT-HR (159.62 +/- 3.01 to 168.29 +/- 3.19 b/min-1), %BF (26.16 +/- 1.05 to 23.95 +/- 1.06%), FM (15.13 +/- 0.96 to 13.82 +/- 0.96 kg), ENDO rating (5.24 +/- 0.18 to 4.93 +/- 0.18 units), MESO rating (3.22 +/- 0.19 to 3.50 +/- 0.19 units), arm flexion strength (30.73 +/- 1.83 to 35.08 +/- 1.73 N/m), forearm flexion strength (26.89 +/- 1.13 to 29.21 +/- 1.14 N/m), and forearm extension strength (28.13 +/- 1.26 to 31.07 +/- 1.38 N/m). Similar improvements were observed in both the handweight and no-handweight groups of subjects.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Somatometric characteristic of hypermobile patients with coxarthrosis.

Different body build has been observed in hypermobile women with coxarthrosis as compared with other hypermobile individuals. The study summarizes results of somatometric measurements in 38 hypermobile women with coxarthrosis based on congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH) and the same number of hypermobile controls. The following differences were found: Patients with coxarthrosis were heavier, shorter, more robust and had a larger quantity of fat tissue. In the control group ten out of 38 (26%) showed arachnodactyly, whereas in the coxarthrosis group no arachnodactyly was found. In Heath-Carter anthropometric somatotype the samples differed in all three somatotype components (endomorphy, mosomorphy, ectomorphy), the greatest difference being in ectomorphy. The results obtained are recommended for use in the primary preventive care of coxarthrosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Anthropometric features and body composition of young athletes practicing karate at a high and medium competitive level.

The aim of the study was to examine the anthropometric features and body composition of athletes practising karate at a high and medium competitive level. Our study was carried out on a sample of 35 subjects practising karate and aged from 16.0 to 32.5 years. This sample was divided into two groups: group 1 ( n=14 elite athletes) and group 2 ( n=21 amateur athletes). Various anthropometric measurements were taken (weight, height both standing and sitting, diameters, circumferences and skinfold thickness) from which different anthropometric indices were calculated (body mass index, Scelic and Grant indices, arm muscle circumference and area), and the somatotype was then determined. The body composition of each subject was assessed using the skinfold technique and the Jackson-Pollock (J-P) and Sloan-Weir (S-W) equations. The two groups of athletes showed very similar measurements regarding anthropometric characteristics. Only the Scelix index presented a significantly different value in the two groups (49.6+/-1.3 for group 1 vs. 51.1+/-1.3 for group 2; p<0.01). Group 1 showed a mesomorphic-ectomorphic somatotype, while the amateur athletes presented a balanced mesomorphic type. Moreover, a lower percentage of fat mass was more frequent in the first group (J-P=8.1+/-2.4%; S-W=8.9+/-3.3%) than in the second one (J-P=9.8+/-1.6%; S-W=11.2+/-3.7%), although the differences between the two groups were not significant. We conclude that group 1 is characterized by a slightly prominent vertical development of the skeletal frame. This could be an anthropometric characteristic that is best suited to meet the specific functional requirements of this sport. Moreover, both groups of athletes are characterized by a low percentage of fat mass, particularly the elite group.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Human physique and sexual attractiveness: sexual preferences of men and women in Bakossiland, Cameroon.

Men and women living in a rural community in Bakossiland, Cameroon were asked to rate the attractiveness of images of male or female figures manipulated to vary in somatotype, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), secondary sexual traits, and other features. In Study 1, women rated mesomorphic (muscular) and average male somatotypes as most attractive, followed by ectomorphic (slim) and endomorphic (heavily built) figures. In Study 2, amount and distribution of masculine trunk (chest and abdominal) hair was altered progressively in a series of front-posed male figures. A significant preference for one of these images was found, but the most hirsute figure was not judged as most attractive. Study 3 assessed attractiveness of front-posed male figures which varied only in length of the non-erect penis. Extremes of penile size (smallest and largest of five images) were rated as significantly less attractive than three intermediate sizes. In Study 4, Bakossi men rated the attractiveness of back-posed female images varying in WHR (from 0.5-1.0). The 0.8 WHR figure was rated markedly more attractive than others. Study 5 rated the attractiveness of female skin color. Men expressed no consistent preference for either lighter or darker female figures. These results are the first of their kind reported for a Central African community and provide a useful cross-cultural perspective to published accounts on sexual selection, human morphology and attractiveness in the U.S., Europe, and elsewhere.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Pattern of injury in handball and comparison of injured versus noninjured handball players.

A questionnaire was sent to 300 members (at random) of the Dutch Handball Association (response: 76%) (1) to study the injuries involved in handball and the resulting medical attention and (2) to compare injured versus non-injured players with respect to sex, age, somatotype, and sports participation. Group A was defined as players taking part in handball only (62%); 38% also regularly took part in other sports (group B). The male/female ratio in group B was approximately 4 times larger than in group A. The results showed that 51% of all players sustained at least one injury during handball in 1 year. The ratio of injuries/all players in our study did not differ much from the level in a comparable Danish study, 0.82 and 0.71, respectively. Nearly 60% of all handball injuries were localized in the lower compared with only 30% in the upper extremities. A general practitioner was consulted in nearly 40% of the injuries. Within group A, relatively more males were injured and also more frequently compared with females. Injuries in females did not differ from all injuries with respect to localization and medical attention. After comparison of injured versus noninjured players, we conclude that the role of somatotype is not elucidated and that sex and the number of sports might play an important role in the etiology of handball injuries, whereas age is only of minor importance.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Morphological prototypes, assessment and change in elite athletes.

The concept of a morphological prototype in relation to the development of athletes is examined from the standpoint of the kinanthropometric techniques available to the sport scientist. Examples of the utility of the morphological prototype in the context of modern-day sport are provided in a variety of winter and summer sports. Somatotypes drawn from competitors at the 1988 Olympic and 1991 World Junior Speed Skating Championships are presented representing the somatotypic prototype. Statement of the prototype in variables that are both discrete and sensitive to change over the short term is considered to be more appropriate for evaluating the progress of young athletes. Examples drawn from speed skating, figure skating, swimming and synchronized swimming are used to illustrate changes and differences in muscle mass, skinfold corrected muscle diameters, bone mass and sum of skinfolds. The concept of establishing an individual ideal prototype through optimizing morphological variables is introduced.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

The role of anthropometric characteristics in modern pentathlon performance in female athletes.

In order to determine the role of body build characteristics in modern pentathletes, 65 female participants at the IXth World Modern Pentathlon Championships, 1989 (Wiener Neustadt, Austria) were investigated. Of these, 54 participate in the competition; the other 11 were reserves. Their mean (+/- S.D.) age was 22.34 +/- 3.97 years (range 16.08-32.58 years). Anthropometric characteristics (body mass, lengths, breadths, girths and skinfolds), somatotype and body composition estimates were determined. Compared with other female athletes (e.g. swimmers, runners, fencers), the elite modern pentathletes were rather tall (x = 168.1 cm) and, as indicated by the body mass index (x = 21.6), they had a high mass relative to their stature. Based on skinfolds, body fat was estimated as 16%, and anthropometrically determined somatotype was on average 2.5-3.9-2.8. The relationship between the athletes' anthropometric characteristics and modern pentathlon performance was investigated by means of Pearson zero-order correlations between the physical traits and the competitive performance scores. Significant correlations were found mainly for the 'fat' variables, such as skinfolds, percent fat and the endomorphy component, r varying from -0.34 to -0.58, which indicated an inverse relationship between the amount of fatness and modern pentathlon performance. To investigate this relationship further, Pearson zero-order correlations were calculated between the respective factors scores, derived from a rotated factor pattern (Varimax) carried out on selected somatic variables, and the performance scores. The results demonstrated that, in relation to anthropometric characteristics, modern pentathlon performance in females is mainly associated with the 'fat development' factor, and to a lesser degree with the 'bone-muscle development' factor. Variables representing linearity of physique seem to be unrelated to modern pentathlon performance. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that 42.4% of the variance in modern pentathlon performance can be explained by the following anthropometric variables: sum of 10 skinfolds, biacromial breadth and humerus diameter. To obtain a high level of modern pentathlon performance, it would seem that a female athlete must above all have a low level of body fatness and, to a lesser degree, a relatively high level of lean body mass.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Physique and motor performance characteristics of US national rugby players.

Anthropometric and performance data were collected on 65 US rugby players (mean age = 26.3 years) to make comparison on these characteristics by player position and performance level. Anthropometry included stature, body mass, nine skinfolds, two girths and two bone breadths. Skinfold patterns, estimated percent fat and Heath-Carter somatotypes were calculated from anthropometry. Motor performance measures included standing vertical jump, 40 yard dash, 110 yard dash, shuttle run, repeated jump in place, push-up, sit-up and squat thrust. Descriptive statistics were used for the total sample as well as selected sub-groups. Discriminant function analyses were employed to determine which combination of variables best discriminated between position and level of performance for the anthropometric and performance data. The results indicated that forwards were taller, heavier and had more subcutaneous adiposity than backs. Additionally, forwards and backs differed in somatotypes, with forwards being more endo-mesomorphic than backs and with a greater scatter about their mean. The anthropometric variables that best discriminated between backs and forwards were body mass, femur breadth and arm girth, with 88% correctly classified using these variables. The motor performance variables that best discriminated between backs and forwards were repeated jump in place, push-up and standing vertical jump, with 76% correct classification using these variables. Classification into three playing levels was unsatisfactory using either anthropometric or motor performance variables. These data can be used to assess present status and change in players, or potential national players, by position to locate strengths and weaknesses.

Abdominal Muscles↗
PubMed1982

Osteoarthritis of the hip: the patient behind the disease.

Previous epidemiological studies suggested that patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip might constitute a definable subset of the population with characteristics that predispose them to joint failure. To investigate this possibility a comparative study of somatotype, bone density, disc degeneration, polyarticular joint degeneration, and soft-tissue calcification was carried out in 3 groups of individuals: (1) patients presenting with OA of the hip; (2) patients with acute femoral neck fracture; (3) healthy controls. OA of the hip was rare in patients with femoral neck fracture; conversely, patients with coxarthrosis did not have the low values for bone density seen in the fracture group. There were significant differences in somatotype in the 2 patient groups; 94% of those with OA were endomorphic mesomorphs. Polyarticular OA occurred with the same prevalence in the 2 groups of women, but among males there was a significantly greater involvement of knees and hands in the OA group than in the fracture group. The highest incidence of joint calcification was found in the fracture group and the lowest in the OA group. It was concluded that patients with OA of the hip form a definable subset of the general population. Within this group the appearances of hip OA are determined by 3 interacting factors: mechanical stress, cartilage degeneration, and bone response.

Aged↗
PubMed1980

The relationship of physique and body composition to strength in a group of physical education students.

Fifty-three specialist women physical education students were measured anthropometrically and from these measurements somatotype and body composition were estimated. Leg, back and grip strength dynamometers were used to measure strength indices. Arm strength was calculated from each subject's pull-ups and push-ups and lung capacity was measured using a spirometer. The somatotype ratings and percent fat measurements indicate that the P.E. students are generally more muscular and less fat for their age than non-P.E. students. There was a strong relationship between percent fat and the endomorphy rating and a moderate relationship between lean body weight and mesomorphy. The moderate relationship of the strength variables with the muscular rating, whether expressed as mesomorphy or lean body weight, suggests that the higher a subject's muscular component the greater their dynamic strength.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2006

Anthropometric and physiological characteristics of junior elite volleyball players.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the anthropometric and physiological characteristics of junior elite volleyball players. METHOD: Twenty five national level volleyball players (mean (SD) age 17.5 (0.5) years) were assessed on a number of physiological and anthropometric variables. Somatotype was assessed using the Heath-Carter method, body composition (% body fat, % muscle mass) was assessed using surface anthropometry, leg strength was assessed using a leg and back dynamometer, low back and hamstring flexibility was assessed using the sit and reach test, and the vertical jump was used as a measure of lower body power. Maximal oxygen uptake was predicted using the 20 m multistage fitness test. RESULTS: Setters were more ectomorphic (p<0.05) and less mesomorphic (p<0.01) than centres. Mean (SD) of somatotype (endomorphy, mesomorphy, ectomorphy) for setters and centres was 2.6 (0.9), 1.9 (1.1), 5.3 (1.2) and 2.2 (0.8), 3.9 (1.1), 3.6 (0.7) respectively. Hitters had significantly greater low back and hamstring flexibility than opposites. Mean (SD) for sit and reach was 19.3 (8.3) cm for opposites and 37 (10.7) cm for hitters. There were no other significant differences in physiological and anthropometric variables across playing positions (all p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Setters tend to be endomorphic ectomorphs, hitters and opposites tend to be balanced ectomorphs, whereas centres tend to be ectomorphic mesomorphs. These results indicate the need for sports scientists and conditioning professionals to take the body type of volleyball players into account when designing individualised position specific training programmes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Morphological and physiological studies on Indian national kabaddi players.

Twenty-five national kabaddi players (Asiad gold medalists 1990), mean age 27.91 years, who attended a national camp at the Sports Authority of India, Bangalore before the Beijing Asian Games in 1990, were investigated for their physical characteristics, body fat, lean body mass (LBM) and somatotype. The physiological characteristics assessed included back strength, maximum oxygen uptake capacity and anaerobic capacity (oxygen debt) and related cardiorespiratory parameters (oxygen pulse, breathing equivalent, maximum pulmonary ventilation, maximum heart rate). Body fat was calculated from skinfold thicknesses taken at four different sites, using Harpenden skinfold calipers. An exercise test (graded protocol) was performed on a bicycle ergometer (ER-900) using a computerized EOS Sprint (Jaeger, West Germany). The mean(s.d.) percentage body fat (17.56(3.48)) of kabaddi players was found to be higher than normal sedentary people. Their physique was found to be endomorphic mesomorph (3.8-5.2-1.7). Mean(s.d.) back strength, maximum oxygen uptake capacity (VO2max) and oxygen debt were found to be 162.6(18.08) kg, 42.6(4.91) ml kg-1 min-1 and 5.02(1.29) litre respectively. Physical characteristics, percentage body fat, somatotype, maximum oxygen uptake capacity and anaerobic capacity (oxygen debt) and other cardiorespiratory parameters were compared with other national counterparts. Present data are comparable with data for judo, wrestling and weightlifting. Since no such study has been conducted on international counterparts, these data could not be compared. These data may act as a guideline in the selection of future kabaddi players and to attain the physiological status comparable to the present gold medalists.

Adult↗