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PubMedDate not supplied

Analysis of sibling resemblance in anthropometric somatotype components.

We analysed the Heath-Carter somatotype familial resemblance degree in a sample of 1350 siblings (685 males and 665 females) from 634 nuclear families in the province of Biscay (Basque Country, Spain). Sibling correlations were estimated according to maximum likelihood procedures for endomorphy, mesomorphy, ectomorphy and somatotypical attitudinal distance (SADi), after having adjusted for age, sex and the two other components (Model I), and after taking into account several environmental variables shared by all members of each sibship (Model II). All sibling correlations of the somatotype components were significant, tending to be higher in the case of mesomorphy than in the case of endomorphy. Same-sex siblings (BB and SS) displayed significant mesomorphic and ectomorphic resemblances, but in the case of endomorphy, sisters (SS) revealed relatively low correlation compared with brothers (BB). The sex of sibs had a significant influence on correlations of mesomorphy, but not on the other two components. Further control of socio-familial variables such as the father's occupation and education, and the sibship size, resulted in lower mesomorphy correlation coefficients, but had no effect whatsoever on the other two components. SADi correlations were very low and not significant, indicating high degrees of dispersion in the individual somatotypes of the sample.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Stability of somatotypes in 4 to 10 year-old rural South African girls.

In 1996, a mixed Ellisras longitudinal study (ELS) was initiated to assess the stability of somatotypes in 408 girls who comprised 99 pre-school and 309 primary school children in Ellisras rural area in the Northern Province of South Africa. The children's somatotype was assessed using the Heath-Carter anthropometric method. Anthropometric dimensions were taken according to the protocol of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). The most stable pre-school and primary school girl had migratory distances (MDs) of 2.6 and 3.4, respectively, while the least stable pre-school and primary school girl had MDs of 17.9 and 24.4, respectively. The mean somatotype of the pre-school children was mesomorph-ectomorph throughout the complete age range, while the mean somatotype of primary school girls was mesomorph-ectomorph for all the age groups except for the 9.5 years group at which it was in the balanced ectomorph. The inter-age partial correlations for endomorphy and ectomorphy were high and significant, but insignificant with regard to mesomorphy.

Age Factors↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Association between somatotypes and blood pressure in an adult Chuvasha population.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between blood pressure (BP) and anthropometrical characteristics has been indeed examined extensively, but only a few studies have investigated any connection of somatotypes to BP. AIMS: to evaluate the association between BP and various anthropometrical characteristics, including components of somatotypes (using the methods of Heath and Carter and of Deriabin). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study sample comprised 783 males aged 18-89 years and 720 females aged 18-90 years, all residents of the Chuvasha, Russian Federation. We used multiple regression, Pearson's and canonical correlation analyses. RESULTS: Significant correlations (r = 0.19-0.28, p < 0.05) were obtained between BP and anthropometric characteristics associated with body compositions and somatotypes. The most impressive were the canonical correlations between BP and somatotype components derived according to Heath and Carter (0.275), and according to Deriabin's (0.333) method. Different body types were highly significantly (P < 0.001) associated with systolic and diastolic BP. CONCLUSION: Individuals of robust physique (with high endomorphy and mesomorphy) showed high mean values of systolic and diastolic BP, whereas the smallest persons had the lowest BP values. These findings suggest the existence of common physiological paths in the development of body physique and blood pressure regulation and may possibly be indicative of the involvement of pleiotropic genetic and/or epigenetic mechanisms in this regulation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

The relationship of maximal alactacid anaerobic power to somatotype in trained subjects.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between somatotype components and maximal alactacid anaerobic power (MAAP) in trained subjects. The somatotype components (endomorphy: means = 2.66, S.D. = +/- 0.78; mesomorphy: means = 5.45, S.D. = +/- 1.12; ectomorphy: means = 2.46, S.D. = +/- 0.88) and total MAAP were measured in 40 male fencers (aged, means 21.79, S.D. = +/- 3.97) in order to determine the correlations. The results did not show any correlations between the parameters. It can be concluded that the MAAP of an individual does not depend on the somatotype; but it may also be assumed that MAAP show changes with the percentage of fibre type, enzymatic activity in these fibres involved by large muscle groups which are relatively related to musculo-skeletal development (second component of somatotype) and neuro-muscular properties of the subjects, all having a genetic basis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[Somatotype and the human body development during first childhood].

Change of somatotype anthropometric characteristics, formation and rate of growth were followed up in longitudinal study in children aged 3-7, 138 girls and 150 boys aged 3 and 54 boys and 46 girls aged 7 were studied. Somatotypes were evaluated by means of statistics. It was established that within the observation period somatotype differences in children intensify due to different rate of constitutionally significant body sizes. In nearly half of the children somatotypes change due to growth or reduction of signs determining them.

Anthropometry↗
PubMed2005

Anthropometry and somatotype of competitive female figure skaters 11-22 years. Variation by competitive level and discipline.

AIM: Variation in anthropometric characteristics and somatotype of female figure skaters by level of competition and discipline was examined. METHODS EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: ANCOVA with age as the covariate was used to compare the anthropometry of skaters by level (test stream, pre-elite, elite) and discipline (free, dance, pair), while MANCOVA was used to compare somatotype. SETTING: purposive sampling reflecting the skating population by level and discipline was used to recruit skaters in 4 American, and 7 Canadian figure skating clubs. PARTICIPANTS: a total of 161 competitive female figure skaters 11-22 years of age (15.7+/-2.4 years) comprised the sample. MEASURES: a battery of 15 anthropometric dimensions was taken on each skater. Several dimensions, ratios and Heath-Carter somatotypes were derived. RESULTS: Test skaters are heavier and generally larger than pre-elite skaters. Test stream skaters also have larger limb circumferences, estimated calf and arm musculature, and a thicker sum of skinfolds, and are more endomorphic than pre-elite skaters. Elite skaters are more mesomorphic than pre-elite skaters. The sitting height/stature (SH/ST) ratio is significantly lower in pre-elite skaters, while elite and test stream skaters do not differ in this indicator of proportions. Free skaters are taller and heavier; have a higher body mass index (BMI), limb circumferences and sum of skinfolds; and proportionally shorter legs than dancers and pair skaters. Free skaters, dancers and pair skaters, however, do not differ in somatotype. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that figure skating favors lightness, leanness, higher mesomorphy and lower endomorphy at more elite levels. Shortness, leanness and linearity of physique appear to be selective factors associated with specialization in dance and pair skating.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

[Comparison of somatotype between Chinese and Japanese children and youth by using Heath-Carter method].

This study was designed to compare the different somatotype growth of Chinese and Japanese boys aged 7 through 17. 2,074 subjects participated in it. Their somatotypes were analysed by using Heath-Carter method and their morphological varieties compared. Significant differences were found not only in their limb length and bone width, but also in their muscle circumferences and skinfolds. These differences showed the superiority of Chinese boys in ectomorph factor and the Japanese boys in endomorph and mesomorph factors respectively. The somatotype distributions of these two nations were also quite different at different ages, although they showed similar changing trend of somatotype around adolescent growth spurt.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Anthropometric and somatotype variables related to strength in American football players.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in somatotype, % fat, and strength in relation to body mass of two groups of American football players. One hundred and forty-three football players (85 high school and 58 college) were classified into five weight groups (< 73 kg, 73-82 kg, 83-91 kg, 91-100 kg, > 100 kg). Body composition was estimated from skinfold, and somatotype was determined using the Heath-Carter method. Strength was measured from one-repetition maximum (1-RM) lifts in the bench press and deadlift. Most of the somatotypes were dominant mesomorphs for the high school player and endomesomorphs for the college player. The weight groups in both the high school and college footballer showed significant differences in % fat, somatotype, and strength measures between the lower and higher weight categories. Weight was a greater factor dictating strength in either lift in the high school player than in the college player. A higher mesomorphic component was a more important factor determining strength in the college player while a lower ectomorphic component contributed more in the high school player. The proportion of the variance accounted for by regression equations for the bench press and deadlift was 17% to 41% in the high school player and 35% to 61% in the college player. Although football requires a large individual at certain positions, the question remains concerning overall size versus muscularity to achieve a superior performance level.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1993

The somatotype of "amateur" Italian female volleyball-players.

In order to collect data on the physique of "amateur" female volleyball players, 50 athletes (VP) were measured according to the Health/Carter anthropometric somatotype method. They were divided into two subgroups: juniors (JVP < 18 years old) and seniors (SVP > 18). Their somatotype scores were respectively: 4.9-3.8-2.6 and 4.7-3.9-2.3. No significant differences emerged for any of the components of the somatotype between the two subgroups. JVP and SVP resulted as being taller and stouter than the mean of the Italian girls of the same age, but their menstrual function parameters (such as: age at onset of menarche, cycle and flux lengths) did not differ. Centres were much taller and heavier than other players. For the whole VP sample, the values of anthropometric measures and somatotype scores resulted as being congruent with those ascertained for other cohorts of amateur VP found in relevant literature.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Relationships among swimming performance, body composition and somatotype in competitive collegiate swimmers.

Relationships were determined between sprint swimming performance and estimates of body composition and somatotype components in competitive collegiate swimmers. Forty-three women and 31 men underwent anthropometric and hydrodensitometric measurements at the beginning of a competitive season. There were significant partial correlations (swim stroke was partialed out) between swimming performance (time in a competitive 100-yard swim of each swimmer's major competitive stroke) and height (-0.466, p < 0.01), the mesomorphic (0.404, p < 0.01) and ectomorphic (-0.398, p < 0.01) components of somatotype, percent body fat (0.351, p < 0.05), and fat-free weight (-0.332, p < 0.05) among the women, but no significant correlations among the men. Twenty-three of the women and 21 of the men were also measured and timed at the end of the competitive season. Again, there were significant (p < 0.01) partial correlations (season and stroke were partialed out) between swimming performance and height (-0.766), fat-free weight (-0.657), body weight (-0.437), and the ectomorphic (-0.441) and mesomorphic (0.392, p < 0.01) components of somatotype in women, but no significant correlations among the men. These findings indicate that measurements of body composition and somatotype may be predictors of swimming performance in women but not in men.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2000

Association of dominant somatotype of men with body structure, function during exercise, and nutritional assessment.

This study examined the hypothesis that somatotype determines body structure, functional responses at peak exercise, and nutritional status of 63 men ages 18-40 years who lived under controlled conditions. Data were grouped by dominant somatotype to emphasize differences in body types. Dominant ectomorphs (n = 19) had less (P < 0.05) body weight, fat weight, and percent body fat than endomorphs (n = 14) and mesomorphs (n = 30). Fat-free weight (FFW), total body potassium (TBK), and body cell mass (BCM), normalized for stature, were lower (P < 0.05) in the ectomorphs than in the endomorphs and mesomorphs. Comparisons between measured and predicted FFW and TBK showed that only the ectomorphs had less (P < 0.05) FFW and TBK than expected. Although all groups had the same peak power output, the ectomorphs had different functional responses during peak exercise. Ectomorphs had the greatest respiratory exchange ratio (P < 0.05), ventilatory equivalent for oxygen, and end-exercise plasma lactate concentrations (P < 0.05), and lowest peak oxygen uptake (L/min; P < 0.05). Nutrient intakes and blood biochemical markers of nutritional status were within the range of normal values in all groups. Correlations between measures of body structure, function, and nutritional status and dominant somatotype components were calculated after controlling for the effects of the other two somatotype components. Partial correlations were variable, with significant correlations ranging from -0.30 to 0.87. These data indicate that ectomorphs, as compared to endomorphs and mesomorphs, have deficits in FFW and BCM which are associated with differences in functional capacity. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 12:167-180, 2000. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1996

Somatotype in panic patients.

The aim of the study was to test whether an association exists between asthenic somatotype, as measured by the Quetelet index, and panic and or agoraphobia. Ninety-nine cases with panic and/or agoraphobia diagnosed at the psychiatric outpatient clinic of a general teaching hospital were compared to 99 controls with psychiatric conditions other than panic and agoraphobia, and to 64 medical controls, matched by age and gender. No differences in weight, height and raw Quetelet and ponderal indexes were found between panic cases and controls. However, 33.3% of cases, but only 19.2% of psychiatric controls and 18.7% of medical controls, were in the asthenic group as defined by the lower quartile of the Quetelet index (age and sex adjusted odds ratio = 2.33, 95% C.I.: 1.21-4.11). In the entire sample, the asthenic somatotype was associated with lower age and with the presence of hypermobility of joints. Since both panic disorder and mitral valve prolapse may be associated with the joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS), an inherited disorder of collagen synthesis, it is suggested that the relationship found between panic and asthenic somatotype might be mediated through JHS.

Adult↗
PubMed1976

Relationship of body composition to somatotype.

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship in college-aged women between somatotype using both Sheldon's ('69) and Heath and Carter's ('67) procedures, and body composition, as measured by whole-body 40K counting and body density. Sheldon's endomorphy is closely associated with height and weight; Heath and Carter's first component is significantly related to weight and body fatness. Lean body mass (LBM) as a weight or as a percent is not closely related to Sheldon's mesomorphy or Heath and Carter's second component. However, when LBM and height are used as independent variables to estimate somatotype, both variables are significantly related to Heath and Carter's second component, accounting for 61% of the variance. Thus Heath and Carter's second component is significantly associated with LBM for a given body height. Most of the variation in Sheldon's ectomorphy and Heath and Carter's third component can be accounted for by weight and height. Sheldon's somatotype for all three components is not as closely related to body composition as Heath-Carter's. Body composition, as measured by either 40K counting or body density, is found to be important in accounting for variation in Heath and Carter's first and second components.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Somatotype characteristics of male sprinters, basketball, soccer, and field hockey players.

In an effort to describe the physique associated with regular involvement in sports activity, the somatotypes of a group of 51 elite male athletes comprising sprinters (n = 10), basketball (n = 12), soccer (n = 15), and field hockey (n = 14) players, and 11 male nonathletes were studied. The subjects' physiques were assessed using the Health-Carter anthropometric somatotype method. Analysis of variance and Newman-Keuls post hoc method were used to test for significant differences among the mean somatotype ratings of the groups. The findings indicated that the nonathletes (3.5) were significantly more endomorphic (P less than 0.05) than the soccer players (2.5) and sprinters (2.4). The sprinters (3.6) and basketball players (3.7) had markedly higher ectomorphic ratings (P less than 0.05) as compared with the hockey players (2.0). The mesomorphic component did not differentiate the groups. The differences observed among the groups which could be attributed to genetic and environmental influences reflect the variability in the morphological characteristics of athletes and nonathletes.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Perceived somatotype and stereotypes of physique among Nigerian schoolchildren.

The influence of perceived somatotype on stereotypes of behavior associated with body build was investigated among 160 male and 140 female Nigerian children in secondary school. In both groups, the perception of subjects' own physiques and discrepancy between their perceived and preferred physiques significantly explained the variance in the character trait scores attributed to body types. In general, the subjects attributed positive character traits to their perceived somatotypes and undesirable traits to the physiques with which they were dissatisfied. Thus, the perception of somatotype and discrepancy between perceived and preferred physique could significantly differentiate the character traits attributed to body build among male and female children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Somatotypes of weight lifters.

The present paper reviews published studies on the body shape of weight lifters. The differences between the somatotype ratings of weight lifters studied using the Sheldon and the Heath-Carter methods, and the differences between performance levels and age groups of weight lifters are discussed. The differences in mean somatoplots among the weight lifters studied as a whole group, weight lifters divided into two, three or four groups according to body weight, and weight lifters considered according to the official weight classes, are assessed. Weight lifters in the lighter weight classes are found to be ectomorphic or balanced mesomorphs, while those in the heavier weight classes tend to be endomorphic mesomorphs. Ectomorphy decreases, whereas mesomorphy and endomorphy increase with weight class. When three age groups of weight lifters were compared within each weight class, the same pattern of differences between ages occurs. The younger lifters in each weight class have higher endomorphy and lower mesomorphy than the senior lifters. Ectomorphy is higher in the younger lifters below the weight class of 82.5 kg. Since significant differences in all three somatotype components between 10 weight classes of weight lifters and also within three age groups were noted, it will be necessary in future studies to consider the somatotypes of weight lifters according to the official weight classes.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2001

Implementation of whole body scanner for determining somatotype index at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) using 1-dimensional circumference data have been proven to be highly related to blood pressure and total cholesterol; these 2 indices have been widely used as health indicators in preventive diagnosis and health examination. Sophisticated software, which allows calculation of the triangular mesh related to the body surface in 3D space, is capable of computing the circumference, width, sectional surface, volume, and surface area of the body. METHODS: Chang Gung Whole Body Scanner (CGWBS) was used to capture 3D whole body surface images. In this study, the human body was divided into 10 segments consisting of the head, breast, wrist, hip, upper arm, forearm, hand, thigh, calf, and foot. Five independent assessments were made on a total of 32 anthropometric sites, including 12 circumferences, 3 widths, 3 profile areas, 7 surface areas, and 7 volumes. In this study, the somatotype index (SI) was computed through anthropometric data after 1,323 subjects were investigated. Correlation analysis was used to describe the relationship between BMI, WHR, SI, and anthropometric data. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's multiple range tests were used to examine differences between examination variables across sex and SI groups. RESULTS: This study found 4 somatotypes from anthropometric data. SI determined by CGWBS has better correlation with anthropometry than WHR or BMI. Of the 644 male subjects, 155 were in the ectomorph group, 232 in the semi-mesomorph group, 136 in the full-mesomorph group, and 121 in the endomorph group. Of the 679 female subjects, 160 were in the ectomorph group, 235 in the semi-mesomorph group, 168 in the full-mesomorph group, and 116 in the endomorph group. CONCLUSION: The results show that SI has great potential to perform precise somatotype classification.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Echocardiographic characteristics of the left heart ventricle in people with different somatotypes].

The objective of this study was to analyze echocardiographic parameters in 143 healthy individuals aged 18-21 years with different somatotypes. The evaluation of somatotype was performed using the the method of R.N. Dorokhov and V.G. Petrukhin (1989). During the echocardiography, left ventricular wall thickness, internal diameter and myocardial mass were measured. The investigation showed marked sex- and somatotype-related differences in left ventricular parameters. The correlations between the studied left ventricular parameters and body mass, length and surface area were demonstrated. The optimal method of the indexation of left ventricular myocardial mass as related to (body length)3, is described.

Adolescent↗