Abstract
Objective: This explorative study examined potential performance indicators through a correlational analysis between morphological measures and international ranking within each alpine ski event for each gender separately. Methods: A cross-sectional sample of 58 elite alpine skiers were allocated into a technical or speed event group based on their international ski rankings. Several two-way (2 * 2) (M)ANOVA’s were used to examine the effect of gender and event group on age, BMI, sum of 6 skinfolds and somatotype. Forward stepwise discriminant analysis selected the most discriminating somatotype component between gender and/or event. Bivariate Pearson correlations between registered variables and international rankings per alpine ski event were examined for each gender separately. Results: Female speed specialists possessed more relative fat mass (P = 0.022) than female technical specialists. Irrespective of gender, technical specialists were lighter (P P = 0.008). Pearson values indicated moderate associations between speed rankings and body weight. High female speed rankings were associated with higher relative fat mass. High male speed rankings were associated with lower ectomorphy. Conclusion: Additional body weight appears to be beneficial in SPEED events. Fat mass correlated positively with higher rankings of female SPEED specialists. This observation should be monitored in female alpine skiers so that performance thresholds of relative body fat can be determined.
Highlights
Body profile affects performance in various sports and can be quantified using anthropometric indicators such as somatotype and body composition
There was no significant difference in age between male SPEED and male technical ones (TECH) specialists
The present study examined whether male and female elite alpine skiers showed different body profiles when they are categorised into alpine ski event-groups (TECH vs SPEED) they were specialized in
Summary
Body profile affects performance in various sports and can be quantified using anthropometric indicators such as somatotype and body composition. Within the same sport, individual anthropometric characteristics are related to athletes’ performance levels and, help to distinguish potential elite from mediocre athletes (Bale, Bradbury, & Colley, 1986). This makes the evaluation of anthropometry in elite athletic populations very interesting in order to describe desirable body profiles. Field studies produce helpful data in order to determine biomechanical performance indicators. These studies are often difficult to perform because the measuring equipment is expensive and race conditions are difficult to replicate in study protocols (Gilgien, Spörri, Chardonnens, Kröll, & Erich, 2013; Supej, 2010). Descriptive statistical analyses of elite alpine skiers’ anthropometric characteristics should be encouraged to find possible morphological indicators for competitive success (Carter & Heath, 1990)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
