Investigating the Anthropometric Variables and Bio-Motoric Properties in Male and Female Swimmers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the anthropometric features, and some bio-motoric properties in young male and female swimmers. Furthermore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between anthropometric and bio-motoric variables considering the gender differences. Eighteen male and seventeen female amateur swimmers (mean age = 13.4 ± 2.9 and 12.7 ± 2.2 years respectively) volunteered to participate in this study. All swimmers were member of the same team who had trained at least for 3 days in a week. The anthropometric features were evaluated by height, weight, skinfold thicknesses (triceps, biceps, pectoral chest, midaxillary, abdominal, subscapular, midthigh, suprailium, supraspinale, and calf skinfold thicknesses), breadth, and girth measurements, and body fat. The bio-motoric variables were limited with flexibility, squat jump (SJ), counter movement jump (CMJ), and handgrip strength. The results showed that there was no significant differences between groups for age, height, weight, skinfold thicknesses and ∑8 skinfolds (p>0.05). However, there was a significant difference between groups for body fat (p<0.01), humerus and femur breadth values (p<0.01), and for waist girth values (p<0.05). There was significant differences between male and female swimmers for investigated bio-motoric properties. The results showed that the SJ and CMJ values were significantly related with height, weight, breadth, and girth measurements (p<0.01) in male swimmers. On the other hand, no such relationship was found in female swimmers. In c onclusion, present study indicated that there were significant differences between genders, with favor results for male swimmers. The determination of anthropometric properties may help the trainers to predict and follow the swimmers’ performance.