Somatotype and Body Composition of Indian Male and Female Swimmers, and their Relationship to Countermovement Jump Performance

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was:1) to ascertain the anthropometric characteristics of Indian swimmers and 2) to investigate the potential association between these characteristics and countermovement jump metrics. Method: Forty-two national level Indian swimmers (18 females and 24 males) who regularly compete in national and/or international competitions, took part in the study. Anthropometric measurements were performed for body mass, stature, 8 skinfold sites, 3 girths, and 2 breadths. Somatotypes, body fat %, fat mass and lean body mass for all athletes were also calculated. A CMJ test was performed to measure vertical jump height, peak power output, and relative peak power output. Results: The Pearson correlation analysis of body composition variables and CMJ measures revealed a very large negative association between body fat percent and vertical jump height (R = - 0.726; p = 0.000) and between body fat percent and relative peak power (R = -0.757; p = 0.000); a large negative association between body fat percent and peak power (R = - 0.577; p = 0.000) and between fat mass and relative peak power (R = -0.560, p = 0.000); a moderately negative association between fat mass and vertical jump height (R = -0.490, p = 0.001); a very large positive association between lean body mass and peak power (R = 0.862, p = 0.000); and a large positive association between lean body mass and vertical jump height (R = 0.599, p = 0.000) and a large positive association between lean body mass and relative peak power (R = 0.530, p = 0.000); and a moderately positive association between BMI and peak power (R = 0.413, p = 0.007). Conclusion: There are significant differences in anthropometric characteristics when analyzing the anthropometric characteristics of Indian swimmers which could be attributed to the specific demands of each event. Anthropometric characteristics and body composition differences influence swim performance and vary according to gender, age and maturation status. A robust and significant positive correlation exists between lean body mass and vertical jump height suggesting that an enhancement of an individual's lean mass seems to have a positive impact on lower body power production in swimmers. Individualised training plans that focus on lower limb strength will have a potential positive effect on swim performance.