Anthropometric Somatotype Research Articles

Anthropometric Somatotype of Indian Combat Sports and Track and Field Athletes: A Systematic Review

Introduction: The utilization of anthropometric somatotyping is prevalent in sports. Recognizing a shared physical prototype and its link to athletic performance in athletes is widely accepted. Therefore, it is crucial to explore this aspect among Indian athletes. The study attempted to systematically collect and analyse existing published literature covering the timeframe from 2003 to June 2023, particularly emphasizing the somatotyping of Indian athletes engaged in combat sports and track and field events. Additionally, efforts were made to assess the prominent accomplishments and constraints evident in the published works during the specified period. Methods: Published studies were collected from various academic databases viz., Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, SCISPASE, and Semantic Scholar. Appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria were drafted, and the studies were selected accordingly. Somatotype categories of individual studies were computed and plotted in the somatocharts following Carter’s method. Results: Sixteen studies comprising 887 athletes (746 males and 141 females) were deemed suitable for inclusion in this review. The combat sports subgroup constituted 361 athletes, and the track and field subgroup comprised 526 athletes. Wrestlers exhibited the highest levels of endomorphy and mesomorphy in combat sports, while junior boxers displayed the highest ectomorphy. In track and field, hammer throwers demonstrated the highest endomorphy, shot putters exhibited the greatest mesomorphy, and the highest ectomorphy characterized high jumpers. Conclusion: The somatocharts highlight a shared physical prototype among athletes within the same sport, notably evident in wrestling, hammer throw, shot put, and jump events. However, research on combat sports trails behind studies in track and field. The scarcity of research on somatotyping among Indian elite athletes and female athletes, coupled with a deficiency in interdisciplinary approaches in kinanthropometry studies in India, underscores the need for heightened integrative investigations.

Relationship of incidence of anterior cruciate ligament injuries and body-built Index somatotype in Indian population

Background: Incidence of ACL injuries and physical parameters like age, sex, height, weight and BMI has been studied intensely as a risk factor. Each of them poses as a different risk factor for occurrence of ACL injuries. But body-built index-somatotype considers relative proportions of fatness, muscle mass and skeletal architecture in terms of endomorphy, mesomorphy and ectomorphy in a single individual which neutralises variables like age, sex, BMI. Methods: 100 patients were included in the study, excluding those with multiligament injuries, associated fractures around knee, mucoid degeneration of ACL and road traffic accident cases. Parameters such as skin fold thickness, circumference and epicondylar, condylar width was taken into consideration. Body built index was calculated in terms of endomorphy, mesomorphy and ectomorphy using the heath-carter anthropometric somatotype manual. Results: We found that amongst all those have ACL injury, endomorphy was higher grade (5.49), followed by mesomorphy (4.75). Lesser grades of ectomorphs i.e., slender people were having ACL injuries. Though there was low margin of grading between the two, endomorphy was higher in ACL injured people followed by mesomorphy. Conclusions: Endomorphs and mesomorphs have higher tendancy of ACL injury. Ectomorphs have lesser incidence of ACL injury.

Anthropometric parameters of first-year students of pedagogical specialties

The topic is relevant due to a detailed study of the factors determining the health level of nowadays students, and taking these factors into consideration for the development of programs to strengthen their health. Since the scientific literary data on the physical development of student youth is somewhat contradictory, namely the morphological and functional indicators of a person depends on the level of physical health and adaptive capacity, it has been decided to determine the freshmen’s anthropometric parameters.
 The aim of the study was to take anthropometric measurements of total and comprehensive body size of 105 students studying at Vinnytsia Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi State Pedagogical University, assess their compliance with anthropometric standards, determine the somatotype and foot shape in order to create a database for further monitoring of physical development and identify patterns of anthropometric indicators under conditions of modern learning technologies.
 Research methods. Anthropometric measurements were taken according to standard anthropometric methods suggested by V. V. Bunak [1]. Data estimation was performed by the method of centile intervals and indices. The foot shape was assessed by the plantogram based on the Chyzhyn index. The obtained data were statistically processed according to the STATISTICA 5.5 program.
 Research results. The peculiarities of anthropometric parameters and somatotype of Vinnytsia Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi State Pedagogical University first-year students are established: height, body weight; girth sizes: chest, waist, hips; body mass index, Kettle mass-growth index, body harmony indices, foot shape

Correlation of body composition parameters and anthropometric somatotypes with Prakriti body types among the Meitei adults of Manipur, India

Background Body composition and types are often considered essential health indicators for lifestyle-related disease. Assessment of body type based on tridosha is regarded as a prerequisite in Ayurveda. Aim To correlate body compositions and somatotypes with Prakriti body types. Subjects and methods A cross-sectional study on 463 adult individuals was done. Anthropometric and body composition parameters were measured. Heath-Carter somatotypes and Prakriti body types were also determined. Tests of association were calculated. Correlation and concordance analysis was also done to infer the correlation between body composition parameters and Prakriti body types. Results Kapha Prakriti have significantly higher body weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage and body fat mass. Vata have the lowest mean values in all body composition parameters with Pitta in the intermediate position compared to the other Prakriti types. There is a strong and positive statistical association between Prakriti body types and body composition parameters, except height. Cohen’s Kappa analysis reveals there is a fair concordance between Prakriti body types and somatotype. Conclusions Prakriti assessment can explain an individual’s fatness as it correlates with body composition parameters and could be used to predict risk susceptibility to various complex disorders.

Correlation Between Built and Work Ability among Small Scale Industrial Workers at Malkapur, Karad

Background: The working capability of workers has the effect on productivity of the industry. Work ability has the greater impact on employee’s well-being and decrease in the risk of musculoskeletal diseases, sick leave and early retirement. Further, a low work ability affects the company’s productivity. There is paucity in the literature regarding field of small scale industrial workers. Aim and objectives: To find the association between built and work ability among small scale industrial workers. Materials and Method: The total numbers of 90 workers were examined to assess built. The measurements were taken as per the Heath-Carter anthropometric somatotype method by using weighing scale for weight, stadiometer for height, measuring tape for girth around biceps and calf, small sliding caliper for width of the femur and humerus and skinfold caliper for skinfold thickness. After collecting data it was divided under three categories, Ectomorphic, Mesomorphic and Endomorphic built. Subjects signed the consent form and then work ability score was calculated by the workability questionnaire. Results: In this study both ectomorphic and mesomorphic showed negative correlation except endomorphic which showed positive correlation nearest to significance. There was no correlation between built and work ability. Study variables in this study such as age, gender and work ability revealed association with built. Thus , the present study concluded that there is no significant correlation between built and work ability Conclusion: On the basis of the result of the study, it was concluded that there is no correlation between built and work ability among small scale industrial workers working in industrial colony, Malkapur, Karad.. The ectomorphic and mesomorphic built has the very good work ability and there was medium work ability among endomorphic individuals.

Somatotype Characteristics of Sunni Muslim Population: A Cross-sectional Study

The aim of this study was to understand the distribution of various somatotype components and determine the age- and sex-related variations of the somatotype among Sunni Muslim population of Uttar Pradesh, India. The study population consisted of 214 individuals (100 males and 114 females), belonging to the age group of 18–73 years. All somatometric measurements were taken according to the protocol of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Anthropometric somatotyping was done using Heath and Carter method. Somatotype dispersion distances (SDD), mean somatotype dispersion (SDM), and standard deviation of somatotype dispersion distance (DSD) were calculated. Somatochart was also plotted for the body physique of the studied population. The results showed that mean somatotype of males is balanced endomorph (4.2–3.2–3.1), while that of females is mesomorphic endomorph (6.6–3.7–1.2). Endomorphy and mesomorphy increased with age up to 55 years and then decreased thereafter; however, ectomorphy showed the opposite trend in both the sexes. The findings of the study indicate that males and females of Sunni Muslim population are predominantly endomorphic.

Correlations Between Anthropometric Measurements, Somatotype and Blood Pressure in Children Aged 7-12 Years in Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia

Correlations Between Anthropometric Measurements, Somatotype and Blood Pressure in Children Aged 7-12 Years in Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia

Contribution of obesity associated genetic variants to anthropometric somatotype components.

The somatotype is a useful method in the analysis of body morphology but no study has identified genetic variants associated with its components. The aim of this study is o replicate the association of 21 SNPs with obesity and to explore their association with the somatotype components, in a sample from the Basque Country (Spain). A case-control study was performed in 472 adults from 18 to 79 years old. A literature search was conducted in PubMed to select genetic variants associated with obesity in European derived populations. After the quality control of the chosen variants, 21 SNPs were finally used to conduct association analyses. Logistic and linear regressions implemented in PLINK (v1.07) were used to assess the association between SNPs and the somatotype. Two genetic variants (rs925946 in BDNF and rs10146997 in NRXN3) showed a significant association with endomorphy (p < 0.01) while rs10146997 (in NRXN3) and rs9939609 (in FTO) were associated with mesomorphy (p < 0.01). rs925946 (in BDNF), rs10146997 (in NRXN3), rs9939609 (in FTO) and rs4776970 (in MAP2K5) were associated with ectomorphy (p < 0.05). In conclusion, four genetic variants (in or near BDNF, NRXN3, MAP2K5 and FTO) contribute to body shape and composition in the analysed sample.

Position Specific Morphological Characteristics of Top-level Male Macedonian Handball Players

ABSTRACTThe research was realized on a sample of 133 top handball senior players with the main objective to analyze the anthropometric characteristics and somatotype components in terms of the position at which they play in the team. Within the statistical analysis the basic descriptive parameters are being calculated and a univariate analysis of variance and post-hoc analysis are applied. A general mesomorphic athletic is obtained with obvious longitudinal dimensionality of the skeleton, even compared to the bone and muscle tissue and slightly higher values of fat and endomorphic component especially for goalkeepers and the pivot. The external lateral players and the goalkeepers are characterized by dominant pronounced longitudinal dimensionality, bone composition and voluminosity. The wing players have lower longitudinal dimensionality, while the central players are characterized with pronounced voluminosity and somewhat larger amounts of fat tissue.

A comparison of anthropometric characteristics and somatotypes in a group of elite climbers, recreational climbers and non-climbers

Abstract Sport climbing has become a very popular and competitive sport. Despite growing interest in the research of climbing, there is still scant evidence regarding the adaptations it produces in the anthropometric characteristics of climbers. The objective of this study was to provide descriptive data about the anthropometric and somatotype characteristics of a group of elite and recreational climbers and compare them with a group of healthy non-climber volunteers. Twelve elite climbers (9 males and 3 females), 10 recreational climbers (7 males and 3 females), and 10 healthy non-climbers (6 males and 4 females) were assessed. Body mass, height, body mass index (BMI) and anthropometric measurements were used to obtain body fat percentage (BF%) and somatotype according to the Heath-Carter protocol. We found that females and males elite climbers (EC) have a significantly lower BF% and endomorphic component ( p p p

Somatotyping and Some Physical Characteristics of Trained Male and Female Young Table Tennis Players

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship among somatotype characteristics and physical training of young male and female Indian table tennis players. A total of 29 players (14 males and 15 females), who represented district, state and national level competitions, were evaluated with the sex as a factor. Different body measurements were recorded following the guidelines proposed by the ISAK such as body mass, height, skinfold thicknesses at different sites (biceps, triceps, subscapular, supraspinale and medial calf), girths (arm relaxed, thigh, and calf) and breadths (biepicondylar humerus and femur). In addition to anthropometrical analysis, body composition and somatotype of the participants had been assessed. A t- test for independent samples was performed to examine the statistical differences between sex groups and a Pearson’s coefficient was applied to evaluate the correlation between variables. An endomorph-ectomorph somatotype characteristics was observed for the entire group. Analysis, taking into account the sex factor, revealed an endomorph-mesomorph somatotype for the males and an endomorph-ectomorph somatotype for the females. Data corresponding to body composition contrasted by sex showed higher body fat percentage for the female group than the males. Within the tested age interval range, body fat content in female players was higher than the male counterparts. Although these differences might be the consequence of a normal growth, it was advisable to integrate educational and nutritional strategies in order to maintain an optimum body fat content. Training procedure must be considered to improve the body type for the specific sports event.

CHANGES IN SOMATOTYPE CHARACTERISTICS IN THE MIDDLE-AGED BULGARIAN MEN.

the objective of this cross-sectional research was to outline the different somatotypes and the trends in the changes of the three basic components (endomorphy, mesomorphy and ectomorphy) among the middle-aged Bulgarian men. the Heath-Carter method was used to identify the anthropometric somatotypes of 860 adult men, aged 30-50 years old, from the city of Plovdiv, located in Central Bulgaria. The men were divided into 4 age groups, in five-year intervals. In each case body height, weight and a series of skinfolds, circumferences and diameters were measured to calculate the somatotype. The SPSS package was used for the statistical analysis. the results show a prominent endo-mesomorphic model in the study sample of male population. We found age-related increase of the values of the musclebone component, retention of the level of the fatty component and a decline in the ectomorphy. Regardless the quantitative changes of the three components, the correlation between them remains constant and the mean somatotype is preserved. A greater variety of morphotypes is found in the group of men aged 30-35. The most homogeneous group is that of the 45-50 year old men. This group is entirely dominated by the mesomorphic component (strength), and the endomorphic component (obesity) is greater than the ectomorphic one (linearity). the study finds that in the years between 30 and 50 the men tend to build muscle rather than fat. The 50 year-old men are more mesomorphic than the men at the age of 30, but they are shorter and with less elongated body segments.

VARIATION ON SOMATOTYPE AND WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE IN A SAMPLE OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS BETWEEN YEARS 2012 AND 2014 IN THE TEMUCO, CHILE

Objetive: to determine variation on somatotype and waist circumference (WC) in university students during a three-year follow-up. a total sample of 36 first-year university students was recruited in 2012. Heath-Carter anthropometric somatotype and waist circumference were assessed in 2012 and 2014. male students showed mesomorph component (3.7-5.3-1.8) as dominant in 2012, while in 2014 endomorph and mesomorph components were equal (4.1-4.5-1.6). The somatotype in female students was dominated by endomorphic component in 2012 (5.4-4.6-1.7) and 2014 (5.3-3.2-1.6). Among somatotypes, for both, male and female students, only endomorphy showed statistically significant differences during the follow-up (p = 0,00). The endo-mesomorphic somatotype was dominant in men with 61.9% in 2012 and 38.1% in 2014. Women showed a higher percentage for meso-endomorphic somatotype with 60% in 2012 and 80% in 2014. In men, WC between 2014 and 2014 showed a statistically significant increment of 4.8% (p = 0,00). In women WC increased by 13.3% but no statistically difference was observed (p = 0,10). this study showed somatotypic change with tendency in increased endomorphy in both men and women. Despite WC values were similar to the national mean, cases with cardiometabolic risk increased during the follow-up period based on this measurement.

Study on the adult physique with the Heath-Carter anthropometric somatotype in the Han of Xi’an, China

The study of somatotypes has important significance for medical and physical anthropology as well as sports science. The aim of this study was to understand the somatotype components of the Han population in Xi'an and compare the somatotypes of the Han and five other nationalities in China. The study sample consisted of 429 people of Han nationality (207 males, 222 females) from Xi'an, China, aged ≥20years old. The Heath-Carter anthropometric method was employed. We evaluated the differences in age and sex by one-way ANOVA and t test. A comparison of somatotypes between the Han and other nationalities was made using the U test. The results showed that the male and female samples all could be classified as having a mesomorphic endomorph profile. The difference in endomorphy was strongest between sexes in all age groups (P<0.01). There were prominent differences in mesomorphy and ectomorphy between males and females in the 50-59- and ≥60-year-old age groups. In females, the differences in somatotype components appeared to be distinguished between ages (P<0.01 or P<0.05). However, in males, there were prominent differences in somatotype components between the 20-29 year olds and all other age groups (P<0.01 or P<0.05) except for between those 20-29 and ≥60 years old in endomorphy. Compared with the other five nationalities, there were prominent differences in somatotype components between males and females. These results suggest that the somatotype of the Han population in Xi'an, China, has a predominantly mesomorphic endomorph profile. The endomorphic component shows distinct differences between ages and genders, respectively. Additionally, there are distinct differences in the somatotype components between Xi'an Han and five other nationalities in China in males and females.

Body physique in Bengali adolescent boys from west Tripura district, Tripura, India

In this study an attempt has been made to grow information on age differences in body physique among Bengali boys from rural areas of West Tripura district, Tripura during adolescent growth period. Cross-sectional data on 247 Bengali boys aged 8+ to 16+ years were collected using multistage cluster sampling method. Anthropometric somatotyping, the method forwarded by Heath and Carter, is followed in the present study. Descriptive statistics for all ten anthropometric measurements shows increasing trend with age. The results suggest that the Bengali boys are predominately ectomorphic in their body physique. Mean somatotype of Bengali boys were 2.14–3.83–4.27. During the nine years there was an overall increase of 0.22 units in endomorphy, 0.17 units in ectomorphy, and a decrease of 0.3 units in mesomorphy. Highest percentage of Bengali boys were mesomorphic ectomorph. Majority of the somatotype categories are in the field of somatochart where ectomorphy dominates, thus reflecting their relative linearity or slenderness.

Endomorphs Show Higher Postural Sway Than Other Somatotypes Subjects

Background: The somatotype may influence the balance control ability. The quality of balance performance is an important factor to prevent injuries during sport activities. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of somatotype on the static and dynamic balance indices as well as falling risk index. Patients and Methods: A total of 141 university student healthy young females were recruited. We measured anthropometric somatotypes (10 parameters, Heath-Carter’s method) and the mean of center of pressure (COP) displacement on a Biodex balance system during unilateral (static balance indices) and bilateral standing (dynamic balance indices) with their eyes open and eyes closed. Results: In this research, the frequency of somatotypes was as follows: endomorph, 51; mesomorph, 43; and ectomorph, 47. During dynamic tests, the endomorph group showed significantly higher COP sway (P < 0.01) and falling risk index (P < 0.05) than other somatotype groups did. The mesomorph group showed significantly better postural control during dynamic balance control test with eyes closed (P < 0.05) in comparison to the other somatotype groups. Conclusions: The mesomorph subjects had a higher degree of static and dynamic balance control, while a lower degree of balance control was found among endomorph subjects, especially when standing on the unlocked balance platform with both eyes open and eyes closed.

Somatotype of top-level serbian rhythmic gymnasts.

Body size and build influence performance in many sports, especially in those belonging to the group of female aesthetic sports (rhythmic gymnastics, artistic gymnastics, and figure skating). These sports pose high specific demands upon the functional, energy, motor and psychological capacities of athletes, but also upon the size, body build and composition of the performers, particularly of the top-level female athletes. The study of the top athletes (rhythmic gymnasts, in this case) may provide valuable information on the morphological requirements for achieving success in this sport. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to analyze the somatotype of 40 Serbian top-level rhythmic gymnasts, aged 13.04±2.79, and to form the five age group categories. The anthropometric variables included body height, body mass, the selected diameters, girths and skinfolds, and the Heath-Carter anthropometric somatotype. All of the anthropometric data were collected according to International Biological Programme, and then processed in the Somatotype 1.2. The applied analysis of variance indicated an increase in endomorphic component with age. The obtained results show that the balanced ectomorph is a dominant somatotype, being similar for all of the athletes that took part in the research (3.54-3.24-4.5). These results are in line with the ones obtained in previous studies.

Somatotype of non-athlete tribal school boys of West Tripura District, Tripura

Anthropometric somatotype of non-athlete rural tribal school boys (aged 8+ to 16+ years) from west Tripura district of Tripura has been studied following the Heath-Carter’s anthropometric somatotype method. Each individual was somatotyped using a set of ten anthropometric measurements. The calculated somatotypes are plotted on somatochart triangle to determine their physique. All the three ratings changes with age, but no regular trend has been seen and no distinctive change corresponding to adolescent growth spurt has also been observed. During these nine years there was an overall increase of 0.35 units in endomorphy, 0.81 units in ectomorphy, and 0.36 units in mesomorphy. Ectomorphy shows an increasing trend, while in case of endomorphy and mesomorphy no regular trend was observed. The somatoplot of mean somatotypes fell in the mesomorph-ectomorph sectors of the somatochart with a rating of 1.78-4.22-3.78. The somatotype categories ectomorphic mesomorph and mesomorph-ectomorph included the greatest proportion of these tribal boys. Thus the non-athlete tribal school boys of West Tripura district were predominantly mesomorphic.

Body composition of lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most frequent endocrine and metabolic disorders in reproductive age women, and it is related to changes in body size, shape and composition. Anthropometric somatotype is a quantitative description of the individual’s body shape and composition classified as endomorphy, mesomorphy or ectomorphy. Since PCOS somatotype has never previously been studied, here we evaluate body shape and composition phenomena in lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome and assess relationships with metabolic parameters. The study of 20–35 year-old women was carried out at the Department of Anatomy, Histology and Anthropology at Vilnius University. Standard anthropometric instruments and methods were used, and J. Matiegka’s equations calculated skeletal mass, skin and subcutaneous adipose tissue and muscles and internal organs. In addition, Heath – Carter’s somatotypes were computed, and the participants’ glucose, insulin, testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin and lipid levels were established. We analysed data from 120 women with a mean age of 27.30 ± 3.68 years. Lean women with PCOS had greater skeletal mass by 0.47 kg (p&lt;0.05, Cohen’s d=1.14), greater skin and subcutaneous adipose tissue mass by 2.79 kg (p&lt;0.05, Cohen’s d=6.07) and lower muscle mass by 1.47 kg (p&lt;0.05, Cohen’s d=2.84) compared to control women (p&lt;0.05). The mean PCOS somatotype ratio was 4.96–4.38–3.00 (SD 1.50–1.26–1.11). This classified women with PCOS as mesomorphic endomorphs, in contrast to healthy women who were endomorphic mesomorphs. The PCOS subjects’ skin and subcutaneous adipose tissue and endomorphy/mesomorphy somatotype positively correlated with insulin levels and the HOMA-IR. It was established that lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome had a mesomorphic endomorph somatotype and higher skin and subcutaneous adipose tissue mass, but less muscle mass than healthy lean women. In addition, skin and subcutaneous adipose tissue positively correlated with insulin level and HOMA-IR in lean PCOS women.

The effect of morphological and functional variables on ranking position of professional junior Basque surfers

The aim of this study was to analyse the association of morphology as well as functional outcomes during a paddling test with ranking position (RP) of competitive junior surfers. Ten male surfers (age, mean 17.60, s=2.06 years) performed a maximum incremental test on a modified ergometer (Ergo Vasa Swim, USA) to determine, per unit of weight, the relative heart rate at lactate threshold (RHRLT) and at onset of blood lactate accumulation (RHROBLA) and the relative power output at LT (RWLT) and at OBLA (RWOBLA). Anthropometrics were weight, height and sum of six skinfolds (subscapular, triceps, supraspinal, abdominal, anterior thigh and calf) and Heath-Carter anthropometric somatotypes. A stepwise multiple regression was constructed to model and predict RP. Surfers shared a relative short stature and light weight, with a broader range of skinfold thickness (174.30, s=0.07 cm; 66.73, s=5.91 kg; 57.03, s=12.29 mm) and mean somatotype was ectomorphic-mesomorph: 2.20–4.36–3.09 (Category 2). Two model equations were possible: (A) RP = − 244.550 RWOBLA+262.787; (B) RP = − 217.028·RWOBLA+31.21·endomorphy + 169.16 with 63.1% and 83% of variance explained, respectively. A hierarchical cluster analysis on the Euclidean distances of the variables in model B also distinguished between upper and lower ranking groups. RWOBLA was more useful than endomorphy, anthropometric measures and also than the other functional outcomes to predict RPs. RWOBLA and endomorphy should be considered important variables that may influence the success of these young competitive surfers.