Basic Somatic Features Research Articles

Long-term changes in physical fitness components determining the motor performance of young people studying physiotherapy in 2001–2020

The aim of the study is to assess changes in basic somatic features and motor components of physical fitness of physiotherapy students in the years 2001–2020. Hypotheses were made about the lack of a secular trend in body height and weight, the deterioration of motor efficiency and the lack of conditioning of the examined changes by social factors. Every year, students of physiotherapy at Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland) were examined in terms of height, weight, chest circumference, balance, speed, power, agility and endurance. The results were obtained from 1161 female students and 464 male students. There was weight gain in the group of women (R2 = 0.41, p = 0.00314), deterioration of speed (for women R2 = 0.579, p = 0.001; for men R2 = 0.301, p = 0.0185) and deterioration of power (for women R2 = 0.51, p = 0.001, p = 0.001; for men R2 = 0.0432, p = 0.00303). The stability of the remaining features was also found, as well as the lack of their conditioning by social factors. Predictors of maintaining motor fitness were identified, i.e. male gender, fitness exam qualifying for studies and chest circumference. The creation of conditions and requirements encouraging greater care for the appropriate level of motor fitness of people undertaking physiotherapy studies seems justified. This observation may apply to other academia providing training for the profession of physiotherapist.

Long-Term Trends in Changes in Physical and Motor Development Observed among Physiotherapy Students from Bydgoszcz in 2011-2020.

The aim of the study is to assess the changes in somatic and motor characteristics in adolescents studying physiotherapy from 2011-2020. It was hypothesized that there was no secular trend of morphological features, its maintenance in endurance, increased sexual dimorphism and the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the observed characteristics. Young people studying at the Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz were examined. Basic somatic features, endurance and coordination were measured. WHR, BMI and dimorphism indices were calculated based on the results from 538 female and 217 male examined students. There was a decrease in body height with an increase in body weight in relation to the values recorded in the years 2001-2010 (BMI: women D = 0.49, Z = 2.9192; men D = 0.93, Z = 3.5746; WHR women D = 0.01, Z = 2.88491; men D = 0.02, Z = 3.5746), an increase in sexual dimorphism and a significant increase in the waist circumference of women (R2 = 0.008, p (F) = 0.0353) year by year by 0.3099 cm (p = 0.035). The obtained results and the comparisons made allow us to assume that some people studying physiotherapy may have problems with meeting the standards that require physical effort.

Assessment of the influence of physical activity and screen time on somatic features and physical fitness in 6 to 7-year-old girls

Aim of the study is to assess the relationship between screen time, physical activity and physical fitness among girls 6–7 years-old.
 21,528 girls aged 6 and 7 from Poland were assessed in terms of physical fitness. Arm strength, abdominal strength and explosive strength of the lower limbs were measured using the EUROFIT test. Basic somatic features were measured and BMI and WHtR indices were calculated. Spontaneous and organized physical activities as well screen time were assessed by the parents utilizing a questionnaire. The multiple logistic regression method was used to evaluate the influence of screen time and spontaneous physical activity on various components of physical fitness.
 Physically active (PA) girls (≥1h/day) and those who participated in additional physical activities (APA) during the week had significantly higher height, weight, and BMI (p<0.001), but not WHtR. They had a higher level of flexibility, explosive strength of the lower limbs and arm strength (p<0.001). With an increase in screen time, the BMI, WHtR increased significantly and explosive strength of the lower limbs, abdominal strength and arm strength were lower. Regression analysis showed that more frequent participation in extracurricular activities increased the values of BMI and WHtR in quartile 4 (Q4), and strength components: Q2–Q4 (p<0.05). Spontaneous physical activity was positively related to the values of BMI, WHtR (both: Q4; p<0.05), explosive force of lower limbs (Q3–Q4; p=0.001), and negatively related to arm strength (Q2; p=0.001). Screen time (≥2hrs/day) increased odds for higher BMI values (p<0.05). Each screen time category decreased the odds of achieving abdominal muscle strength related to the quartiles: Q2–Q4 (p<0.05), arm strength (Q4: p<0.05). ST (1 <2hrs/day) decreased arm strength (Q3; p= 0.045). Our research has shown that screen time-related sedentary behavior and physical activity affect overweight and obesity indices (especially BMI) and strength abilities. The observed associations more often affected girls with a higher level of fitness The results observed in girls aged 6-7 indicate a need for early intervention aimed at limiting time spent watching TV and computer use, as well as to encourage both spontaneous and organized physical activities.

Profile of coordination motor abilities in elite judokas and badminton players compared to non-athletes

Summary Study aim: To determine the level and internal structure of profiles of coordination motor abilities in elite judokas and badminton players compared to a group of non-athletes. Material and methods: The material for the study was the results collected from 12 competitors of the Polish national badminton team (age: 22.7 ± 4.5), 10 members of the national judo team who represented mean weight categories (age: 23.0 ± 3.3) and 25 non-athletes, who were male university students of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport (age: 23.0 ± 0.8). The scope of the study included basic somatic features and selected coordination motor abilities measured by means of computer tests. Results: Statistically significant differences between badminton players and judokas were obtained for reaction times (visual, auditory and selective) as well as spatial orientation. In all cases, a higher level was found for badminton players. Furthermore, analysis of differences between badminton players and non-athletes revealed statistically significant differences only for the selective reaction time. A substantial differentiation of the internal structure of the models of coordination motor abilities was obtained. This pattern was particularly noticeable in the group of judokas and badminton players, where the difference between characteristics was ca. 0.76 SD. Substantially smaller differences (0.21 SD) between particular variables included in the coordination profile were found for non-athlete university students. Conclusion: The lower results of the elite judokas show the need for developing the coordination motor abilities during training. The largest reserves are to be found in raising the level of reaction times and spatial orientation.

Changes in the Level of Dynamic Balance Among Winter Sports Competitors, Candidates for ZSMS (School of Winter Sports Championship) in Zakopane over the Years 2007-2016

Research aim. The aim of the study is to determine changes in the level of the ability to maintain balance in dynamic conditions over the last decade among winter sports competitors, candidates for junior high and high school of the Winter Sports Championship School Complex in Zakopane (ZSMS). The following research questions were formulated: 1. Have there been any significant changes in the level of dynamic balance among candidates for practicing winter sports at ZSMS Zakopane over the last 10 years? 2. Did the possible changes in the examined subjects have a similar range in both the analysed directions of deflection (anterior-posterior and lateral)? 3. Have the differences in the level of dynamic balance between 13 and 16-year-old candidates remained at a similar level in the analysed time period? Materials and methods. The study comprised a group of 133 boys, candidates for junior high school (age 13.32 ± 0.77), and a group of 198 candidates for high school (age 16.02 ± 0.48). The Libra balance platform from the Italian company EasyTech was used to determine the level of balance on unstable an unstable surface. A sinusoid with an amplitude of 5° and a frequency of 10 cycles /min were used as the trajectory pattern. The balance curvature of r = 40 cm and the 6th degree of difficulty (5° deviation from the reference line in each direction) were used. The results of the following trials were used for the analysis: stability index (SI), total area (TA) and index of balancing precision (IBP). The tests were carried out separately in the frontal and sagittal planes. Before beginning measurements, basic somatic features of the subjects were evaluated. The differences in the results of individual stability parameters were verified via the Kruskal-Wallis and U Mann-Whitney tests. Results. Over the analysed decade, both the 13- and 16-year-olds demonstrated significant improvement in the values of all tested stability parameters in the frontal plane. Among junior high school students, values amounted to: SI = 40.5%; TA = 30.0%; IBP = 52.5%, while for high school students: SI = 32.1%; TA = 23.6.0%; IBP = 49.4%. However, the occurrence of such positive changes in the sagittal plane was not confirmed. Similarly, 13-year-olds showed improvement for the results in the following areas: SI = 22.9%; TA = 18.2%; IBP = 33.5%, while 16-year-olds: SI = 11.6%; TA = 9.9%; IBP = 16.8%. A gradual disappearance of the differences in the balance level between junior high and high school ZSMS candidates was found. Conclusions. The analysis of changes in the level of dynamic balance among winter sports athletes over the period of 10 years allows to indicate that this ability did not follow the trends characteristic of the national population in terms of motor fitness. The presented results suggest either constant improvement in the subjects’ stability (frontal plane), or its maintenance at a good and stable levels (sagittal plane). This is an optimistic conclusion, as many authors believe that the results obtained on balance platforms not only characterise the level of postural stability, but also that the speed of adaptation to conditions of an unstable ground is a determinant of the subject’s level of coordination abilities.

Morphological features and the strength-speed fitness of female volleyballers at a high sports level

Introduction: Modern volleyball requires players to present a high level of strength and speed fitness. Efficiency in this discipline is also significantly determined by the level of development of the somatic features, including especially body height and shoulder range. The main aim of the study was to assess the level of development of the most important morpho-functional features characterizing female volleyball players at high sports level against the background of non-training women. Material and methods: 13 female players representing the 1st league volleyball club took part in the research. The control group consisted of 11 women not exercising any form of competitive sport. Measurements of basic somatic features were carried out: body height, body weight and its tissue components. In addition, explosive strength of the lower limbs tests (CMJ) and the Wingate test was performed. On the basis of statistical analysis, the most important somatic features and motor fitness indicators characterizing I-league volleyballers were selected. Results: The greatest differences between volleyball players and non-training women in terms of morphological features was recorded for lean body mass (LBM [kg], Z = 6.63, p <0.01). However, in terms of motor fitness indicators, the largest differences were found in terms of peak power, average power and CMJ [cm] and CMJ power [W/kg]. Calculated, respectively: Z = 2.59, p <0.001; Z = 3.22, p <0.001; Z = 2.75, p <0.001, Z = 2.54, p <0.001). Conclusions: Our research confirmed importance of selected morpho-functional features conducive to high efficiency of Female’s volleyball. Jumping tests (e.g. CMJ) assessing the motor potential of lower limbs of volleyball players have practical value in the context of recruitment, selection and control of female’s volleyball training. The Wingate test, as a diagnostic tool, can be used as an adjunct to retinal specific tests.

MORPHOFUNCTIONAL DETERMINANTS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ONE VERSUS ONE SMALL-SIDED GAMES IN SOCCER PLAYERS

Aim. The aim of this report is to identify variables determining the effectiveness of small football games at subsequent stages of training. Material and Methods. The study material comprised the results of tests conducted among 42 football players who were assigned to 3 categories: youngsters, younger juniors and seniors. The scope of the study included basic somatic features, selected motor skills tests and specific coordination tests of motor skills recommended for football players. Detailed correlation matrices were calculated using Spearman’s signed-rank test between all the analysed variables and the overall game perforance index (OPI). For each training group, morpho-functional profiles were calculated taking variables from previous analyses into account. Variables forming the structure of these models were normalised on the T scale. Results. 11 statistically significant Spearman’s signed-rank correlation coefficients were obtained between game performance indices and the analysed variables. In the 3 training groups of football players, considerable diversity of the internal structure of morpho-functional models was noted. In the group of juniors and seniors, differentiation between features was 1.2 of standard deviation. Conclusions. In terms of fitness, the influence of circulatory-respiratory endurance and speed ability on the indicator of overall performance for the seniors’ game was noted. In turn, taking the neuro-functional side of the players’ motor ability into account, correlations with the effectiveness of the game were mainly found within the ability of balance, kinesthetic differentiation and motor adaptation. Such regularities mainly refer to the youngsters and younger juniors.

HEALTH RELATED FITNESS (H-RF) OF OBESE AND OVERWEIGHT CHILDREN FROM MALOPOLSKA REGION – PART I. girls

Aim of research. Basing on the results of the researches conducted on 3221 girls from Małopolska in years 1996-2005 some hypothesis were verified about ontogenetic period ap-pearance of: the negative influence of too low and too high fatness level on the positive health measures level, and the similar structure of the physical efficiency analyzed referring to health and the similar strength of the correlation connection between its elements and the height-weight index (Quetelet II) sorted in groups according to BMI level. Methods. The results of the positive health indexes were analyzed such as: the basic somat-ic features, antropometric indexes, the oxygen efficiency (VO2 max), motor ability tested on Eurofit and MTSF tests. Basing on the average value and the standard aberration of BMI all tested girls were divided into 3 groups: 8-10, 13-14, 17-18. In every group the range and the trend of the considering features differentiations were discerned and only in two groups (above and below the range of 1 SD BMI) the concentration analysis was conducted where the strength of the correlation connection between the elements of the physical efficiency structure, tested according to the relation of health and BMI level, were estimated. Results. The researches confirmed the accepted hypothesis about the negative influence of low and high fatness level, tested by BMI indexes, on the selected indexes of the positive health. The results of the concentration analysis and the Pearson’s correlation between BMI index and the physical efficiency’s elements tested referring to health show the reason to claim there are similar connections between the elements of the physical efficiency and the hierarchic structure in the group of individuals of low and high fatness. The statistically es-sential correlations only between efficiency’s morphologic components and BMI were found. Conclusion. The conducted researches confirmed: 1. The negative influence of too low and too high level of fatness on the level of the health positive indexes, 2. The statistically essen-tial correlation connections only between BMI and the somatic features which measure a body’s fatness, 3. The poor relations between BMI level and the positive health measures such as: physical efficiency, motor ability, 4. The similar structure of the physical efficiency tested referring to health in groups of lower and higher level of fatness.

Body Mass Disorders in Healthy Short Children and in Children with Growth Hormone Deficiency.

The aim of the study was to determine the degree of adiposity and the incidence of body mass disorders, including abdominal obesity, in healthy short children and children with growth hormone deficiency. The study included 134 short children (height < 10th percentile) aged 7-15. In this cohort there were 63 (31 boys and 32 girls) children without diagnosed hormonal disorders and 71 patients (35 boys and 36 girls) with growth hormone deficiency. Basic somatic features were assessed and the study participants were categorized according to the percentage of body fat (%FAT), body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). We found that there were no significant differences in %FAT and the incidence of body weight disorders depending on gender or diagnosis. %FAT deficit was observed in 12-21% of the participants and underweight in almost every fourth child. Overweight involved 3-14% of the participants and obesity was diagnosed in isolated cases (0-3%); both were considerably lower compared to the estimates based on %FAT. Using the cut-off points of WHtR, abdominal adiposity was observed in 3-15% of the participants. In conclusion, quite a large number of short children (between 25 and 50%) are characterized by abnormal body fat or body mass index values. The results indicate a limited usefulness of BMI in evaluating the incidence of overweight and obesity in children characterized by a height deficit.

Differences in Body Build and Physical Fitness of PE Students from the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport in Biała Podlaska in the Years 1989, 2004, and 2014

Abstract Introduction. In the current situation of the demographic decline and simultaneous tough competition on the educational market, the issues of not only teaching levels but also the competences and aptitudes of students themselves are raised more and more often. Therefore, this study sought to analyse differences in the body build and physical fitness of physical education (PE) students from the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport in Biała Podlaska in the years 1989, 2004, and 2014. Material and methods. The material included the results of the anthropometric measurements and physical fitness tests of second-year students examined in 1989 (n = 111), 2004 (n = 181), and 2014 (n = 127). Martin and Saller’s technique was employed to measure anthropometric features necessary to establish body build types using the Heath-Carter method. Physical fitness was evaluated with the International Physical Fitness Test. Sample size (n), arithmetic mean (x̅), standard deviation (SD), and the T point scale were applied to assess the collected variables. Differences in the sizes of the analysed features between the groups were estimated with the use of ANOVA and the Newman-Keuls test. Results. The analysis revealed a constant increase in basic somatic features and endomorphy and a decrease in mesomorphy and physical fitness in male subjects. The ectomorphy of students examined in 2014 was at a level similar to that recorded in 1989. The pace of the described changes was different depending on the study period. Conclusions. Secular trends in body build and physical fitness observed in the study may stem from deterioration in the biological potential of youths or may result from lowering physical education entrance exam criteria at the university.

ONCE MORE ON THE METHODS FOR DETERMINING SENSITIVE AND CRITICAL PERIODS IN THE MOTOR DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AND THE YOUTH

Aim. Two objectives were set for realization in this paper: 1. To identify the cohort dynamics of the development of selected physical fitness components in girls and boys studied longitudinally as a basis for distinguishing sensitive and critical periods proposed in sports theory. 2. To carry out a comparative analysis of the individual and cohort development pace of selected motor abilities, taking into account the absolute and relative ages of the subjects in order to confirm the validity of distinguishing the limits of sensitive and critical periods limits with methods used in sports practice. Basic procedures. The research incorporated the results of an eight-year continuous study on 401 children from Krakow. Basic somatic features and anthropometric indicators were measured. Traditional methods were used to distinguish periods of increased dynamics of motor development and of reaching puberty leaps. The age of reaching peak body height has was determined using an original computerized method. In the distinguished fractions of biological development advancement, the individual pace of motor development of 401 boys and girls was determined. Comparative analysis of the cohort development pace of motor skills was conducted using traditional methods in our own and comparative studies, and the individual rate of development of random children who reached puberty at different times. Results. Comparative analysis showed no coherence in the occurrence of dynamic development periods of motor abilities distinguished in the materials from studies on both cohort and individual cases. Conclusions. 1. Differences in studying motor skill development using various methods support the lack of a basis for the use of growth dynamics as a criterion for determining sensitive and critical periods. 2. Using the Montessori concept to designate sensitive and critical periods in the motor development of a child should be considered unfounded.

Sauna-induced body mass loss in physically inactive young women and men

Summary Study aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between basic somatic features (body mass and height) and body mass loss in physically inactive young women and men exposed to thermal stress in a dry sauna. Materials and methods: The research was conducted in 2015 on 685 first-year full-time students (333 women, 352 men), aged 19–20 years old. Nude body mass was measured after the students dried off before and after using the sauna. Results: An analysis of regression equations indicated that an increase in the body mass of women and men leads to a significant increase in sauna-induced body mass loss. On the other hand, body mass loss decreased with an increase in height in women and men, but to a smaller extent. From among the tested somatic features, body height and body mass, body mass had a decisive influence on body mass loss. Body height had a minimal and statistically non-significant impact on body mass loss. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that heavier individuals have an increased risk of dehydration and hyperthermia. Therefore, they should pay close attention to replenishing fluids lost in the sauna. The determination of body mass loss values after a visit to a dry sauna has practical significance because it supports the estimation of the fluid volume required for the maintenance of correct water balance.

Weight-height relationships and central obesity in 7-year-old to 10-year-old Polish urban children: a comparison of different BMI and WHtR standards.

BackgroundAn increase in overweight and obesity rates among children is a major social problem; however, interpretation and comparability of estimations may be affected by the reference values and cut-off points used. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of underweight, overweight, obesity and central obesity in 7-year-old to 10-year-old urban children and to compare the results obtained through various standards of BMI or waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) indicators.MethodsThe research was conducted on a sample group of 367 girls and 424 boys aged 6.5–10.5 years, randomly chosen from a number of primary schools in Warsaw, Poland. In all participants, basic somatic features were assessed, and based on BMI and WHtR values, participants were then classified according to different standards. The prevalence of underweight, overweight, obesity and central obesity in boys and girls was compared using the chi-square test; fractions obtained from various BMI and WHtR standards were compared through a test for proportions; and the conformity of classification methods was assessed using Cohen’s kappa coefficient.ResultsApproximately 9 % of girls and 6 % of boys were underweight, 15 % of all participants was classified as overweight, and approximately 4 % of girls and 6 % of boys aged 7–10 were obese. Central obesity was diagnosed in 18.6–20.9 % of all participants, while another 7.1 % of girls and 7.5 % of boys displayed symptoms of excessive fat deposition characterized by elevated body fat percentages. Even though the prevalence estimations varied depending on the standards used, the overall classification compliance reached 86–94 % with a Cohen’s kappa coefficient ranging from 0.676 to 0.841.ConclusionThe prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity among urban children is comparable to estimates for the general population. Of particular concern, in terms of health and proper physical development, is the problem of central obesity that affects one out of five children. The use of reference values representing body fat percentage seems justified as it allows for a more precise diagnosis of weight-related disorders, including the particularly threatening abdominal obesity.

Research Analysis of Selection Criteria at the Initial Stage of Swimming Training of Primary School Junior Students

This article serves as a review of literature dedicated to the issue of selection criteria at the initial stage of swimming training of children in junior grades of primary school. Research methods used by the reviewed authors were varied. Only in some cases the overall anthropometric examination was used. This paper presents research results of multiple authors concerned with the swimming initiation age, basic somatic features (height and body mass), physical (motor) fitness, and physical function as major criteria for selection. The literature presented in this article lacks, however, information about potential correlations between the sports skills and measurements of motor skills and somatic features of children who are at an initial stage of competitive swimming. Therefore, this issue has not been discussed in the article.

Exercise tolerance and selected motor skills in young females with idiopathic scoliosis treated with different physiotherapeutic methods.

Scoliosis is a disorder that leads to dysfunction of a number of systems in the body, especially in young females. Physical capacity is one of the most important elements of good health as well as ofbiological development. Adolescence is a time when physical capacity develops intensively, and the condition of the respiratory system is one of many factors that have an impact on the level of physical capacity. This paper aims to evaluate a short-term application of two methods of physiotherapy and their influence on the level of exercise tolerance in young females suffering from idiopathic scoliosis. The study involved a group of 49 young females aged 14-15 years diagnosed with (2040°) thoracic and lumbar scoliosis who were in-patients at the rehabilitation ward of the Regional Paediatric Rehabilitation Hospital in Jastrzębie Zdrój. The group was divided into two subgroups depending on the method of rehabilitation employed: the first subgroup received asymmetric breathing exercise therapy by Dobosiewicz and the second subgroup practised symmetric remedial exercises. Cobb's angle, the degree of skeletal maturity, i.e. the Risser sign and the degree trunk rotation of the apex of the curvature by means of Raimondi's coefficient were determined once in an x-ray image. Basic somatic features, maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV parameter), selected motor skills and exercise tolerance were assessed on two occasions (before beginning and after completion of the rehabilitation treatment). 1. Young females suffering from (20-40°) thoracic and lumbar scoliosis demonstrate respiratory dysfunction, as shown by decreased maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) in the two subgroups in the present study. Exercises according to Dobosiewicz's method brought about a significantly higher degree of improvement in this parameter. 2. The physiotherapeutic regimen administered to the young girls with scoliosis significantly improved their strength motor skills and exercise tolerance. A significantly higher improvement was observed in the subgroup treated using Dobosiewicz's method, in particular, in the strength of abdominal muscles, which play an important role in both respiratory function and body posture maintenance.

Differentiation of the body build in judo competitors of the men’s Polish national team

Background Anthropologists’ research repeated for over half a century now prove that the body build constitutes one of the elements differentiating sportsmen from persons not carrying out a systematic physical training. However, in the population of sportsmen one deals with the accumulation two factors – features of persons selected to practise a particular sport (thus with the greatest predispositions) and the results of training. The aim of the study was to properties of the body build among judo competitors of the national team compared to persons of the same population not practising professional sport. Material & Methods: The study involved competitors from the Polish national team in men’s judo (n=14). Competitors’ age 20–30 (x=23 years), body mass 63 kg to 160 kg (x=93.8 kg), body height 166–197 cm (x=179.3 cm), training experience 13±4.2 years. The reference group was made up of students of Warsaw Technical University (Poland). Eighteen basic somatic features were measured. Slenderness, Rohrer’s, BMI, and Manouvrier’s indices were calculated. Body density, complete body fat, active tissue, overall profile of the body build and internal proportions of the body build were determined. Results: Weight categories (with the increase in body mass, a distinct decrease in slenderness features takes place) are an important factor determining morphological differentiation of judo competitors. Proportions of features of factors analysed internally show that competitors of all weight categories are characterised by particularly strong muscles of the forearm and weak ones of the shank. Conclusions: A selection of an appropriate technique of fight (throws, grips, feints and their combinations) to the body build and other components of the judo competitor’s personality still remains an open issue. These problems must be tackled by coaches in reference to particular competitors individually.

Differentiation of the Body Composition in the Polish National Team Pentathletes

Contemporary anthropological research confirms the fact that body composition is one of the elements differentiating athletes from persons not practising sport systematically. The differences in body composition – in many cases even extreme – also regard athletes in the context of the sports discipline they practise. The aim of the study was to determine the properties of body composition of the Polish national team pentathletes in comparison to persons of the same population not practising competitive sport. The research comprised members of the Polish national team in modern pentathlon (n=10). The subjects were 18-23 (20±1.5) years of age with their body mass from 64 to 80 kg (73.27±6.1) and body height of 172-188 cm (180.11±6.22). The athletes had had 6-13 years (10.38± 2.07) of training experience. Students of Warsaw Technical University (Poland) constituted the reference group. Measurements of 20 basic somatic features were made. The following indices were calculated: leanness, Rohrer’s, BMI, Manouvrier’s and pelvic-shoulder. Body density, total body fat, active tissue, the general body composition profile and internal proportions of the body composition were determined. An analysis of internal proportions of the factors of athletes’ body composition revealed differences in particular groups of features. The athletes’ overall body size results from greater than mean values of the body height and the average ones of stoutness and the fat content. The proportions of features within the analysed factors proved a significant advantage of the upper limb over the lower one and the significant predominance of the musculature of the forearm. 105 Author’s Conrtibution A – Study Design B – Data Collection C – Statistical Analysis D – Data Interpretation E – Manuscript Preparation F – Literature Search G – Funds Collection Word count: 2322 Tables: 1 Figures: 2