Somatotype Differences Research Articles

Sex, Age and Caste Differences in Somatotypes of Rajput and Scheduled Caste Adolescents from the Sirmour District of Himachal Pradesh, India

Somatotypes of a cross-sectional sample of 544 rural adolescents ranging in age from 11 to 17 years are described. The sample included 269 Rajput (141 girls and 128 boys) and 275 Scheduled Caste (135 girls and 140 boys) subjects. Each subject was somatotyped using the Heath-Carter anthropometric somatotype protocol (Carter & Heath 1990). In all, ten anthropometric measurements namely height, weight, bicondylar diameters of humerus and femur, flexed mid-upper-arm and calf circumferences, and triceps, subscapular, supraspinale and calf skinfolds were taken. The mean somatotypes of the Rajput boys and girls were 1.62- 3.30-3.85 (mesomorphic-ectomorph) and 2.42-2.90-3.99 (balanced ectomorph), respectively. The mean somatotypes of the Scheduled Caste subjects were 1.51-3.02-3.74 (mesomorphic-ectomorph) for boys and 2.38-2.64-3.70 (balanced ectomorph) for girls. A one-way ANOVA revealed that females of both the caste groups were significantly (p < or = 0.05) more endomorphic than the males. The sex differences in other two components were not significant (p +/- 0.05). Caste differences, as revealed by a one-way ANOVA analysis, were not significant (p +/- 0.05) in both sexes. With the exception of the Rajput girls, the differences in whole somatotypes between those in an early phase of adolescence and those in an advanced phase of adolescence were not significant (p = 0.05). The results indicate that populations exposed to same environmental situations for a long period of time tend to show similarity in physique. A one-way MANOVA analysis, which used Wilk's Lambda as test statistics, revealed that from 11-17 years there was no significant change (p < or = 0.05) in component dominance of mean somatotypes in the boys and girls of the present sample. Among males of a majority of the Indian populations, ectomorphy dominates over endomorphy and mesomorphy from 11 to 17 years.

The Influence of Gender and Somatotype on Single-Leg Upright Standing Postural Stability in Children

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of gender and somatotypes on single-leg upright standing postural stability in children. A total of 709 healthy children from different schools were recruited to measure the anthropometric somatotypes and the mean radius of center of pressure (COP) on a force platform with their eyes open and eyes closed. The results were that (a) girls revealed significantly smaller mean radius of COP distribution than boys, both in the eyes open and eyes closed conditions, and (b) the mesomorphic, muscular children had significantly smaller mean radius of COP distribution than the endomorphic, fatty children and the ectomorphic, linear children during the eyes closed condition. The explanation for gender differences might be due to the larger body weight in boys. The explanation for somatotype differences might be due to the significantly lower body height and higher portion of muscular profile in the mesomorphic children.

Somatotype and size of elite female basketball players

The aim of this study was to compare the somatotype and size of elite female basketball players in terms of playing position and team performance. Anthropometry and somatotype data were collected on 168 players from 14 countries before the Women's World Basketball Championship, Australia, 1994. There were 64 guards (mean ± s: age 25.4 ± 3.3 years, height 1.72 ± 0.06 m, mass 66.1 ± 6.2 kg, somatotype = 2.9 – 3.9 – 2.6), 57 forwards (age 25.2 ± 3.8 years, height 1.81 ± 0.06 m, mass 73.3 ± 5.9 kg, somatotype = 2.8 – 3.5 – 3.2) and 47 centres (age 24.1 ± 3.1 years, height 1.90 ± 0.06 m, mass 82.6 ± 8.2 kg, somatotype = 3.2 – 3.1 – 3.4). Mean somatotypes by position were significantly different (F = 7.73, P < 0.01). Guards had greater mesomorphy than centres and less ectomorphy than forwards and centres. When discriminant function analysis was applied to endomorphy, mesomorphy, ectomorphy, age, height and mass, only height, mass and ectomorphy entered (Wilks' λ = 0.351, F = 31.40, P < 0.000), 70% of the variance was accounted for, and 72% of players were correctly classified. In the four top versus four bottom teams, guards were taller and more ectomorphic, forwards were taller, with lower mesomorphy and higher ectomorphy, and centres did not differ. Thus there are some differences in somatotypes by position and team placing, but the combination of height, mass and ectomorphy provide the best differentiation by position.

Age Changes and Sex Differences in Somatotypes among Jats of Delhi

Somatotype studies have both pedagogic and pragmatic merits. With a view to delin- eate age changes and sex differences in anthropometric somatotype and its three components, viz., endomorphy, mesomorphy and ectomorphy among Jats of Delhi in the age range of 10 to 18 years, data were collected on Jat boys (308) and Girls (272). Jat boys and girls have primarily meso-ectomorphic, balanced ectomorphic and central type of physique. Generally Jat girls are more endomorphic and less ectomorphic than Jat boys. With advancement in age, Jat boys tend to become balanced ectomorphic from meso-ectomorphic, whereas Jat girls have a tendency to become central type from balanced ectomorphic type of physique.

Somatotiperingsprofiele van manlike en vroulike Suid-Afrikaanse kruipslagswemmers

The first aim of this study was to determine the somatotype profiles of 16 South African male ( X =18.96±3.28 years) and 10 South African female swimmers ( X =17.00±2.34 years) who finished in the 10 top places in the different crawl stroke events at the South African Swimming Championships of 2001. The second aim of this study was to compare the somatotype profiles of South African swimmers with the profiles of 91 male ( X =21.30±3.01 years) and 64 female crawl swimmers ( X =19.6±29 years) who participated in the 1991 FINA World Championships of Swimming (Carter et al., 1994). The somatotype profiles of the swimmers were determined by making use of the Heath-Carter anthropometric somatotype method (Carter, 1996). The descriptive statistics were calculated, after which an independent test was used to determine the somatotype differences between the two groups of swimmers. The results showed that the male South African crawl swimmers had an average somatotype value of 2.2±0.6-4.4±0.9-3.3±1.0, compared with the international swimmers, who had an average value of 1.8±0.4-4.8±0.9-3.2±0.8. Endomorphy was the only variable that differed statistically significantly (p (S. African J. for Research in Sport, Physical Ed. and Recreation: 2002 24 (2): 1-12)

Somatotypes of Urban Meiteis of Imphal, Manipur

Anthropometric somatotype of urban Meiteis, ranging in age from 6 to 13 years, are described with a view to assessing the gender and age differences. Cross-sectional data on 340 children (171 boys and 169 girls) was collected from various schools of Imphal town of Manipur State. Each individual was somatotyped with the help of Health-Centre anthropometric protocol using a set of ten body measurements. The average somatotypes for boys and girls were 1.8-3.6-4.2 and 2.1-3.2-4.1, respectively, and are classified as mesomorphic ectomorph. On the whole, the girls were significantly more endomorphic and the boys more mesomorphic; the differences were not significant in ectomorphy. A one-way ANOVA showed no significant sex differences in whole somatotypes, except at 8 years. A one-way MANOVA using Wilk’s Lambdo as test statistics revealed no significant age diff erences in somatotypes in both the sexes. The urban Merteis were more ectomorphic than Gaddi Rajputs and Chamba Brahmins and Rajputs.

PHYSIQUE, MENARCHE AND TRAINING HISTORY IN ATHLETES WITH AND WITHOUT STRESS FRACTURES

1631 Physique, late age at menarche and early onset of training are indicated as risk factors, among others, for stress fractures (SF) in athletes. This study compares these risk factors in 30 university athletes in five sports (tennis[1], swimming [1], basketball [4], volleyball[5], track and field [18]) presenting SF, and in 290-307 athletes in the same sports without SF. Ages at menarche, at first participation in organized sport, and at specialization in the current sport were obtained with questionnaire and follow-up interview if necessary. Stature, mass, and the dimensions for estimating the Heath-Carter anthropometric somatotype and the androgyny index [AI = (3 X biacromial breadth) - bicristal breadth] were measured. All information was collected prior to the occurrence and diagnosis of the SF, early in the training season, as a part of the health and guidance services provided to all athletes. Data were not available for one runner, while age at menarche was lacking for another runner. The 29 athletes (22 White, 7 Black) with SF did not differ from athletes in the same sport without SF in ages at first organized sport participation and at specialized training in the current sport; 15 of 28 athletes with SF began specialized training in their respective sports after menarche. Mean age at menarche in athletes with SF was slightly but not significantly later (White, 14.3±1.3 yrs; Black 13.5±1.6 yrs) than athletes in the same sports without SF (White, 14.0±1.5 yrs; Black 13.2±1.6 yrs). Athletes with SF thus have a later age at menarche, but on average, they are not later compared to athletes in their respective sport event. In sports having several cases of SF, physique comparisons relative to athletes without SF indicated the following: basketball (4 White) - no consistent differences except for a higher AI in SF; volleyball (4 White) - SF overall physically larger, higher in mesomorphy and endomorphy, and a higher AI; distance runners (10 White) - SF higher in ectomorphy and lower mesomorphy, and a lower AI; sprinters (4 Black) - SF taller and heavier with a higher AI, but no differences in somatotype. Thus, if physique is a risk factor for SF, different physiques may be susceptible to SF in different sports.

Sexual dimorphism in the physiques of World Championship divers

The aim of this study was to evaluate sexual dimorphism in male (n=43) and female (n=39) springboard and platform divers at the 1991 World Diving Championships in Perth, Western Australia. In addition to recording the age, height and body mass of each diver, measurements were taken of 8 skinfolds, 13 girths, 8 breadths and depths, and 11 lengths. The derived variables were somatotype, sum of 6 skinfolds (SUM6) and height-adjusted proportional z-scores. The mean (±s) values for the males were: age, 22.2±4.6 years; height, 171±9 cm; body mass, 66.7±10.2 kg; somatotype, 2.0–5.3–2.4±0.5–1.0–0.8; SUM6, 45.9 + 11.4 mm. For the females, these values were: age, 20.9±3.8 years; height, 161±6 cm; body mass, 53.7±5.5 kg; somatotype, 2.8–3.8–2.8±0.7–1.0–0.9; SUM6, 65.6±17.0 mm. The males were taller, heavier, more mesomorphic, less endo-morphic and had a smaller SUM6 than the females (P<0.01). A series of discriminant function analyses were applied to groups of variables. Wilks' lambda and the overall F-ratio were highly significant (P<0.001), with correct classification of sex reaching 84–99%. The best combinations of variables were as follows: (1) absolute size, 3 girths + SUM6, or body mass + SUM6 + height (Wilks' lambda=0.17–0.35); (2) relative size, 2 girths + SUM6 + body mass. Combinations of breadths and lengths, skinfolds, or somatotype components, were less successful, with 84–87% classified correctly (Wilks' lambda=0.40–0.48). We conclude that, in addition to the expected absolute size differences, sexual dimorphism between male and female divers can be explained by differences in relative size, skinfolds and somatotype, and that these differences may have implications for coaching and selection in diving.

Age differences in somatotypes of Garhwali males 17-60 years of age.

Changes in somatotype with age were investigated in a cross-sectional sample of 400 Garhwali men from northwest India. The subjects, 17-60 years of age, were somatotyped with the Heath-Carter anthropometric protocol. The overall mean somatotype was 3.0-3.7-3.1. A one-way MANOVA indicated significant differences among the nine age groups. Pairwise comparisons using Hotelling's T2 showed significant differences between men up to 29 years and those over 30 years. Garhwali men 30+ years of age were more endomorphic and less ectomorphic than younger men. The mean somatotype for men 30+ years was 3.3-3.9-2.7 and for men <30 years was 2.8-3.3-3.9. Endomorphy and mesomorphy increased with age with a reciprocal decrease in ectomorphy up to 55 years; the trend was somewhat reversed thereafter. The somatotype categories mesomorphic ectomorph and mesomorph-ectomorph included the greatest proportion of Garhwali men <30 years; maximum percentages of men 30+ years belonged to the mesomorph-endomorph, endomorphic mesomorph and mesomorphic endomorph categories. Garhwali men were more ectomorphic and less endomorphic and mesomorphic than Canadians. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 9:285-290, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Growth and menarcheal status of elite female gymnasts

The growth and maturity status of 201 elite female gymnasts was considered. The subjects were participants at the 24 World Championship Artistic Gymnastics in 1987. In addition to age at menarche, weight, stature, biacromial, and bicristal breadths, the sitting height/stature ratio, and the Health-Carter anthropometric somatotype of gymnasts 13-20 yr of age were compared with reference data for a nationally representative sample of Flemish girls. Median age at menarche (probit analysis) in gymnasts is 15.6 +/- 2.1 yr compared with 13.2 +/- 1.2 yr in Flemish girls. Anthropometric dimensions increase with age until about 16 yr and then tend to plateau. In contrast to body size, there is little variation in somatotype with age. Compared with adolescent girls, elite gymnasts are considerably shorter and lighter with narrower shoulders and hips, but the differences are more apparent after 17 yr. Elite gymnasts do not differ from nonathletes in relative leg length, but they have proportionally broader shoulders relative to hips. Differences in somatotype occur primarily in endomorphy (especially lower in gymnasts) and to a lesser extent in mesomorphy (higher in gymnasts).

Are myopes really different?

There is conflicting evidence of the relationship between refractive error and personality traits, somatotype, gender and many other factors. In this study empirical data were used to investigate the relationship in the case of a number of Jungian personality types as well as in relation to differences in somatotype and socio-economic standing. While some significant relationships were found, they were not consistently in accordance with those reported in the literature. It is suggested that the relationships, although statistically significant, may be applicable only to a discrete population segment.

Somatotype and Longevity of Former University Athletes and Nonathletes

A longitudinal study was conducted on 398 athletes and 369 nonathletes who were born before 1920 and attended Michigan State University. The subjects were compared to determine if intercollegiate athletic competition accounts for significant variation in longevity when considered with somatotype. Because some of the subjects were still alive at the time of the study, the BMDP Statistical Software was used to do a survival analysis with covariates. Preliminary comparisons considered the differences in somatotype between athletes and nonathletes. Two sample t-tests indicated that athletes were more mesomorphic and less ectomorphic (p less than .05) than nonathletes. When comparing the relationship between somatotype and longevity, the pooled data of athletes and nonathletes indicated that endomorphs were shorter lived than the other three comparison groups. When only the athletes were considered, similar results were found. However, the nonathlete group exhibited differences only between the mesomorphic and endomorphic groups. The endomorphs were shorter lived. Longevity was examined by using the Cox proportional hazards regression method with somatotype and athlete/nonathlete status as covariates. Somatotype, by itself, was found to be significantly related to longevity, (p less than .001). Athletic status was not significantly related to longevity, either by itself or when entered into the model with somatotype.

Gender and somatotype differences in postural alignment: Response to high-heeled shoes and simulated weight gain

Postural alignment was analysed in 77 subjects grouped for gender and somatotype under four conditions: barefoot, in low-heeled shoes, in low-heeled shoes with a simulated abdominal weight gain, and in high-heeled shoes. Significant gender differences were found in the distances between the line of gravity of the whole body and the thoracic spine ( P<0.001) and greater trochanter ( P<0.001) during barefoot stance. The centre of gravity of the body was measured to pass anterior to the greater trochanter in males and posterior in females. In response to the external stresses of a simulated weight gain and high-heeled shoes, subjects consistently had significant anterior displacements of the head and posterior displacements of the upper trunk, with only 2 out of 16 groups having changes at the greater trochanter. The combination of these compensations must cause a flattened lumbar lordosis, opposite to the increased lumbar lordosis observed clinically in habitual wearers of high-heeled shoes and overweight individuals.

Cranial measurements in patients with depressive illness.

SummaryCranial measurements and somatotype indices were compared in two groups of patients, one with recurrent depressive illness and the other suffering from a first solitary attack of depression. Certain statistically significant differences in stature, somatotype and cranial measurements emerged; the group with recurrent episodes of depression tended to be shorter and more brachycephalic than those with solitary episodes of depression.

Somatotypes of College Football Players

Abstract The purpose of this study was to describe the somatotypes of an outstanding college football team. Thirty-five football lettermen at San Diego State were somatotyped and compared by position, and with other samples. The findings indicated that there were somatotype and size differences between playing positions and between players at different college levels. Some somatotypes which are rare in the general population are common in football teams. The dominant physique in this study was the extreme endomorphic mesomorph. Gross size is an outstanding characteristic of college football players.

Determinants of cardiovascular disease in a young population

Findings from the 18-year follow-up study of an initially healthy young group of men have been reviewed. During the interval from 24 years to 42 years of age significant changes were observed in weight, blood pressure, electrocardiograms and serum lipids. Blood pressures appeared to be a continuous variable influenced by multiple factors, as suggested by Pickering. A positive family history of vascular disease, excessive gain in weight, and a preponderance of mesomorphy and endomorphy were associated with greater increments in blood pressure and the presence of high blood pressure. The cold pressor test did not correlate with either final blood pressure or increment of blood pressure. Elevations in the very low density lipoproteins, which transport triglyceride, were found in those with a positive family history and with a gain in weight of over 10 pounds. Differences in somatotype were less significant determinants. Serial changes in electrocardiograms were reviewed. With increasing age there was a significant increase in the P-R interval, a decrease in the QRS amplitude (σQRS), and a leftward movement of the QRS vector orientation. No significant changes were noted in the wave form of the Q, R or S waves. Leftward shift of the QRS vector was associated with significantly greater gain in weight, higher lowdensity lipoprotein concentration, and greater increase in blood pressure. The relation of these clinical findings to the development of cardiovascular disease has been evaluated and discussed.