Knee Breadth Research Articles

Gravidity, parity and knee breadth at midlife: a population-based cohort study

Gestation increases the biomechanical loading of lower extremities. Gestational loading may influence anthropometrics of articular surfaces in similar means as bone diaphyseal properties. This study aimed to investigate whether gravidity (i.e. number of pregnancies) and parity (i.e. number of deliveries) is associated with knee breadth among middle-aged women. The study sample comprised 815 women from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966. The median parity count of our sample was 2 and the median gravidity count 3. At the age of 46, questionnaires were used to enquire gravidity and parity, and posteroanterior knee radiographs were used to obtain two knee breadth parameters (tibial plateau mediolateral breadth (TPML) and femoral condylar mediolateral breadth (FCML)) as representatives of articular size. The associations of gravidity and parity with knee breadth were analyzed using general linear models with adjustments for height, weight, leisure-time physical activity, smoking, and education years. Individuals with osteoarthritic changes were excluded from our sample. The mean TPML in our sample was 70.3 mm and the mean FCML 71.6 mm respectively. In the fully adjusted models, gravidity and parity showed positive associations with knee breadth. Each pregnancy was associated with 0.11–0.14% larger knee breath (p < 0.05), and each delivery accounted for an increase of 0.20% in knee breadth (p < 0.01). Between-group comparisons showed that multiparous women had 0.68–1.01% larger knee breath than nulli- and primiparous women (p < 0.05). Pregnancies and deliveries seem to increase the mediolateral breadth of the knee. This increase is potentially associated with increased biomechanical loadings during gestation.

The Effect of Three-Year Swim Training on Cardio-Respiratory Fitness and Selected Somatic Features of Prepubertal Boys.

The data regarding somatic and physiological effects of sport-related physical activities in youth are limited. Moreover, whether exercise training is capable of increasing cardio-respiratory fitness remains a disputable issue. The study undertook to assess the effect of swimming training on cardio-respiratory fitness (CRF) and the development of physical traits in prepubertal boys, and to determine which of the traits is the best predictor of their CRF. Forty 10-year old prepubertal boys (10.5 ± 0.3 y) were divided into two groups (swimmers (SG), n = 20, and controls (CG), n = 20), which underwent anthropometric measurements and performed a 20 m shuttle run test (20 mSRT) semi-annually over a 3-year period. CRF indices (the number of 20 mSRT shuttles, maximal speed, and VO2max) were higher overall in the SG compared with the CG (p < 0.001). The values of the main physique variables increased faster in the CG, but the groups showed no differentiation of physical traits. In both groups, CRF indices were associated with the participants’ physical traits, the most strongly with the sum of four skinfold thicknesses in the SG and knee breadth in the CG. These results suggest that swimming training is a form of additional physical activity that improves prepubertal boys’ CRF but does not significantly affect their physical development. In using the 20 mSRT to assess the CRF of prepubertal boys, their physical activity level and age-related changes in body fatness need to be considered.

Accelerometer-measured physical activity is associated with knee breadth in middle-aged Finns – a population-based study

BackgroundArticular surface size is traditionally considered to be a relatively stable trait throughout adulthood. Increased joint size reduces bone and cartilage tissue strains. Although physical activity (PA) has a clear association with diaphyseal morphology, the association between PA and articular surface size is yet to be confirmed. This cross-sectional study aimed to clarify the role of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) in knee morphology in terms of tibiofemoral joint size.MethodsA sample of 1508 individuals from the population-based Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 was used. At the age of 46, wrist-worn accelerometers were used to monitor MVPA (≥3.5 METs) during a period of two weeks, and knee radiographs were used to obtain three knee breadth measurements (femoral biepicondylar breadth, mediolateral breadth of femoral condyles, mediolateral breadth of the tibial plateau). The association between MVPA and knee breadth was analyzed using general linear models with adjustments for body mass index, smoking, education years, and accelerometer weartime.ResultsOf the sample, 54.8% were women. Most individuals were non-smokers (54.6%) and had 9—12 years of education (69.6%). Mean body mass index was 26.2 (standard deviation 4.3) kg/m2. MVPA was uniformly associated with all three knee breadth measurements among both women and men. For each 60 minutes/day of MVPA, the knee breadth dimensions were 1.8—2.0% (or 1.26—1.42 mm) larger among women (p < 0.001) and 1.4—1.6% (or 1.21—1.28 mm) larger among men (p < 0.001).ConclusionsHigher MVPA is associated with larger tibiofemoral joint size. Our findings indicate that MVPA could potentially increase knee dimensions through similar biomechanical mechanisms it affects diaphyseal morphology, thus offering a potential target in reducing tissue strains and preventing knee problems. Further studies are needed to confirm and investigate the association between articulation area and musculoskeletal health.

Sex estimation from knee breadth dimensions in a Finnish population.

Sex estimation is an important part of osteological analysis of skeletons and forensic identification process. Traditionally cranial and pelvic traits are utilized for accurate sex estimation. However, post-cranial measurements have also been proven to accurately estimate sex especially from robust bones such as the femur. In this study, we investigated the potential of knee breadth dimensions in sex estimation in a Finnish population. To conduct this study we utilized a study sample (n=1654) belonging to the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966. All individuals were 46years of age at the time of the examination. Three knee breadth dimensions were measured from subjects' knee posteroanterior radiographs: femoral biepicondylar breadth (FBEB), mediolateral breadth of the femoral condyles (FCML), and mediolateral breadth of the tibial plateau (TPML). Sex estimation was performed using logistic regression. The study clearly demonstrated that all three measurements were different between males and females. Sectioning points for individual knee breadth measurements were 82.9mm for FBEB, 76.6mm for FCML and 75.4mm for TPML. The classification rates ranged from 90.9% to 93.6%. The less commonly used measurements of FCML and TPML showed higher accuracy than FBEB in sex estimation. Our study confirmed that knee breadths can be successfully utilized to improve sex estimation in cases where the skeleton is only partially preserved and other major components of sex estimation are absent. We can also provide new standards for sex estimation from the knee joint in a Finnish population.

The association between knee breadth and body mass: The Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 case study.

Body mass estimation from skeletal dimensions is a useful tool when studying archeological human samples. Bony articular surface dimensions of the lower limb have frequently been utilized to estimate body size. In the present study, we investigated the association between knee breadth and body mass in a Northern European population. Our study aimed to confirm both methodology and results presented in earlier studies. The study sample consists of 1,290 subjects belonging to the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966. Three knee breadth dimensions-femoral biepicondylar breadth, mediolateral breadth of femoral condyles, and mediolateral breadth of the tibial plateau-were measured from subjects' knee PA-radiographs. Measurements and their association with body weight at 31 years were utilized for creating body mass estimation equations using linear regression and reduced major axis regression. Correlations between knee measurements and body weight at three different ages (18, 31, and 46) were also analyzed. Positive associations were detected between each knee breadth variable and weight in the total sample and both genders separately. Body mass estimation equations were created for the total sample, for males and for females. R values of the models ranged from 0.38 to 0.74. Median absolute percent prediction errors ranged from 6.89 to 9.72%. The highest correlations were obtained between knee breadth and body weight in early adulthood. Our large sample confirmed that equations derived from knee breadth dimensions are accurate when estimating body mass of modern humans. Knee breadth measurements clearly have a positive association with body weight in early maturity.

3D 스캔데이터를 활용한 동작별 하반신 너비ᆞ두께 변화 비교 연구 : 20~24세 여성을 중심으로

The purpose of this study is to identify the changes in the breadth and depth measurements of women’s lower bodies with different postures, walking, stair climbing and chair sitting, to improve manufacturers’ understanding to the extent where such information should be considered when developing pants patterns with better fit and function. Lower body scan data of 13 women aged between 20-24 years were collected using a hand-held 3D scanner, Artec Eva, and digitally manipulated in preparation for breadth and depth measurements using commercially available software, Meshlab. The measurements were then statistically analyzed through SPSS 21.0 to obtain the average amounts and rates of extension and contraction for each measurement item. The results from this study demonstrated that the amount of change in the breadths and depths of the lower body differs depending on the size and range of postures, and thus the largest extension and contraction occurred in the measurements around the joints; front knee depth and knee breadth. Factor analysis confirmed these results. Factors 1 and 3, which involve knee-related measurement items, identified meaningful differences, especially in chair sitting posture, where larger joint movements are required. Therefore, the findings of this study can be applied to making key decisions in the manufacturing process, such as selecting fabrics and allowing ease values, that are likely to influence the level of fit and comfort of the pants.

Anthropometric and Physical Fitness of the Under-16 Regional-School Cricket Players, of Bahawalpur, Pakistan

The aim of this study was to analysis the anthropometry and fitness of the under-16 regional and school cricket players. Twenty participants were selected from the Bahawalpur regional cricket team and (n = 20) from school teams. Selected variables were height, weight, skinfolds, girths, bone lengths, breadths, 30-m race, set-ups, hand grip strength, flexibility, standing broad jump, and agility. the anthropometric and physical fitness of regional and school cricket players was compared by applying Independent t-test. The results disclosed that the regional cricket players were significantly higher in arm span, arm length, and leg lengths, shoulder, elbow and knee breadths. The regional cricketers were faster in 30 m sprints, hand grip strength, setups, flexibility, and standing broad jump than school players. It was concluded the under-16 regional players were superior in anthropometric and physical fitness because they were selected from the larger population and regular in training program than school cricketers.

Position-related differences in morphological characteristics of U14 female handball players

The aim was to establish differences in morphological characteristics of 48 selected female younger cadet (U14) handball players (age 13.88±0.46 years) in the playing positions of wings, backs and pivots. The sample of variables embraced 24 morphological measures defining the already established four latent body dimensions. Univariate ANOVA revealed the significant global differences among the three groups of U14 players in 11 morphological measures. Between the backs and pivots no significant differences were established. The greatest differences between the pivots and wings were established in body height, leg length, arm length, ankle breadth, body weight and calf circumference (p&amp;lt;.01). The greatest differences between the wings and backs were established in four variables: body height, arm length, knee breadth and ankle breadth (p&amp;lt;.01). We endorse the interpretation that specificities of technical-tactical activities executed by backs and pivots in attack repose in the background of the established differences, that is, backs and pivots are exposed to more body contacts in attack in which they must overcome defenders’ resistance. In the sample of the Croatian U14 female handballers apparently no somatotypic component prevailed. However, a slightly larger contribution of endomorph component was perceived in the pivots’ body composition, which was in line with the general results of the entire age group. In U14 backs both the endomorph and mesomorph component were pronounced equally, whereas all the three components were of even values in the wings

Somatotipos de adolescentes escolarizados de Córdoba (Argentina)

En el presente trabajo se analizan posibles respuestas diferenciales del crecimiento de los adolescentes, en particular, cambios de forma, con relación al grupo social, estimado por nivel educativo, de los padres y madres. Para cuantificar los cambios en la forma corporal se utilizó el método del somatotipo. La muestra se constituyó con 208 escolares, de ambos sexos, de 12 a 18 años pertenecientes a dos escuelas públicas de la ciudad de Córdoba, Argentina. Antes del relevamiento antropométrico, padres y alumnos respondieron una encuesta semiestructurada sobre el nivel educativo alcanzado por los primeros, y sobre sus respectivas dietas, hábitos alimentarios y actividades recreativas y físicas. En este trabajo indagamos sobre posibles asociaciones entre el somatotipo de los alumnos y el nivel educativo alcanzado por los padres. Para calcular el somatotipo fueron relevadas variables antropométricas originales (peso, estatura, pliegue subcutáneo tricipital, subescapular, suprailíaco y de la pierna, los diámetros bicondíleos del húmero y fémur y los perímetros del brazo contraído y de la pierna). Además del somatotipo individual se obtuvo el somatotipo grupal por cada categoría de agrupamiento (sexo y edad). El grupo femenino exhibió, de acuerdo con lo esperado según la literatura, somatotipos más endomorfos que los varones. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el nivel educativo entre padres y madres de las distintas escuelas. Estos resultados podrían estar influyendo en los niveles de endomorfía de los participantes, la cual fue mayor en aquellos de la escuela cuyos padres presentaron menor nivel educativo.

Differences in Body Build in Children of Different Ethnic Groups and their Impact on the Prevalence of Stunting, Thinness, Overweight, and Obesity.

The prevalence of stunting, thinness, overweight, and obesity among children differs by ethnicity. It is not known whether differences in body build across the ethnic groups influence the interpretation of nutritional parameters. To explore the differences in body build across the 5 main ethnic groups in Malaysia and to determine whether differences in body build have an impact on the interpretation of nutrition indicators. A total of 3227 children aged 2.0 to 12.9 years who participated in the South East Asian Nutrition Surveys (SEANUTS) in Malaysia were included in this analysis. Body weight, height, sitting height, wrist and knee breadths, and biceps and subscapular skinfolds were measured, and relative leg length, slenderness index, and sum of skinfolds were calculated. Z scores for height-for-age (HAZ) and body mass index-for-age (BAZ) were calculated using the World Health Organization (WHO) 2007 growth standards. Differences in relative leg length and slenderness across the ethnic groups were correlated with HAZ and BAZ. Correction for differences in body build did, in some ethnic groups, have significant impact on the prevalence of stunting, thinness, overweight, and obesity, and the pattern of prevalence across ethnic groups changed. At the population level, corrections for body build had only minor and mostly nonsignificant effects on prevalence, but at an individual level, corrections for body build placed a substantial number of children in different height or weight categories. Whether these misclassifications warrant additional assessment of body build in clinical practice will need further investigation.

Body mass estimation from knee breadth, with application to early hominins.

The estimation of living body mass from skeletal dimensions is an important component of many studies of early hominins and more recent human archaeological remains. Most previous investigations have concentrated on weight-bearing elements of the lower limb, in particular the femoral head. In this study, we develop new body mass estimation equations derived from measurements of the knee in a modern sample of known body mass, and use them to estimate body mass in 11 fossil hominin specimens (including Au. africanus, Au. afarensis, and early Homo). The reference sample consisted of 100 living subjects who participated in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Mediolateral breadth measurements were taken from radiographs of the knee, and regressed against recorded body weight to generate body mass estimation equations. Knee dimensions were generally found to be good predictors of body mass in the modern human sample, with median absolute percent prediction errors of 7 to 9% (comparable to or better than previously reported equations derived from the femoral head). Taxon-average estimated body masses were 46.1 kg for Au. afarensis, 38.4 kg for Au. africanus, and 53.6 kg for early Homo. Estimates for early Homo were similar to or smaller than those generated previously from the femoral head. Estimates for australopiths, however, were larger than those generated from femoral head equations. This result is consistent with other evidence that the femoral head was relatively unloaded in australopiths compared with Homo, possibly due to subtle differences in gait. Am J Phys Anthropol 158:198-208, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Moment arms of the knee extensor mechanism in children and adults

In the present study we investigated whether there are differences in the patellar tendon moment arm (PTMA)-knee angle relationship between pre-pubertal children and adults, and whether the PTMA length scales to relevant anthropometric measurements in the two groups. Anthropometric characteristics and the PTMA length-joint angle relationships were determined in 20 adults and 20 pre-pubertal children of both genders. The anthropometric characteristics measured were height, body mass, knee circumference, medio-lateral knee breadth, anterior-posterior knee depth, leg length, femur length and tibia length. The PTMA was quantified from magnetic resonance images using the geometric centre of the femoral condyle method, at every 5 degrees between 55 degrees and 90 degrees of knee flexion (0 degrees is full extension). Adults had a significantly greater PTMA length at all joint angles (4.2 +/- 0.4 vs. 3.6 +/- 0.3 cm at 90 degrees ; P < 0.01), with the PTMA length decreasing from knee extension to knee flexion similarly in both adults and children. There were no significant and strong correlations between the PTMA and anthropometric measures in adults for any joint angle. In contrast, the PTMA correlated and scaled with anthropometric characteristics for the children (P < 0.05, r = 0.49-0.9) at all joint angles. The PTMA length in children was most accurately predicted at 85 degrees of flexion from the equation PTMA = -0.25 + 0.083 x tibia length + 0.02 x leg length (R(2) = 0.83). These findings indicate that the knee extensor mechanism in pre-pubertal children should not be considered to be a 'scaled-down' version of that in adults.

Work Space Recommendations on the Basis of Anthropometric Measurements of Punjabi Women

Present study was conducted on a sample of 240 females from two approved and two unapproved localities of Ludhiana city having reference height 153 cms (ICMR 2004) ± 12.5 cms, similar weight and body stature. Results indicated that Buttock-knee length varied between 49.48 – 54.8 cms; buttock popliteal length: 44.45 – 49.12; total arm, forearm, hand and foot length ranged from 63.67 – 64.87; 36.47 – 39.32; 14.65 – 19.85 and 18.82 – 21.72 cms respectively. Shoulder and hip breadth (in standing and sitting posture) ranged between 37.57 – 38.38; 36.58 – 37.37; 30.48 – 30.95 and 30.62 – 31.48 cms respectively. Elbow to elbow and knee breadths were: 43.98 – 46.8 and 18.60 – 20.05 cms. Maximum to normal vertical reaches lied between 168.57 – 100.3 to 161.35 – 182.25 cms; horizontal reach: 68.85 – 74.25 to 61.5 – 66.9; side reach; 64.07 – 71.65 and normal reach: 92.27 – 103.92 cms. Recommended space allowances in square meters were: kitchen activities – .37 ± .009; washing clothes, ironing, stitching, cutting, drafting.41± .05. Space needed in front of refrigerator and washing machine, for serving seated person was 92.5 ±2.5, for opening drawer – 120 cms. Recommended sink width, depth and sides were 50, 17.5, and 62.5 ± 2.5 cms respectively. Minimum space requirement for bed making – 92.5 ± 5, around dining table 75 ± 2.5 and around seated person – 90 ± 2.5. to clean under bed, dining table and other furniture optimum recommended space was 50 ± 2.5, 57.5 ± 5 and 70 ±5 cms respectively.

Somatotypes of young male athletes and non-athlete students in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

There is a considerable corpus of evidence indicating that athletes succeeding in certain sports have distinctive body shapes that differ according to the demands of the type of sports and competitive level. The aim of this study was to determine the specific morphological characteristics of young male athletes compared with non-athlete students in Indonesia. Anthropometric measurements of 19 badminton players, 96 soccer players, 74 volleyball players, and 51 non-athlete undergraduate students, aged 16 to 28, were obtained in 1994 and 1995. Stature, body weight, bicondylar breadths of the humerus and femur, calf and upper arm circumferences, and skinfolds (at triceps, subscapula, calf, and supraspine) were measured for each subject. Heath-Carter somatotypes were determined in all the subjects. The results of the ANOVA of the body measurements showed that the three groups of athletes and the non-athlete students were heterogeneous: the badminton players were shorter and lighter with greater skinfold values among the athlete groups; the soccer players were relatively shorter and with smaller skinfold values and greater arm and leg girths; and the volleyball players were taller and heavier with smaller elbow and knee breadths and very small skinfold values. The non-athlete students were characterized by greater arm girth, elbow breadths, knee breadths, and back and leg skinfolds. In mean somatotype category, the badminton players were ‘central’ (3.3-3.7-3.7), the soccer players were ‘balanced mesomorph’ (2.7-4.9-3.0), the volleyball players were ‘mesomorph-ectomorph’ (2.4-3.5-3.7), and the non-athlete students were ‘ectomorphic mesomorph’ (2.7-5.2-3.8). Comparisons of international scope with each of the different sports showed that the Indonesian players were extremely short and light.

Discrimination of Young Women Athletes and Nonathletes Based on Anthropometric, Jumping, and Muscular Strength Measures

The goal was to identify the anthropometric, jumping ability, and muscular strength measures which contributed most to discrimination among young women in track-and-field jumping (n = 20, Jumping group), volleyball (n = 20, Volleyball group), and girls in no activity (n=20, Control group). Using analysis of covariance and discriminant analysis the Jumping group, as compared to the Volleyball group, had smaller elbow breadth, knee breadth, upper arm circumference, proximal-, mid-, and distal-thigh circumferences, sum of skinfolds, and mesomorphy rating, and Jumping athletes showed larger jump height and muscular strength than the Volleyball group. Measures which contributed most to the discrimination between these groups were the distal-thigh circumference and jump height. Results could, to some extent, help training orientation of young women athletes by identifying whatever factors affect the measures indicated here as the most sensitive discriminators.

Improved Prediction of Body Fat by Measuring Skinfold Thickness, Circumferences, and Bone Breadths

To develop improved predictive regression equations for body fat content derived from common anthropometric measurements. 117 healthy German subjects, 46 men and 71 women, 26 to 67 years of age, from two different studies were assigned to a validation and a cross-validation group. Common anthropometric measurements and body composition by DXA were obtained. Equations using anthropometric measurements predicting body fat mass (BFM) with DXA as a reference method were developed using regression models. The final best predictive sex-specific equations combining skinfold thicknesses (SF), circumferences, and bone breadth measurements were as follows: BFM(New) (kg) for men = -40.750 + {(0.397 x waist circumference) + [6.568 x (log triceps SF + log subscapular SF + log abdominal SF)]} and BFM(New) (kg) for women = -75.231 + {(0.512 x hip circumference) + [8.889 x (log chin SF + log triceps SF + log subscapular SF)] + (1.905 x knee breadth)}. The estimates of BFM from both validation and cross-validation had an excellent correlation, showed excellent correspondence to the DXA estimates, and showed a negligible tendency to underestimate percent body fat in subjects with higher BFM compared with equations using a two-compartment (Durnin and Womersley) or a four-compartment (Peterson) model as the reference method. Combining skinfold thicknesses with circumference and/or bone breadth measures provide a more precise prediction of percent body fat in comparison with established SF equations. Our equations are recommended for use in clinical or epidemiological settings in populations with similar ethnic background.

Do the new Metropolitan Life Insurance weight-height tables correctly assess body frame and body fat relationships?

The 1983 Metropolitan weight-height tables include elbow breadth as a measure of frame size. Such tables assume that frame measures provide an estimate of fat free mass and have little or no associations with body fat. These assumptions were evaluated in 437 Canadian adults for six frame measures by their associations with total body measures of fat and fat free mass. All six frame measures were similarly correlated with fat free mass, even when associations with height were taken into account. Wrist and ankle breadths were not associated with total body fat, while shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee breadths were so associated. Thus wrist and ankle breadths satisfy the assumptions inherent in the frame-weight-height tables better than elbow breadth and the other frame measures investigated.

Cardiovascular studies on former endurance athletes

1. 1. Sixty-one former champion endurance runners or cross-country skiers, 40 to 79 years of age, were submitted to a thorough evaluation of the cardiovascular system. In addition, the study program included a series of anthropometric measurements and a number of laboratory tests. A control group of 54 nonathletes of the same age was submitted to similar studies. The control group consisted of men in sedentary or semisedentary occupations. 2. 2. The former athletes differed from the controls by being shorter, having a smaller sitting height and a smaller body weight, but a larger wrist breadth. There was no difference in ponderal index, knee breadth, biacromial breadth, bicristal breadth, or in the ratio of the two latter measures. 3. 3. Both the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures of the athletes ( 137 87 mm. Hg ) were significantly lower than those of the controls ( 147 92 mm. Hg ). 4. 4. There was no difference in the serum cholesterol level or in the hemoglobin concentration of the blood between the two groups. 5. 5. Coronary heart disease was diagnosed in 17 of the 54 controls and in 15 of the 61 athletes. Eight control subjects, but only 2 athletes, had had symptoms of coronary disease. 6. 6. The current physical activity was greater in the athletes than in the controls. 7. 7. There were fewer nonsmokers and more heavy smokers, as well as exsmokers, in the control group than in the group of athletes. 8. 8. Among men aged from 40 to 69, the electrocardiogram, by Minnesota Code, showed in 5 of 49 controls and in 1 of 55 athletes Q or QS patterns indicative of old myocardial infarction (I 1–3); S-T segment depression at rest (IV 1–3), or after submaximal exercise (XI 1–3) in 12 of 49 controls and in 8 of 55 athletes; flat or negative T waves at rest or after exercise (v 1–3, XII 1–3) in 6 of 49 controls and in 4 of 55 athletes. High amplitude R waves (III 1) occurred in 6 of 49 controls and in 8 of 55 athletes aged from 40 to 69. In the athletes, high R waves were associated with high level of physical activity (6 of 8) rather than with hypertension (1 of 8); in the controls the association was intimate with hypertension (5 of 6) and loose with physical activity (1 of 6). 9. 9. Twenty-nine of the controls and 38 of the athletes were considered as “healthy” subgroups. The subscapular skinfold of healthy athletes was thinner than that of the controls, whereas there was no significant difference in the upper arm skinfold thickness. As regards the other anthropometric measurements, the comparison of healthy subgroups did not show any essential differences from those revealed by the comparison of the total groups. The systolic blood pressure was lower in healthy athletes than in the controls. 10. 10. Healthy athletes had a larger maximal QRS vector, a larger roentgenologic heart volume, a lower heart rate during exercise, and consequently a higher calculated maximal oxygen uptake, than the controls. 11. 11. The maximal QRS vector showed a statistically significant positive correlation with heart volume in healthy controls but not in healthy athletes. The lack of correlation between these two parameters is considered to suggest that dilatation rather than hypertrophy is the main determinant of the increased heart volume induced by training. 12. 12. The prevalence of electrocardiographic abnormalities in former champion endurance athletes is compared with that observed in other series. “Ischemic” changes occur with the same frequency in former athletes and the general population. However, severe manifestations and subjective symptoms of coronary heart disease may be rarer among athletes.