Selected Anthropometric Characteristics Research Articles

The Influence of the Energy Intake Variability During the Week on the Body Composition in an Adult Population.

Background: The regularity of eating, together with other nutritional factors, is one of the important determinants of health. According to previous studies, it is not clear if a greater fluctuation in energy intake is associated with higher body fat and weight gain, or if the weight of people is stable despite these fluctuations in the energy intake. The aim of the study was to verify if a higher variability in the energy intake each day of the week is related to the amount of body fat and other anthropometric parameters. Methods: A total of 220 (151 women, 69 men) individuals of Czech Caucasian origin with a BMI of 18.3-58 kg/m2, aged 21.7-79.7 were included in the study. Selected anthropometric characteristics were measured using a bioelectrical impedance analysis. 7-day food records were completed and analyzed using nutritional software. The measured values were statistically evaluated by multiple linear regression analysis. Results: The results of the multiple linear regression showed the statistically significant dependence of the percentage of body fat (p<0.01), BMI (p<0.01), and waist circumference (p<0.05) on the relative variability of the daily energy intake. Conclusions: The results of our study suggest that people with more regular energy intake also have better anthropometric parameters related to their cardiometabolic health.

The influence of selected anthropometric parameters on psychomotor abilities among professional Rugby Union players

BackgroundOne of the most popular varieties of rugby is Rugby Union, in which a team consists of 15 players. Rugby Union is a full-contact sport, and players must demonstrate strength, endurance, speed and agility. During the match, players participate in multiple physical collisions and tackles, short-duration and high-intensity sprinting efforts. In addition, one of the elements affecting the effectiveness of the player’s game can be the reaction time of the rugby player to the visual stimulus and the ability to read the game and react to the situations on the pitch. The level of psychomotor abilities of a person or a player practising sports can be influenced by various factors, including age, body height, body weight, type of sport practised or level of training. The study aimed to analyse the psychomotor abilities of professional rugby union players, investigate the relationship between the selected anthropometric characteristics and psychomotor abilities, and compare obtained results with the control group.MethodsThe study covered 22 players of the Polish National Team (age: 29.3 ± 5.4) and 27 students in the control group (age: 24.3 ± 3.9). The tests were carried out using the Test2Drive computer system of tests. For psychomotor abilities analysis, four tests were used: Simple Reaction Test, Choice Reaction Time Test, Hand-Eye Coordination Test and Spatial Orientation Test. The statistical analysis compares groups using basic statistical measures, and statistically significant differences between groups were checked. In addition, multiple linear regression was used.ResultsThe analysis showed statistically significant differences between the groups in the simple reaction time test and the movement time for the test assessing reaction time with choice and eye-hand coordination. Multiple regression analysis conducted for both groups showed a statistically significant influence of some anthropometric parameters on the examined psychomotor abilities. The calculated multiple regression models had a high fit.ConclusionsThe analysis showed that professional Rugby Union players have shorter movement time than the control group. For reaction time, statistically significant differences were observed only for simple reaction time. Moreover, linear regression analysis showed that body height and weight affect the selected psychomotor abilities.

Relationship of anthropometric measurement and handgrip strength in Malaysian recreational tenpin bowlers

Background and Study Aim. Established studies show that athletes with longer fingers and broader hand surfaces have more muscular grips. Therefore, some research studies have examined various contributing factors and anthropometric characteristics. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hand dimensions and selected anthropometric characteristics on handgrip strength in recreational tenpin bowlers. Material and Methods. This cross-sectional study recruited 32 (12 females, 20 males) healthy Malaysian recreational tenpin bowlers from Kuala Lumpur. Their anthropometric characteristics including height, weight, body mass index (BMI), the dimensions of the right hand, and age were measured accordingly. Handgrip strength was assessed using a Takei 5401 Grip D (Digital Grip Dynamometer) with 3 trials for both hands. A Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis were used to study the relationship between the parameters. Results. The body height and the minimum breadth of the right hand had a significant impact on handgrip strength among recreational tenpin bowlers. There was a significant difference between males and females in left and right handgrip strength (p&lt;0.05). Males showed a greater handgrip strength compared to females in both hands’ strength. Body height (p = 0.00) and the minimum breadth of the hand (p = 0.03) were found to be significantly correlated with the handgrip strength thus indicating the two variables as strong predictors of handgrip strength. Conclusions. This study confirms that there is a relationship between anthropometric characteristics and handgrip strength in Malaysian recreational tenpin bowlers. Hence, it will be a great note for new bowlers to advance their bowling performance.

The effect of 6-week consumption of bakery products on changes in selected anthropometric parameters in women.

The changes in consumers' eating habits are one of the most important factors affecting the consumption of selected foods. The most important factors for bakery products consumers are freshness, taste, price, durability, composition, and country of origin. The aim of this study was to monitor changes in selected anthropometric characteristics in women from the general population in Slovakia, after 6 weeks of bakery products consumption. The study was conducted on healthy adult women from the general population (n=78), who were divided into four subgroups ("gluten" group, "gluten-free" group, "whole-grain" group and "control" group). The intervention dose consisted of a different combination of several types of bakery products (bread, pastries, soft pastries) within the individual weeks of consumption, while the intervention lasted 6 weeks, women consumed 150-200 grams per day. Anthropometric characteristics were measured by body composition analyser InBody 720 (Biospace Co. Ltd., Seoul, Republic of Korea), which works on the principle of bioelectrical impedance analysis. We also used the Lookin´Body 3.0 software to process the results. The collected data from these measurements were evaluated statistically and graphically in Microsoft Office Excel 2010 (Los Angeles, CA, USA). The levels of statistical significance were set at P<0.05 (*); P<0.01 (**); P<0.001 (***). Differences among subgroups of probands were tested with Pared Student t-test. The amount of fat mass (FM) in the participants changed along a similar curve as their body weight. After the 6-week intervention, there was a slight decrease in FM with statistical significance (P<0.01). In the third measurement, i.e., two months after the intervention, there was an increase in the amount of FM, but without statistical significance. Fat free mass (FFM) values in women increased very slightly after 6 weeks of consumption and remained approximately at the same level two months after the intervention (without statistical significance). We noted the most significant changes in the visceral fat area (VFA) parameter, which had a steadily increasing tendency. Changes in VFA values were statistically significant after the 6-week intervention (P<0.01) and also after two months of the intervention (P<0.05). Changes in body composition in women were noted already after 6 weeks of bakery products consumption, especially in the FM, FFM, VFA and partially BMI parameters, but no changes were recorded in the WHR parameters during the entire duration of the study. One of the most significant results is the finding that there was an increase in VFA when consuming all types of bakery products (gluten, gluten-free and whole grain).

Comparative Analysis of Male Cyclist Population in Four Asia Countries for Anthropometric Measurements.

This study aimed to compare the anthropometric variables of male cyclist samples from India, China, Singapore, and Taiwan. The cyclist’s body dimensions were measured among 413 randomly chosen males (aged between 18 to 60), which included 104 Indians, 106 Taiwanese, 100 Singaporeans, and 103 Chinese. Based on the previous research articles, the considered 17 anthropometric variables were weight, stature, BMI, buttock extension, shoulder height (sitting), shoulder-elbow length, elbow height (sitting), lower leg length, knee height, acromion-grip length, hand length, elbow-hand length, buttock-popliteal length, buttock-knee length, elbow-to-elbow breadth, hip breadth (sitting), and foot breadth. Using statistical techniques (descriptive statistics, the Mann–Whitney U test, and Kruskal–Wallis H test), the data were analysed in SPSS, version 25.0. The results of the statistical analyses showed significant differences among the cyclists across selected anthropometric characteristics, except for the weight and sitting-related anthropometric measurements. The outcome of the descriptive statistics (percentile values), such as the percentile range (5th to 95th percentile), could be applied to the seat-height adjustment system to cover 95% of the bicyclist population. These types of implantation could enhance the ergonomic benefits for the bicyclist.

Prophesy of Spiker Performance on the basis of selected Anthropometric Characteristics

Objective: The study was conducted with an objective to prophesy the spiker’s performance on the basis of anthropometric characteristics. Variables: In the study, Spiker’s Performance was selected as dependent variable (DV) and selected anthropometric characteristics i.e. SH (Spiker’s Height), SW (Spiker’s Weight), SAL (Spiker’s Arm Length), SFAL (Spiker’s Fore Arm Length, SUAL (Spiker’s Upper Arm Length), SUAC (Spiker’s Upper Arm Circumference), SWC (Spiker’s waist Circumference), SHC (Spiker’s Hip Circumference), SLL (Spiker’s Leg Length), SLLL (Spiker’s Lower Leg Length), STC (Spiker’s Thigh Circumference) and SCC (Spiker’s Calf Circumference) were observed independent variables (IV). Subjects: For the purpose of the present study, 75 spikers were selected as subjects from interuniversity level volleyball tournament organized in India. Statistical Analysis: To find out relationship between Dependent Variable (Spiker’s Performance) and Independent Variables (selected Anthropometric Characteristics), product moment correlation and multiple correlations were applied. For the prophecy of Dependent Variable (Spiker’s Performance) on the basis of Independent Variables (selected Anthropometric Characteristics), multiple regression equation was applied. Conclusions: For the prophecy of Dependent Variable (Spiker’s Performance) on the basis of Independent Variables (selected Anthropometric Characteristics) two regression models are established. Established regression models are: (1) Spiker’s Performance = -35.586 +.667 X Spiker’s Arm Length and (2) Spiker’s Performance = -23.512 +.458 X Spiker’s Arm Length + .210 X Spiker’s Upper Arm Circumference.

Prediction of Libero’s Performance on the basis of Selected Anthropometric Characteristics

The objective of the study was to predict of Libero’s performance on the basis of selected anthropometric characteristics. In this study, Libero’s performance was selected as dependent variable (DV) and selected anthropometric characteristics i.e. LP (Libero’s Performance), LH (Libero’s Height), LW (Libero’s Weight), LAL (Libero’s Arm Length), LFAL (Libero’s Fore Arm Length, LUAL (Libero’s Upper Arm Length), LUAC (Libero’s Upper Arm Circumference), LWC (Libero’s Waist Circumference), LHC (Libero’s Hip Circumference), LLL (Libero’s Leg Length), LLLL (Libero’s Lower Leg Length), LTC (Libero’s Thigh Circumference) and LCC (Libero’s Calf Circumference) were observed as independent variables (IV). For the purpose of the present study, the subjects were selected from Inter-university level Volleyball Tournament. A total of 75 male Liberos were purposively selected for the study. The age of the subjects ranged between 18-28 years. To find out relationship between Dependent Variable (Libero’s Performance) and Independent Variables (selected Anthropometric Characteristics), Product Moment correlation and multiple correlations were applied. For predicting Dependent Variable (Libero’s Performance) on the basis of Independent Variables (selected Anthropometric Characteristics), multiple regression equation was applied. Established regression models are: (1) Libero’s Performance = 114.163-551X Libero’s Height (2) Libero’s Performance = 137.345 -1.171 X Libero’s Height+.913 X Libero’s Leg Length (3) Libero’s Performance = 95.165 -.944 X Libero’s Height+1.296 X Libero’s Leg Length -1.024 X Libero’s Calf Circumference. The findings suggest that performance is associated with anthropometric characteristics with biomechanical implications that may be used to provide a more complete evaluation of Libero’s performance.

Y balance test: Are we doing it right?

ObjectivesThe multifaceted characteristic and task-specificity of postural control clearly reflects the need of knowing which factors could influence the balance measures in order to provide reliable and unbiased information. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of selected anthropometric characteristics, sex, lower limb’s strength and dominance on the Y balance test (YBT). DesignDescriptive laboratory study. MethodsForty-two young adults performed the YBT. The raw and normalized reach distances values were recorded. ANOVA was used to examine differences between sex and limb dominance, whereas multiple linear regression models were built to identify variables associated with better postural control. ResultsNo significant sex differences were observed, except for the normalized anterior direction (p=0.0324). No significant differences between limbs emerged. Regression models significantly explained between 8–49% of the variance. Trunk length, strength, and the interaction between sex with strength were the major predictors of the raw measures. Unexpectedly, lower limb length explained only 0.08% of the raw anterior direction variance. Strength and its interaction with sex were positively associated with normalized measures. Surprisingly, the relative lower limb length variable was negatively associated with the normalized measures. Each % point increase in relative lower limb length was associated with a decrease in normalized performance ranging from 1.73 to 4.91%. ConclusionsAnthropometric characteristics, sex and lower limb strength differently influenced the YBT measures, regardless of limb dominance. Consequently, these variables should be controlled to limit the variability for an accurate evaluation of postural balance, especially if different YBT measures are used.

Factors influencing basal metabolism of Czechs of working age from South Moravia.

Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the main part of the total body energy expenditure. The value of BMR is individual and depends on a lot of factors. The goal of the research was to discover the influence of anthropometric parameters, age and gender, on changes of the BMR values. A total of 177 individuals of Czech Caucasian origin from South Moravia (BMI 27.3 ± 7.88 kg/m2) aged 18-55 (117 women, 60 men) were included in the study. Selected anthropometric characteristics were measured using a stadiometer (SECA 213) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (Inbody 230). BMR was measured by indirect calorimetry (Cortex Metalyzer 3B). The measured values were statistically evaluated by the regression analysis and least square method (LSM). From the following results that the factors that influence the BMR value statistically significantly (p &lt; 0.05) are: age, gender, body mass index, total body water, and percent of body fat. Body fat and age have both an indirect impact on the basal metabolic rate of the Czech population in working age. However, BMI and the total body water were discovered to have a direct influence on the BMR.

Higher Energy Intake Variability as Predisposition to Obesity: Novel Approach Using Interquartile Range.

It is known that total energy intake and its distribution during the day influences human anthropometric characteristics. However, possible association between variability in total energy intake and obesity has thus far remained unexamined. This study was designed to establish the influence of energy intake variability of each daily meal on the anthropometric characteristics of obesity. A total of 521 individuals of Czech Caucasian origin aged 16–73 years (390 women and 131 men) were included in the study, 7-day food records were completed by all study subjects and selected anthropometric characteristics were measured. The interquartile range (IQR) of energy intake was assessed individually for each meal of the day (as a marker of energy intake variability) and subsequently correlated with body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (%BF), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and waist circumference (cW). Four distinct models were created using multiple logistic regression analysis and backward stepwise logistic regression. The most precise results, based on the area under the curve (AUC), were observed in case of the %BF model (AUC=0.895) and cW model (AUC=0.839). According to the %BF model, age (p<0.001) and IQR-lunch (p<0.05) seem to play an important prediction role for obesity. Likewise, according to the cW model, age (p<0.001), IQR-breakfast (p<0.05) and IQR-dinner (p <0.05) predispose patients to the development of obesity. The results of our study show that higher variability in the energy intake of key daily meals may increase the likelihood of obesity development. Based on the obtained results, it is necessary to emphasize the regularity in meals intake for maintaining proper body composition.

Stav antropometrických parametrov a telesného zloženia u detí mladšieho školského veku

The aim of our observation was to measure selected anthropometric characteristics and to analyze actual body composition in children of younger school age from elementary schools in Prague. The group consisted of a total of 222 probands, boys (n-117) and girls (n-105) aged 8–11 years (average boys age = 9.0 ± 1.0 years, body height = 139.9 ± 8.6 cm, body weight = 32 ± 7.5 kg, BMI = 16.3 ± 2.4 kg.m–2). Average age girls = 8.9 ± 0.9 years, body height = 137.3 ± 8.8 cm, body weight = 30.5 ± 7.3 kg, BMI = 15.9 ± 2.4 kg.m–2). The BIA 2000 M multi-frequency apparatus (whole-body bioimpedance analysis) was used to analyze the body composition. Children of younger school age showed higher TBW values – total body water (boys 65.5 ± 6.0%, girls 66.6 ± 6.5%), low body fat (boys 16.1 ± 2.4%, girls 16.5 ± 2.9%) and higher ECM/BCM coefficients (boys 1.0 ± 0.13, girls 1.02 ± 0.11). The authors draws, attention to the importance of monitoring other body composition parameters. The percentage of fat-free mass (FFM) and the share of segmental distribution of body fat and muscle mass on individual parts of the human body.

Obesity in Nigeria children and adolescents-waist circumference a more sensitive indicator

Background: Studies on definition of obesity using anthropometric measurements as indicators among children and adolescents are scanty in Nigeria. This study defined obesity among children and adolescents in south west Nigeria using selected anthropometric characteristics. Methods: Participants were between 5 to 19 years. They were randomly recruited, until 2114 completed the procedure. Participant’s age and sex were obtained. Height, weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference were measured using standard procedures. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at p 0.05) with gender (χ2 = 23.762, p = 0.001) and age (χ2 = 25.585, p = 0.001), with a higher percentage of males in the obese group. The 25 th and 95 th percentile of anthropometric measures were: BMI (kg/m 2 ) = ≤15.9, ≥23.0; WC = ≤56.0, ≥73.0cm; WHR = ≤0.82, ≥0.97 and WHtR ≤0.40, ≥0.48 for underweight and obese respectively. Conclusions: Prevalence of obesity was low; WC was the most sensitive indicator for obesity. Gender and age influenced anthropometric indices.

Relationship between age at menarche and anthropometric profiles, demography, and ethnicity among adolescent girls in Nigeria

Introduction: This study was made to evaluate and compare the age at menarche among Nigerian schoolgirls from Hausa and Igbo ethnic groups, and to examine whether ethnicity, demographics, and selected anthropometric characteristics of the studied population influence age at menarche. This was a retrospective cohort study. Materials and Methods: Data pertaining to menarche, ethnicity, and demographics were collected using questionnaires from 800 secondary schoolgirls of Nigeria, in 2014. Six hundred (600) were postmenarcheal, while 200 were premenarcheal. Among the schoolgirls, 300 postmenarcheal and 100 premenarcheal girls were of Hausa and Igbo descent, respectively. We compared the mean age at menarche of girls based on ethnicity, demographics, and the anthropometric parameters of menstruating and nonmenstruating girls. The relationship between anthropometric indices and age at menarche was determined. Results: Mean age at menarche among girls from Igbo ethnicity is lower than that of girls of Hausa ethnicity. Compared to rural girls, girls from urban centers reach menarche earlier. The mean age at menarche of the entire sample population was 13.54 ± 0.90 years. Mean ages at menarche of Hausa and Igbo girls were 13.65 ± 0.92 years and 13.44 ± 0.87 years, respectively. Mean body mass index (BMI) values in postmenarcheal and premenarcheal age were 20.50 ± 2.13 kg/m 2 and 17.64 ± 1.40 kg/m 2 , respectively. The mean weight and height of menstruating girls were 49.02 ± 3.85 kg and 154.92 ± 0.05 cm, respectively, while those of nonmenstruating girls were 38.83 ± 2.60 kg and 147.56 ± 3.54 cm, respectively. Conclusion: Ethnicity, demographics, and selected anthropometric measurements have influence on age at menarche. Girls of Igbo ethnicity reach maturity earlier than those of Hausa descent, girls in urban centers have lower age at menarche, and the anthropometric measurements of menstruating girls are higher than those of nonmenstruating girls.

Evaluation of Selected Anthropometric Characteristics Physical Fitness and Athletic Performance of RDT Hockey Academy adapted Schoolgirls in the Rayalasema District of Andhra Pradesh

This investigation was purported to evaluate the selected anthropometric characteristics physical fitness and athletic performance of schoolgirls adapted by RDT hockey academy in the Rayalasema district of Andhra Pradesh, India. For this reason, 547 schoolgirls from twenty-six (26) schools in four (4) different districts adapted by RDT hockey academy in the Rayalasema District of Andhra Pradesh, India were considered as subjects. These subjects were in the age group of 11 to 16 years, and they were assessed for their selected anthropometric characteristics (height, weight), physical fitness (speed, explosive power) and athletic performance (100m dash) using standardized tests and procedures. The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis by means of One-way ANOVA, and Bonferroni corrections post hoc test. The confidence interval was fixed at p<0.05 in all cases. The research findings ensure statistically considerable age difference on selected variables, and it implies that age differences influence almost all fitness parameters.

Changes of Anthropometric Characteristics of the Adult Population in Slovakia and their Influence on Material Sources and Work Safety

In this work we deal with a change of selected anthropometric characteristics of the adult population in Slovakia and its effects on work safety. Slovak population was represented by a sample of students who studied at the Technical University in Zvolen in the years 2000-2014. Selected anthropometric attributes are important for the design of optimal arrangement and safe workplace. Standard quantile characteristics were calculated and compared to historical data. The results showed that an update is necessary older data because sizes of attributes of Slovak population were increased about 4.5-5%. Enlargement was confirmed at significance level greater than 1% in the categories of men and women.

Study of Back Strength and Its Association with Selected Anthropometric and Physical Fitness Variables in Inter-university Hockey Players

KEYWORDS Flexibility Measures. Abdominal Muscle Endurance. Back Strength. Anthropometric Characteristics ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was of two-fold: first, to estimate the back strength of inter-university hockey players and, second, to search the correlation of it with selected anthropometric characteristics. To serve this purpose, a total of seven anthropometric characteristics, viz. height, weight, BMI, hip circumference, percent body fat, percent lean body mass and back strength and two physical fitness variables, viz. flexibility measures and abdominal muscle endurance were measured on purposely selected 110 inter-university hockey players (58 males and 52 females) aged 18-24 years collected from six universities participated in the Inter-university Championship organized in Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India during 10 to 17 September, 2010. An adequate number of controls were also taken from the same place for comparisons. Results indicated significant differences (p < .05 - .000) between hockey players and their control counterparts in weight, BMI, hip circumference (only in male players), flexibility measures, abdominal muscle endurance (both in male and female players), percent body fat and percent lean body mass (only in male players) and back strength (only in female players). In hockey players, back strength has significantly positive correlations (p< .05-.01) with all the variables studied (except flexibility measures).

Estimation of Back Strength and Its Association with Selected Anthropometric Variables in School Going Children of Amritsar, Punjab

The purpose of this study was of two-fold: first, to estimate the back strength of Indian school going children and, second, to search the correlation of it with selected anthropometric characteristics studied. To serve this purpose, a total of fifteen anthropometric characteristics, viz. height, weight, BMI, four skinfolds measurements, viz. biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, knee height, length of femur, humerus and femur biepicondylar diameters, chest and hip circumferences, percent body fat and back strength were measured on purposely selected 360 Indian school going children (180 boys and 180 girls) aged 13-18 years collected from two schools of Amritsar, Punjab, India. The results indicate that in all the age groups, boys have higher mean values for back strength than their girl counterparts, showing highly significant (p<.000) gender differences for this trait. In Indian school-going children, significant positive correlations (p< .0 5-.01 ) were fou nd between back strength and all the a nthropometric variables studied, except triceps, subscapular and suprailiac skinfolds (both in boys and girls), percent body fat (only in boys), humerus and femur biepicondylar diameters, hip circumference, knee height and length of femur (only in girls). In conclusion it may be stated that a trend of gradual increment for back strength was found in Indian school going boys age ranging from 13-18 years, showing the peak back strength the age group 18 years, but no such trend of gradual increment was found in case of girl students for this trait.

Physical Fitness and Anthropometric Characteristics in Different Levels of Young Team Handball Players

The aim of the study was to compare physical fitness and selected anthropometric characteristics between selected (SP) and non-selected (NSP) for the Greek preliminary national team male (n=88) and female (n=73) young handball players. Results revealed that compared to NSP players, male SP players presented higher values in ball velocity (p=.001) standing long jump (p=.016), 30-m sprint (p=.034) and estimated VO2max (p=.018), while female SP players presented higher values only in ball velocity (p=.009) and standing long jump (p=.045). Male SP players were taller (p=.042) and had larger arm span (p=.031). Taking into account the different playing positions, significant differences (in favor of SP) were found between SP and NSP male backs in stature (p=.008), hand spread (p=.042), arm span (p=.019) and ball velocity (p=.005). Female SP revealed higher values in stature (p=.041) and arm span (p=.046). For wings, significant differences were found in ball velocity (p=.007), 30-m sprint (p=.039) and estimated VO2max (p=.002) between SP and NSP male players (in favor of SP) and in estimated VO2max (p=.019) between SP and NSP female players. For pivots, significant differences were found only in ball velocity (p=.001) between SP and NSP females (in favor of SP). Finally, no statistically significant differences were found between SP and NSP male and female goalkeepers. Current results suggest that physical and anthropometric characteristics should be included in any testing procedure of junior handball players.

Physiological and Anthropometric Determinants of Rhythmic Gymnastics Performance

To identify the physiological and anthropometric predictors of rhythmic gymnastics performance, which was defined from the total ranking score of each athlete in a national competition. Thirty-four rhythmic gymnasts were divided into 2 groups, elite (n = 15) and nonelite (n = 19), and they underwent a battery of anthropometric, physical fitness, and physiological measurements. The principal-components analysis extracted 6 components: anthropometric, flexibility, explosive strength, aerobic capacity, body dimensions, and anaerobic metabolism. These were used in a simultaneous multiple-regression procedure to determine which best explain the variance in rhythmic gymnastics performance. Based on the principal-component analysis, the anthropometric component explained 45% of the total variance, flexibility 12.1%, explosive strength 9.2%, aerobic capacity 7.4%, body dimensions 6.8%, and anaerobic metabolism 4.6%. Components of anthropometric (r = .50) and aerobic capacity (r = .49) were significantly correlated with performance (P < .01). When the multiple-regression model-y = 10.708 + (0.0005121 x VO2max) + (0.157 x arm span) + (0.814 x midthigh circumference) - (0.293 x body mass)-was applied to elite gymnasts, 92.5% of the variation was explained by VO2max (58.9%), arm span (12%), midthigh circumference (13.1%), and body mass (8.5%). Selected anthropometric characteristics, aerobic power, flexibility, and explosive strength are important determinants of successful performance. These findings might have practical implications for both training and talent identification in rhythmic gymnastics.

Use of statistical methods to estimate body composition

Epidemiologic investigations of chronic diseases in relation to body composition require large samples. This necessitates simple, reliable, and portable measures of body composition. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) variables and selected anthropometric characteristics are frequently used to predict body composition for groups or individuals when the application of sophisticated methods is not practical. We address statistical issues pertinent to the formulation of prediction equations for body composition from BIA measures and anthropometry, and factors associated with the accuracy and precision of the prediction equations.