Anthropometric Characteristics, Body Composition and Somatotype of Elite Male Young Runners

Cristóbal Sánchez Muñoz, José J. Muros, Óscar López Belmonte and Mikel Zabala
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Cristóbal Sánchez Muñoz: Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Granada, 52071 Melilla, Spain
José J. Muros: Department of Didactics of Musical, Plastic and Corporal Expression, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
Óscar López Belmonte: Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Granada, 52071 Melilla, Spain
Mikel Zabala: Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 2, 1-10

Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to describe the anthropometric characteristics, body composition and somatotype of elite male young runners (EYR), and to compare these variables according to the specialty in which they engaged (middle-distance vs. long-distance). This will enable an anthropometric profile chart to be established for them. Ninety EYR aged 17 to 23 years (18.4 ± 2.0) participated in the study. Athletes were divided into two groups according to the event in which they participated: middle-distance runners (MDR, n = 56) and long-distance runners (LDR, n = 34). Sixteen anthropometric variables were recorded for each participant: Weight, height, eight skinfolds, four girths, and two breadths. Body mass index (BMI), body composition and somatotype were calculated. Comparing MDR with the group of LDR, significant differences were found to exist for height, weight, relaxed upper arm girth, flexed and tensed upper arm girth, total upper arm area, upper arm muscle area, and thigh muscle area. No significant differences were observed in the other variables. MDR are taller, heavier and have larger girths than LDR. Coaches and sports scientists can use the data obtained to better control training, as well as for talent identification and athlete selection.

Keywords: anthropometry; body composition; somatotype; runners; youth (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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