THE IMPORTANCE OF ANTHROPOMETRY IN SPORTS MEDICINE

Abstract

Anthropometry in sports medicine is related to the body size, structure and composition measurements suitable to different sport disciplines. The core elements of anthropometric measurements in athletes are skinfold thickness, height, weight, head circumference, body mass index (BMI), body circumference for the assessment of adiposity (waist, hip, waist to hip ratio and limbs). Thus, endurance athletes (marathon, triathlon and cyclists) benefit from low body fat, while combat athletes (wrestling, boxing, judo, karate) benefit from the strength-tomass ratio. Body composition has an important role in sport advantages as there are three body types related to different sport disciplines. Ectomorph body type has light musculature and low fat, small shoulders, flat chest and delicate bone structure, thin body, long limbs, lean muscles, has fast metabolism and hard time gaining weight, it relies on aerobic endurance more than power (swimming, football, marathon, basketball, triathlons, cycling). Mesomorph body type has wide shoulders, narrow waist, relatively thin joints and round muscle belly, rectangular shaped body, somewhat long limbs, well-defined muscles, normal metabolism and gains weight easily, it responds well to cardio and resistance training (basketball, boxing, martial arts, and volleyball, swimming). Endomorph body type has rounder appearance, thick ribcage, wide hips, muscular short body, short limbs, more muscles, slow metabolism and gains weight easily, responds well to cardio and strength training (power lifting sports, discus, hammer throw, judo, tennis, and swimming). Although most athletes have a mixed body type, the anthropometric analysis provides help for sport selection, prowess and training response for better sport achievements.