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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1991

Perceived somatotype as related to self-concept in Nigerian adolescent high school students.

Some 288 Nigerian high school male adolescents in two different age brackets were administered the perceived somatotype scale and the Tennessee self-concept scale to determine the trend of self-concept ratings among subjects differentiated according to perceived somatotype-self, ideal and self-ideal discrepancy. Series of one-way ANOVA revealed significant differences in global self-concept among the perceived somatotype-self (PSS), the perceived somatotype-ideal (PSI) and perceived somatotype discrepancy (PSD) groups. Univariate analyses showed that the PSS groups differ significantly in all dimensions of self-concept except moral-ethical dimension. The PSI groups differed significantly on all self-concept dimensions except the behavioural and the moral-ethical self subscales. This study, which also revealed that perceived-ideal somatotype and self-ideal somatotype discrepancy differentiated markedly among measures of self-concept, is consistent with those obtained from other parts of the world.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1978

Changes in somatotypes of European males between 17 and 24 years.

In order to examine the possible changes in somatotype of young males, 14 boys who had been somatotyped annually from 11 to 18 years by the Health-Carter anthropometric rating method were re-somatotyped at 24 years. The analysis focused on years 17, 18 and 24. Discriminant analysis, somatotype dispersion indices and distances, and the I-index were used to analyze the data. The findings showed a significant shift in somatotype from ectomorphmesomorph towards endo-mesomorphy between 17 and 24 years. This shift was greater than that observed by Zuk ('58), and was in the same direction. It is hypothesized that the somatotypes of males become more endo-mesomorphic from 17 years to the mid-twenties.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1990

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.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1976

Influence of physical activity on stability of somatotypes in boys.

The purpose of this study is to examine the stability of somatotypes of boys with different activity levels followed longitudinally for eight years. Thirty-nine boys ated 11 were somatotyped annually (until 18 years) using the Heath-Carter anthropometric rating method. Three sub-groups were formed according to their levels of systematic physical activity designated High, Moderate, and Low Activity. There were no differences in somatochart distributions of the Total Group, but there were considerable individual changes which cancelled each other in group comparisons. All boys changed their somatotype ratings at least once and 67% changed in component dominance. The inter-age correlations for the components were generally of poor prediction value, and the somatotype migratory distances showed considerable variation. The Total Group means differed on three components and this was attributed to differences within the Moderate Activity Group, the only sub-groups to differ. It was concluded that changes occur in somatotypes of adolescent boys, but the influence of physical activity on the changes is inconclusive.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1989

Somatotypes of premenarcheal athletes and non-athletes.

One-hundred thirty-four premenarcheal girls between the ages of 7 and 15 years were somatotyped according to the Health-Carter technique. Sexual maturation was determined by self-assessed Tanner stages. Statistical analysis was completed on 50 athletes (representing seven sports) and 29 non-athletes over the age of 10 years. The mean somatotype for the athletes was calculated to be 2.4-3.6-3.9 and for the non-athletes 3.7-3.7-3.6. Single component ANOVA's revealed that the athletes were significantly less endomorphic (p less than 0.01) than the non-athletes. The overall somatotype ratings and the equality of dispersion about the means were significantly different between the athletes and non-athletes. The single highest category for the athletes was mesomorph-ectomorph and for the non-athletes, mesomorphic-endomorph. Significant negative correlations were obtained between mesomorphy and breast development (-0.33, p less than 0.05) and mesomorphy and pubic hair development (-0.44, p less than 0.01) for the athletes. Significant positive correlations were obtained between endomorphy and breast development (0.55, p less than 0.01) and endomorphy and pubic hair development (0.45, p less than 0.05) for the non-athletes. The mean somatotype for the gymnasts was 2.1-3.9-3.6 and for the swimmers 2.5-3.4-4.1. These two groups were significantly different from each other on each separate component and overall somatotype, but not in equality of dispersion. The results support the conclusion that premenarcheal athletes are morphologically different from non-athletes despite their youth and from each other based on sport specificity.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1991

Comparison of body composition and somatotype of trained female triathletes.

The body composition and somatotype of 16 trained female triathletes aged 18.8-32.8 years were measured. All of the subjects were engaged in a competitive training programme and participated in the same triathlon. Anthropometric variables included height, mass, selected diameters, girths and skinfolds, and a Heath-Carter anthropometric somatotype. Body composition was determined by hydrostatic weighing procedures and skinfold patterns. Comparisons were made with Olympic swimmers and runners. The triathletes had a mean body mass of 55.2 kg and a mean height of 162.1 cm. When compared to swimmers, the triathletes were somewhat shorter and significantly (P less than 0.005) older. On most other measures, including a balanced mesomorph somatotype of 3.1-4.3-2.6, they were similar to swimmers. This group of triathletes were generally heavier, less lean, more mesomorphic and less ectomorphic than elite runners. Reported body densities from other studies indicated little difference between the triathletes and other groups. Skinfold patterns were similar in shape for all groups, but the runners had smaller values, at all sites, than either swimmers or triathletes. Because of lack of information on cyclists, adequate comparisons were not possible. Regression analysis indicated that training parameters were more important than anthropometric measures in the prediction of performance. It was concluded that this group of triathletes were closer, with respect to both body composition and somatotype, to swimmers than to runners.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1991

[Comparison of somatotype between Chinese and Japanese children and youth by using Heath-Carter method].

This study was designed to compare the different somatotype growth of Chinese and Japanese boys aged 7 through 17. 2,074 subjects participated in it. Their somatotypes were analysed by using Heath-Carter method and their morphological varieties compared. Significant differences were found not only in their limb length and bone width, but also in their muscle circumferences and skinfolds. These differences showed the superiority of Chinese boys in ectomorph factor and the Japanese boys in endomorph and mesomorph factors respectively. The somatotype distributions of these two nations were also quite different at different ages, although they showed similar changing trend of somatotype around adolescent growth spurt.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1976

Relationship of body composition to somatotype.

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship in college-aged women between somatotype using both Sheldon's ('69) and Heath and Carter's ('67) procedures, and body composition, as measured by whole-body 40K counting and body density. Sheldon's endomorphy is closely associated with height and weight; Heath and Carter's first component is significantly related to weight and body fatness. Lean body mass (LBM) as a weight or as a percent is not closely related to Sheldon's mesomorphy or Heath and Carter's second component. However, when LBM and height are used as independent variables to estimate somatotype, both variables are significantly related to Heath and Carter's second component, accounting for 61% of the variance. Thus Heath and Carter's second component is significantly associated with LBM for a given body height. Most of the variation in Sheldon's ectomorphy and Heath and Carter's third component can be accounted for by weight and height. Sheldon's somatotype for all three components is not as closely related to body composition as Heath-Carter's. Body composition, as measured by either 40K counting or body density, is found to be important in accounting for variation in Heath and Carter's first and second components.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1990

Somatotypes of weight lifters.

The present paper reviews published studies on the body shape of weight lifters. The differences between the somatotype ratings of weight lifters studied using the Sheldon and the Heath-Carter methods, and the differences between performance levels and age groups of weight lifters are discussed. The differences in mean somatoplots among the weight lifters studied as a whole group, weight lifters divided into two, three or four groups according to body weight, and weight lifters considered according to the official weight classes, are assessed. Weight lifters in the lighter weight classes are found to be ectomorphic or balanced mesomorphs, while those in the heavier weight classes tend to be endomorphic mesomorphs. Ectomorphy decreases, whereas mesomorphy and endomorphy increase with weight class. When three age groups of weight lifters were compared within each weight class, the same pattern of differences between ages occurs. The younger lifters in each weight class have higher endomorphy and lower mesomorphy than the senior lifters. Ectomorphy is higher in the younger lifters below the weight class of 82.5 kg. Since significant differences in all three somatotype components between 10 weight classes of weight lifters and also within three age groups were noted, it will be necessary in future studies to consider the somatotypes of weight lifters according to the official weight classes.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1992

[The correlations of somatotypes and the total ridge count in Russian men of the White Sea area].

Under investigation there were 158 Russian men of the city of Arkhangelsk and Arkhangelsk Province aged from 18 to 30 years. The total ridge count (TRC) and indices of the body constitution (according to V. M. Shevkunenko--A. M. Geselevich) were studied: relative length of the trunk (RLT), relative length of lower extremities, relative width of the shoulders and relative width of the pelvis. The hypothesis of normal distribution of these indices was confirmed by the chi-square criterion. The division into groups of dolicho- (DS), meso- and brachymorphic somatotypes (BS) was performed according to each sign and with special reference to limits X+/-S. Comparison of people of BS and DS groups has revealed significant differences only for RLT. The correlation coefficient proved to be valuable exceptionally for RLT. The method of succession analysis has shown that the least amount of observations for the determination of significant differences according to TRC is required in somatotyping according to RLT. Further investigations with other parameters of somatotyping require considerable amount of observations. The correlation analysis has determined the significant correlation coefficient for RLT only. A conclusion is made of the correlation of finger patterns and TRC with the rate of growing processes of organism.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1991

The somatotype in a group of "top" free-climbers.

Thirty-one "top" level european free-climbers (FC) aged 26.1 +/- 4.3 years old, have been measured according to the Health/Carter anthropometric somatotype method, in order to collect data on the morphotypes needed to excel in this not well established sporting activity. The average somatotype for FC revealed to be: mesomorph-ectomorph (2.0 +/- 0.6; 4.0 +/- 0.8; 3.7 +/- 0.9), a facies found in the 54.8% of the performers. With their 8.3% FAT%, they fall inside the category of lean athletes, a well stated feature found in all those activities demanding endurance. When compared with 25 "sedentary" young italians aged 21.7 years old, FC showed to differ significantly in: weight, mean of the sum of the skinfolds, upper arm and geminal circumferences, RPI (reciprocal of the ponderal index), ectomorph component (less than .01). Concluding, their somatotype appeared to be similar to that of athletes whose fatness is lower, to some adolescent performers and to some extra-European cohorts of males living in stressing habitats.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

Developmental spinal canal stenosis and somatotype.

The hypothesis that somatotype and cervical spine developmental canal stenosis may be associated has been investigated by anthropometry and measurement of lateral projection cervical spine radiographs. A significant association of canal size with somatotype has been found such that those with developmentally narrow canals are more likely to have relatively shorter long-bones, particularly in the upper arm, and longer trunks.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Windsurfer somatotypes.

On the basis of data gathered during a series of Pre-Olympic Trials and the World Championships, both held at Cagliari (Italy) in 1983 and 1986, respectively, the somatotypes of athletes practicing windsurfing were studied. The sample is composed of 79 male athletes: 22 Sardinians, 31 mainland Italians, and 26 Europeans. The Heath-Carter anthropometric method (1967) was used to somatotype the individuals under study. Both the total sample as well as the three subsamples are characterized by almost identical average values of the three components. A subsample of athletes was formed, who had obtained important performances in their carriers (victories in World, European and Italian championships, participation in the Olympic Games etc.). In this group of top athletes it was seen that the best results in windsurfing are obtained when there is an even development of the three components (2.57-2.68-2.97) or a slight ectomorphic predominance.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1991

Somatotypes of Nigerian power athletes.

This study comparatively assessed the somatotype characteristics of elite male Nigerian power athletes who comprised middleweight boxers (n = 23), weightlifters (n = 18) and wrestlers (n = 21), as well as a nonathletic group (n = 19). They were aged 24-35 years. Analysis of variance and Scheffe post hoc method were used to determine significant differences in the mean somatotype ratings of the groups. Among the groups, the nonathletes (4.02) were most significantly endomorphic (p less than 0.05). The weightlifters (5.12) and wrestler (5.04) were more significantly mesomorphic (p less than 0.05) than the boxers. (3.18) and nonathletes (3.06). The wrestlers' and weightlifters' dominance in mesomorphy confirms earlier reports on the salience of mesomorphy in performing strength-related skills.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

The somatotype of Puerto Rican male athletes at the X Pan American Games: a brief descriptive report.

The purpose of this study was to determine and describe the Health-Carter anthropometric somatotype and other selected anthropometric characteristics of top class Puerto Rican athletes. One hundred and forty seven (147) male athletes, members of the Puerto Rico Olympic Committee delegation to the X Pan American Games were evaluated. The sample represented 84% of the total number of male athletes. Nineteen different sports were represented. The results indicated that gymnasts (18.3 +/- 4.0 years), swimmers (18.5 +/- 2.9 years) and table tennists (19.3 +/- 3.5 years) were the group with the minimum age. The maximal age was demonstrated by shooters (40.2 +/- 7.8 years). The height range was 158.1 +/- 6.3 cm (judoists) to 193.8 +/- 15.2 cm (basketball players). The minimum weight was demonstrated by the group of gymnasts (57.8 +/- 10.3 kg) and the maximal by basketball players (94.2 +/- 18.6 kg). The endomorphy ratings for track and field-jumpers [TF JUMPS] (1.8 +/- 0.6), gymnasts (1.8 +/- 0.4) and rowers (1.9 +/- 0.5) were low. The group with the maximal endomorphy rating was the shooters (5.4 +/- 1.6). The minimum and maximal ratings for mesomorphy was 3.8 +/- 0.8 (TF JUMPS) and 8.9 +/- 1.9 (weight lifters), respectively. The range of the ectomorphy rating was 0.4 +/- 0.6 (weight lifters) to 3.8 +/- 0.9 (TF JUMPS). In conclusion, the results seem to indicate that the somatotypes of the Puerto Rican top class athletes are within the range demonstrated by international top class athletes.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

[Ischemic heart disease in people of different somatotypes].

Standard methods were used to study interrelations between the prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD), its risk factors (RF), the course and the somatotype of the test subjects. The study was based on the data obtained during cardiological examination in Minsk of a representative sample of the male population (n = 3761) aged 40 to 59 years. It has been established that the prevalence of CHD, arterial hypertension (AH) and hypercholesterolemia increases consistently on passing over from asthenia to hypersthenia. Proceeding from the data of the exercise tests and analysis of the frequency of combinations of certain forms of CHD in persons belonging to different somatotypes a conclusion has been drawn that CHD runs a graver course in hypersthenic patients. It has also been shown by means of multidimensional analysis that just like RF such as AH, hypercholesterolemia and tobacco smoking, the hypersthenic build up makes a separate and significant contribution to the onset of CHD.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

Somatotypes revisited: have the media changed our perception of the female body image?

234 university students were given a questionnaire examining the relation between certain behavioral characteristics and female body-build somatotypes. Analysis confirmed previous findings that stereotypical images continue to exist for the mesomorph and endomorph body types, with favorable characteristics attributed to the mesomorph and unfavorable to the endomorph. Contrary to previous findings, the ectomorph, or thin body build was associated with positive characteristics such as being the most attractive, having the most dates, and exercising the most. The young women also chose this body build as the image they would like to be. These findings appear to confirm preoccupation with thinness and fitness observed among college women and thought to be promoted by the media.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1992

[The characteristics of the energy support for muscular activity in different somatotypes].

62 healthy untrained males of different somatotypes were given a 30-minute bicycle ergometry [correction of veloergometric] load at the threshold of aerobic exchange. Subjects with a higher percentage of muscular tissue and decreased percentage of fat had their ventilation threshold at a minimal distance from the point of anaerobic transition as compared with the subjects with a more developed fat component. The latters revealed a more active utilisation of lipids whereas the subjects with developed muscles used the carbohydrates rather as the energy substrate.

Adult↗