A comparison of the anthropometric characteristics of amateur club level rowers [Sixth International Conference on Sport, Leisure and Ergonomics: 14-16 November 2007]

S. Jutley, S Taylor, T. Donovan, A. Sparks

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (journal)

Abstract

Much of the data published on the physique of rowers is based predominantly on heavyweight rowers. Few studies have compared heavyweights and lightweights despite the need for anthropometric profiles. The purpose of this study was to obtain anthropometric data and somatotype for lightweight and heavyweight amateur club level rowers. Nine heavyweight males, seven lightweight males, thirteen heavyweight females and nine lightweight females took part in this study. Each subject underwent a full anthropometric assessment in accordance with ISAK guidelines (Marfell-Jones, Olds, Stewart, & Carter, 2006: International standards for anthropometric assessment. Potchefstroom, South Africa: The International Society for the Advancement of Kinathropometry). Body fat was ascertained using air displacement plethysmography and somatotype was calculated using the Heath-Carter method (Heath & Carter, 1967: American Journal of Physical Anthropology 27:57–74). Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and Newman-Keuls multiple comparisons with significance accepted at P5 0.05. The heavyweight males were significantly heavier (P5 0.001), had greater abdominal, hip and waist girths, and greater iliac crest, supraspinale and abdominal skinfolds and total body fat compared with their lightweight counterparts (P50.05). Stature and sitting height neither differ between the two groups nor were there any differences in limb lengths. The somatotype of the heavyweight males was 3.2-4.8-2.7 compared to 1.5-4.9-3.2 for lightweight males. The heavyweight females had significantly greater femur condyle breadth, hip girth, knee girth, tensed upper arm girth, upper thigh girth, body mass and body fat (P5 0.001) than the lightweight females. The heavyweight females were significantly heavier (P5 0.001) and taller (P5 0.05) than their lightweight counterparts. The somatotypes were 3.6-4.1- 2.3 and 2.4-3.4-3.3 for the heavyweight females and lightweight females, respectively. Heavyweight male and lightweight male rowers have similarities in heights and limb lengths, but the differences in physique are reflected in body composition. Heavyweight females rowers are taller and heavier, with longer forearm lengths than lightweight females. The difference in weight category between the female groups is due to both stature and body composition, but this was not the case in the male weight category rowers. These findings may have implications for talent identification.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)S18-S19
JournalJournal of Sports Sciences
Volume27
Issue numberS1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009

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