Anthropometric profile in young swimmers
Rubén Jiménez-Alfageme, Boglarka Jordan, Juan Diego Hernández Camacho, Isabel Sospedra, Alberto Férriz-Valero, José M. Soriano, José Miguel Martínez Sanz
Abstract
The study of body dimensions and proportions through anthropometry is important for the identification of young talents in swimming. Anthropometric studies of swimmers in the Spanish population are scarce. The main objective of this study is the description of anthropometric profile in young swimmers, differentiated by sex and styles. 34 swimmers (19 boys and 15 girls) of national competitive level, aged between 14-17 years were analyzed. Measurements were taken by two accredited anthropometrists following the Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) anthropometric protocol. Body composition was calculated using the 4component model and the Heath-Carter somatotype. The sample was differentiated between swimming strokes to examine possible differences between groups. Significant differences (p <0.05) were observed by sex in basic measurements, folds, perimeters and diameters, but no significant differences were observed by styles. The somatotype of the sample was balanced mesomorphic, being ectomesomorphic in boys and mesoendomorphic in girls, with values similar to those observed in the bibliography. Anthropometric assessment should be considered to monitor the development and detection of possible sports talents in swimming.