Somatometric variables for preadolescent swimmers.
The present study comprises one facet of a research program focused on describing and seeking implications of different physiques among preadolescent swimmers specialized in different swimming events. The subjects were 231 swimmers of both sexes aged 12 and 13 years. On each subject data were collected for 13 measures of body size, 4 indices of body form and measures of body composition. It was found: (1) The sprint group was the tallest and heaviest, compared to the others, for both sexes. This group also had the highest values for upper and lower limbs, hand and foot lengths. (2) The back group had values quite close to the ones of sprint group. (3) The long distance group was the shortest and lightest group for males and the lightest group for females. (4) The female fly group had a distinct physical structure with lowest values for height, upper and lower limb lengths as well as hip width. (5) Significant but low correlations were obtained between performance and somatometric variables such as height, leg, arm, and hand lengths. The results of this study support the conclusion that for swimmers, participating in different events, variation in body size and form is already present at an early age. As more data will be collected overtime the profile of the age-group swimmer will be more distinct making easier the selection of a particular swimming event.
Hellenic Sports Research Institute, Aristotele University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Avlonitou
D000293:Adolescent; D001132:Arm / Q000502:physiology; D001827:Body Height; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013008:Somatotypes; D013550:Swimming / Q000502:physiology*