Relations between anthropometric parameters, spine flexibility and motor performance in young subjects

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to determine whether the anthropometric measurements and body ratio of young people affect spinal flexibility and motor test scores.
Methods: One hundred seventy-one young males (n: 108, age: 20.80±1.95 years) and females (n: 63, age: 20.07±2.05 years) were voluntarily participated in this study. The anthropometric and spine flexibility measurements from three different anatomic points were made. Means and standard deviations were calculated for all parameters. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to test relationships among the parameters.
Results: In males, there were significant correlations in spine flexibility from the midsacral point and height (r =-0.206), sitting height (r= -0.233) and waist/hip ratio (r= 0.228); the T12-L1 point and height (r=-0.275), sitting height (r= -0.260) and waist/hip ratio (r = 0.231); the C7-T1 point and waist/hip ratio (r=0.284). In females, there were also correlations between spine flexibility measurement from midsacral point and sitting height/height ratio (r =0.264) and calf length (r =-0.263). In males, weak correlations were also observed between the vertical jump and ankle width, frame size; sprint test and ankle width, fat-free mass. In females, there were also significant weak and moderate correlations between vertical jump and height, thigh height, calf height, fat-free mass, fat mass; ability test and ankle width, fat-free mass, fat mass, waist/hip ratio; sprint performance and height, calf height, fat-free mass and fat mass; shuttle run test with only fat-free mass.
Conclusions: As a result, the anthropometric parameters in males correlated more with spine flexibility than those of female subjects.

Key words:

anthropometry, motor performance, spine flexibility