Anthropometric and physiological characteristics in young Indian elite swimmers: a comparative study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the role of gender on anthropometric and physiological characteristics of young swimmers. Twenty three young swimmers (15 boys: 15.28 ± 2.657 years old; and 8 girls 15.88 ± 2.181 years old) were evaluated. Various anthropometrics and physiological variables were selected. Results. The females were found to have a higher amount of fat mass (24.43 ± 4.542) while the males had a higher amount of muscle mass (22.39 ± 4.060) and fat free mass (83.72 ± 4.817) than females. The hand grip strength, trunk flexibility and relative back strength were also observed to be more in males and there exists significant relationship among these parameters as well as with glycogen, mineral, calcium content and muscle mass. No significant correlation was found between trunk flexibility and other parameters. There was a non-significant gender effect on BMI, right hand grip strength, trunk flexibility, body fluid content (total body water, extra cellular water and intra cellular water), body cell mass, total body calcium content, glycogen and mineral content. The BMI also had no differences with respect to gender. Although fat mass was found to be comparable, but fat free mass was found to be lower in male and female swimmers of the present study than their respective international counterparts. Intra cellular water is found to have negative correlation with almost all the parameters. The BMI also had no differences with respect to gender.
Conclusion. Overall, there exists significant correlation in terms of the parameters between both the sexes. This kind of research helps athletes to precise information and feedback about their physical condition and effect of performance in order to adjust or continue their level of training.

Key words:

swimming, BMI, fat free mass, fat mass, BIA, correlation

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