ABSTRACT
The anthropometric and somatotype evaluation is an essential tool in the selection and control of high-performance athletes. The aim of this study was to describe the somatotype and body composition of male elite race walkers (20 k modality), and its relationship with athletic performance. Twenty-four race walkers participated in this study. The sample was divided into two groups: the race walkers with the best performance (upper 25 percentile; n=7) and the second group (n=17) that corresponds to the rest of the participants. Weight (kg), height (cm), seven skinfolds, two diameters and five perimeters were measured. Body fat percentage (BF%) were estimated with the Yuhasz formula, and the somatotype was used applying the Heath-Carter method. The best performing athletes were taller (178.3 ± 4.4 cm vs. 173.7 ± 5.6 cm, p <0.05) and showed a greater ectomorphic component (p<0.05) than the rest of the participants. The somatotype of the best performance athletes was 2.2-2.8-4.1 against the 2.5-3.8-2.9 of the lowest performing athletes. The average time (hours, minute, seconds) of execution of the race in athletes of better performances was 1:22:40, in comparison with the athletes of lower performances with 1:32:41 (p<0.02). The ectomorphic component and height are morphological characteristics that can determine athletic performance of race walkers. It is suggested to consider these factors in the selection of the race walkers.
La evaluación antropométrica y del somatotipo es una importante herramienta en la selección y control de los atletas de alto rendimiento. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir el somatotipo y composición corporal de hombres marchistas olímpicos, modalidad 20 k, y su relación con el rendimiento atlético. Veinticuatro atletas de marcha participaron en este estudio. La muestra fue dividida en dos grupos: los marchistas de mejores rendimientos p25 superior (n=7) y el segundo grupo (n=17) que corresponde al resto de los participantes. Se registró el peso (kg), talla (cm), siete pliegues cutáneos, dos diámetros y cinco perímetros. Se estimó el porcentaje de grasa corporal (%GC) con la fórmula de Yuhasz y se describió el somatotipo utilizando el método de Heath-Carter. Se reporta una mayor altura en los atletas de mejor rendimiento (178,3±4,4 cm vs. 173,7±5,6 cm; p<0,05) y mayor componente ectomorfico (p<0,05) que el resto de los participantes. El somatotipo de los atletas de mejor rendimiento fue de 2.2-2.8-4.1 frente al 2.5-3.8-2.9 de los atletas de menor rendimiento. El tiempo promedio (hora, minuto, segundo) de ejecución de la carrera en atletas de mejores rendimientos fue de 1:22:40, en comparación con los atletas de menores rendimientos con 1:32:41 (p <0,02). El componente ectomórfico y altura serian características morfológicas que pueden determinar el rendimiento deportivo de atletas de marcha. Se sugiere considerar estos factores en la selección de los marchistas olímpicos.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Adult , Young Adult , Somatotypes , Body Composition , Anthropometry , Walking , Adipose Tissue , Cross-Sectional Studies , Athletic Performance , GaitABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to clarify some of the characteristics of race-walking, especially the relationship between walking speed and oxygen requirement, and stride in race-walking and normal walking, and to examine whether race-walking is effective for the maintenance and promotion of health.<BR>The subjects were five male race-walkers (race-walker group) and five male college students (control group) .<BR>The results obtained were as follows:<BR>1. Under race-walk conditions, the highest speeds attained in the race-walker and control groups were 200-220 m/min and 160 m/min, respectively. Under normal walking conditions, however, the values were 140 m/min in both groups.<BR>2. A lower oxygen requirement was observed at slower speed during normal walking and at a higher speed (over 130 m/min) during race-walking.<BR>3. Oxygen requirement (ml/kg/100 m) in the race-walker group was minimal at 60-80 m/min during race-walking and at 60 m/min during normal walking. Values in the control group were minimal at 60 m/min under both walking conditions.<BR>4. The oxygen requirement in the race-walker group was less than that of the control group under both walking conditions.<BR>5. Under normal walking conditions, as the speed increased, both step-length and step frequency gradually increased, until step-length reached a limit of 80 cm. Thereafter, walking was maintained only by an increase in step frequency. However, in the race-walkes group, the subjects were capable of increasing their step-length further, and maintaining a higher speed (up to 220 m/min) .<BR>6. It was suggested that race-walking is one of the most efficient exercises for maintaining and improving health.
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to clarify some of the characteristics of race-walking, especially the relationship between walking speed and oxygen requirement, and stride in race-walking and normal walking, and to examine whether race-walking is effective for the maintenance and promotion of health.<BR>The subjects were five male race-walkers (race-walker group) and five male college students (control group) .<BR>The results obtained were as follows:<BR>1. Under race-walk conditions, the highest speeds attained in the race-walker and control groups were 200-220 m/min and 160 m/min, respectively. Under normal walking conditions, however, the values were 140 m/min in both groups.<BR>2. A lower oxygen requirement was observed at slower speed during normal walking and at a higher speed (over 130 m/min) during race-walking.<BR>3. Oxygen requirement (ml/kg/100 m) in the race-walker group was minimal at 60-80 m/min during race-walking and at 60 m/min during normal walking. Values in the control group were minimal at 60 m/min under both walking conditions.<BR>4. The oxygen requirement in the race-walker group was less than that of the control group under both walking conditions.<BR>5. Under normal walking conditions, as the speed increased, both step-length and step frequency gradually increased, until step-length reached a limit of 80 cm. Thereafter, walking was maintained only by an increase in step frequency. However, in the race-walkes group, the subjects were capable of increasing their step-length further, and maintaining a higher speed (up to 220 m/min) .<BR>6. It was suggested that race-walking is one of the most efficient exercises for maintaining and improving health.