Anthropometric Measurements and Bony Pelvis Dimensions in the Somatotypes of Young Female Swimmers

Abstract

Aim. The paper aims to identify individual alterations in anatomical and anthropometric measurements and morphofunctional characteristics in young female swimmers of different somatotypes. Materials and methods. Anthropometric measurements and pelvimetry (3 transverse and 2 longitudinal external pelvic dimensions, pelvic narrowness, pelvic index) were used, as well as a number of morphofunctional characteristics (sexual dimorphism index, andromorphy index, masculinity index, relative pelvic width, pelvis-to-shoulder ratio). Results. The predominance of female athletes with andromorph and mesomorph body types was recorded, while gynaecomorph somatotype was almost absent. It was found that skills enhancement as a result of intensive physical training was accompanied by alterations in somatotypes towards their inversion and formation of pathological andromorph somatotype. Numerous combined disorders were found with respect to pelvic dimensions: 253 female athletes (98.44 %) had a narrow pelvis (I to II degree) and associated disorders. Conclusion. The most frequent somatotypes among female swimmers were mesomorph (n = 124, 48.25 %) and andromorph (133, 51.75 %), while gynaecomorph somatotype was almost absent. The group under study was characterized by masculinity and hyperandrogyny, which was confirmed by the data of morphofunctional indicators.