Author(s): Vishal Singh, Dr. Samiran Chakraborty, Sanjeev Verma

Abstract:
Individual physique and body proportion or composition has been discovered to impose constraints upon capacity for optimal performance in sports. This study was carried out to determine the body composition (%body fat, lean body mass) and somatotype characteristics of university male swimmers and compare it with their overseas counterparts. 24 all India Inter varsity male swimmers from LNIPE Gwalior were chosen for the investigation. Their mean age was 18.9 (+/-1.5) years, height 169.1 (+/5.73) cm and weight 65.4 (+/- 5.74) kg. Anthropometric measurements included triceps, sub scapular, suprailiac, abdomen and calf skin folds, biceps and calf circumferences and humerus and femur breadths. The body fat percentage was calculated using the formula prescribed by Faulkner. The somatotype of the subjects was calculated by the Health and Carter method. The swimmers under this study have a body fat percentage of 12.3 (+/-1.15) %. Their mean Lean Body Weight (LBW) was 57.4 (+/- 3.65) kg and Total Weight of Fat was 8.03 (+/- 1.01) kg. Regarding the somatotype, they fell into the somatotype category of balanced mesomorphs with a value of 3.1 – 4.5 – 2.6. Mesomorphic component is highly developed which confirms the general notion that mesomorphs make good swimmers because they tend to be muscular, and therefore capable of sprinting through a very dense medium of water. Similarly, the moderate fat adiposity (12.3%) under the subcutaneous skin may provide adequate buoyancy that will facilitate greater floatation during freestyle swimming.

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