Comparison of Somatotype of Physically Active Punjabi Men of different Age Group

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to observe and compare the somatotype of physically active Punjabi men according to different age group. Method: One hundred (N=100,) men with regular physical activity between the ages 20-40 years were randomly selected and divided into four group on the basis of their age. Each subject was measured for anthropometric parameters after taking valid consents. Results: The mean age, height weight and BMI of all subject (N=100) was 34.1±5.0 years, 172.7±3.7 cm, 71.6±5.7 kg and 24 ±1.8 kg/m 2 respectively. The mean somatotype of men belonging to Group-1( 20-25 years), Group-2(26-30 years), Group-3(31-35 years) and Group-4 (36-40 years) was 2.08-4.14-3.05, 2.93-5.55-1.78, 3.79-6.55-1.83 and 3.91-5.74-0.84 respectively. Conclusion:The results indicate the dominance of mesomorphy in all age groups of physically active Punjabi men, which is an important component that characterizes muscularity due to regular physical activity. The age Group 30-35 yrs (6.55) showed the highest mesomorphy values. An increasing trend in endomorphy and mesomorphy was seen from age Group 1 (20-25yrs) to Group 3 (31-35yrs). Endomorphy which is characterized by fat components was found to high in middle age groups of 30-40 years leading to the conclusion that a change in frequency, intensity or type of physical activity may be needed.