Does Dominant Somatotype Differentiate Performance of Jumping and Sprinting Variables in Young Healthy Adults?

Abstract

The relationship between an athlete’s somatotype three-numeral rating and his or her athletic performance is well known. However, a direct effect of the different dominant somatotype on jumping and sprinting variables has not yet been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dominant somatotype on sport-specific explosive variables. One hundred and twelve physically active young adults (mean ± standard deviation age: 21.82 ± 3.18 years) were somatotype-rated using the Heath–Carter method. Participants were classified as balanced ectomorph, balanced mesomorph, central, mesomorph-endomorph, and mesomorphic ectomorph. Vertical jump and linear sprint tests were performed to measure peak lower body performance and sprint variables (time, speed, and momentum), respectively. The analysis revealed that balanced mesomorph had significantly higher vertical jump (effect size (ES) = 1.10, p = 0.005) and power to body mass (ES = 1.04, p = 0.023) than mesomorph-endomorph. In addition, balanced mesomorph showed significantly superior performance in 30-m sprint time and velocity than central and mesomorph-endomorph (ES range = 0.93–1, p < 0.05). Finally, balanced ectomorph (ES = 1.12, p = 0.009) and mesomorphic ectomorph (ES = 1.10, p = 0.017) were lower in sprint momentum compared to balanced mesomorphs. In conclusion, this study has shown the importance of the interaction between subtypes and athletic performance. The knowledge gained may be important in identifying those who tend to perform well in sports with explosive power and in prescribing training programs.

A Comparison of Vertical Jump Performance between Mesomorphic and Ectomorphic Dominant Somatotypes

“…Although the current research didn't identify significant differences in vertical jump performance between ectomorphic-mesomorph and mesomorphic-ectomorph somatotypes, conflicting findings are present. Some studies have indicated that individuals with mesomorphic and muscular builds tend to exhibit superior vertical jump capabilities (Cinarli et al, 2022;Lewandowska et al, 2011;Saha, 2014). For instance, Saha (2014) discovered that athletes dominant in mesomorph traits displayed 34-37% higher vertical jump heights compared to ectomorphic athletes.…”

“…Numerous studies highlight associations between somatotype and vertical jump across athlete groups. However only few studies has done on the sedentary persons (Cinarli et al, 2022). Therefore, the present study was aimed to compare the vertical jump performance between the mesomorphic-ectomorph and ectomorphicmesomorph somatotypes of sedentary persons only.…”

“…(Cinarli et al, 2019) developed regression equations using somatotype ratings, limb girths, and body fat percentage to estimate vertical jumping ability. However, these prediction models were formed and tested on the same sample of physical education students rather than separate groups or athletes (Cinarli et al, 2022). Thus, a cross-validation is necessary to determine actual effectiveness for estimating vertical jump capacity among different population.…”

“…While studies (Cinarli et al, 2022;Fidelix et al, 2014;Moncef et al, 2012;Ryan-Stewart et al, 2018;Zamparo et al, 2000) have established general connections somatotypes and vertical jump, there remains a lack of agreement on optimal somatotypes for maximal performance across different sports. Some studies directly compare relationships between somatotype and vertical jump across sports to determine if there is a distinct trends exist or not.…”

Physiological Characteristics of Young People in the Absence of Mandatory Physical Activity Required at the University

“…Such a positive result is an incentive to continue the physical activity and even increase its volume (Noh et al, 2014;Kvintová & Sigmund, 2016). In addition, the obtained data can be used in the practice of sports activities, in particular when predicting achievements, and planning the amount of physical activity for athletes with a certain somatotype (Saha, 2014;Campa et al, 2020;Cinarli et al, 2022).…”