INFLUENCE OF MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS ON RUNNING PERFORMANCE OF ENDURANCE ATHLETES

Abstract

Running is a popular form of physical activity and can be carried out through several different distances. Morphological characteristics, such as skin fold thickness, limb girth and length, body weight and body fat percentage have an impact on endurance running. The objective of this systematic review study is to collect and analyze studies about the influence of morphological characteristics on running performance of endurance athletes. Based on an analysis of electronic databases and the inclusion criteria set, 20 studies were included in the analysis. The length of the extremities and the sum of the skin folds thickness have the highest statistical significance as the predictor. The results of the analyzed studies indicate that slim limbs, longer legs, lower total skin fold thickness and lower body fat percentage are some of the characteristics that can be good predictors for competitive success and a model to be tended during the preparation period of male and female endurance runners.