Anthropometric profiles of Malaysian Elite swimmers

Abstract

This study was aim to compare the anthropometric profiles of Malaysian state and national swimmers, compare the basic physical characteristics with world class swimmers, compare the world class data of 1991 with more recent international swimmer data. Sixty-three state swimmers (25 females, 38 males) and 18 national swimmers (10 females, 8 males) were assessed. The national swimmers were compared with 401 world class swimmers from the 1991 Perth World Championships and other recent international data. Anthropometric profiles for Malaysian swimmers were collected according to the standardized ISAK protocol. Somatotype was derived by anthropometic variables according to Heath-Carter somatotype scale. State swimmers were younger, lighter, shorter and smaller on girth measurements compared to national swimmers. World class swimmers were older, heavier, taller (p<0.01) and possessed greater humerus breadth (p<0.05) compared to Malaysian national swimmers. Malaysian swimmers were consistently shorter and lighter compared to other international swimmers. Malaysian male swimmers had a similar ecto-mesomorphic somatotype (2-5-3) when compared to world class athletes; however, female national swimmers had higher endomorphy ratings (p<0.05) than world class swimmers. This study identified key anthropometric characteristics (greater weight, height, and limb girth) which may be beneficial to swimming performance and should be emphasized in talent identification programs.