ABSTRACT
A relationship between competitive success and physique traits has been identified in an array of sports, including football codes,1 aesthetically judged sports,2 swimming,3 track and field events,4 and skiing,5 as well as lightweight6 and heavyweight rowing.7 The specific physique traits associated with competitive success vary with the sport. For athletes participating in aesthetically judged sports, maintenance of low body-fat levels is associated with positive outcomes.2,8,9 A similar relationship
3.1 Introduction .................................................................................................... 73 3.2 Hydrodensitometry ......................................................................................... 74 3.3 Total Body Water ............................................................................................77 3.4 Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry .............................................................. 79 3.5 Air Displacement Plethysmography ............................................................... 81 3.6 Bioelectrical Impedance ................................................................................. 82 3.7 Surface Anthropometry ..................................................................................84 3.8 Specified Landmarks for the Assessment of Skinfolds ..................................88 3.9 Ultrasound .................................................................................................... 102 3.10 Three-and Four-Compartment Models ........................................................ 103 3.11 New Technologies ......................................................................................... 104
3.11.1 Computed Tomography .................................................................... 104 3.11.2 Magnetic Resonance ......................................................................... 105 3.11.3 Three-Dimensional Photonic Scanning............................................ 106
3.12 Practical Recommendations ......................................................................... 107 3.13 Future Research Needs ................................................................................. 108 3.14 Conclusions ................................................................................................... 108 References .............................................................................................................. 109
exists in sports where frontal surface area, power-to-weight ratio, and/or thermoregulation are important.10 However, in sports demanding high force production, muscle mass may be more closely associated with performance outcomes.1,3 Likewise, in sports such as rowing, other physique traits like a shorter sitting height (relative to stature) and longer limb lengths are related to competitive success,11 with such information used successfully in talent identification.12 Because of these relationships, it has become common practice to monitor physique traits of athletes in response to growth, training, and dietary interventions.
