Vol 14, Issue 1, No1, July 2026

Anthropometric and Somatotype Profiles Across Sports Disciplines among University Athletes

Nur Arina Shahirah Binti Sharudin & Nor Aijratul Asikin Binti Mohamad Shalan

Faculty of Sports Science & Coaching, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris

DOI: http://doi.org/10.47836/mohe.14.1.01 

ABSTRACT

Understanding anthropometric, body composition, and somatotype characteristics is crucial for identifying athletic potential and optimising performance. This study aims to describe and compare these characteristics among athletes across different sports disciplines. A total of 52 Malaysia Juara athletes (aged 18.0 ± 0 years) were categorised into mixed (n = 31), power (n = 13), and skill (n = 9) disciplines. Twenty anthropometric variables were assessed according to ISAK standards. Body composition, somatotype, and BMI were calculated using standard equations. Skill discipline athletes were significantly taller (173.26 ± 3.96 cm), heavier (68.86 ± 13.3 kg), and had greater relaxed arm girth (31.4 ± 4.1 cm) and thigh muscle area (54.9 ± 6.9 cm) than power (166.62 ± 8.06 cm; 60.8 ± 12.76 kg) and mixed athletes (166.62 ± 8.06 cm; 60.86 ± 9.95 kg) (p < 0.05). Mean BMI was 22.94 ± 4.21 kg/m², and the dominant somatotype among the sample was mesomorphic-endomorph (4.1-4.4-2.0). These findings highlighted distinct anthropometric and somatotype characteristics across sports disciplines, with mixed-discipline athletes displaying more developed muscularity and higher body mass. The established anthropometric reference data can assist coaches and sports scientists in talent identification, athlete selection, and individualised training design.

Keywords: anthropometry, body composition, somatotype, sport disciplines, university athletes