A Study on Correlation Between Anthropometric and Physiological Parameters Among Endurance Athletes

Abstract

The current study aimed to identify the correlation between anthropometric and physiological parameters in endurance athletes. In the sports world, it is well-known that an athlete's body structure and physiological capacity greatly affects their performance, specially in endurance-based sports like running, cycling, and swimming. However, the direct correlation between measurable body features and physiological fitness is still not fully explored across all population groups.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 endurance athletes aged between 18 to 35 years. Anthropometric measurements like height, weight, BMI, waist-hip ratio, and body fat percentage were taken. Also, physiological parameters such as VO2 max, resting heart rate and blood pressure were assessed. VO2 max was estimated using Queens College Step Test while heart rate and BP was measured manually.

Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software (Version 23.0). Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to find association between anthropometric and physiological variables. The results indicated significant negative correlation between VO2 max and BMI (r = -0.58, p<0.01), and also with body fat percentage (r = -0.61, p<0.01). Height had a mild positive correlation with VO2 max (r = 0.42). Resting heart rate showed moderate negative correlation with VO2 max.

This study reveals that athletes with better body composition (lower fat%, normal BMI) showed good physiological endurance performance. This kind of data can be helpful to trainers and sports scientists in talent identification, training design and health monitoring of athletes. Although limitations like small sample size and indirect VO2 max estimation exist, the findings still add value to the existing sports performance literature. Further large-scale longitudinal studies are recommended for more confirmative conclusions.

Keywords: Anthropometric, Endurance, Sports physiology, BMI, VO2 max