Sport-specific morphological profiles and somatotypes: a comparative analysis of state-level Kabaddi and football Players
Abstract
This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the anthropometric characteristics and somatotype profiles of state-level Kabaddi and football players, with the goal of identifying sport-specific morphological adaptations. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 24 male athletes (12 Kabaddi, 12 Football; age: 18–25 years) from Rajasthan, India. Standardized ISAK protocols were used to assess anthropometric parameters, and somatotypes were computed via the Heath–Carter method. Group comparisons were performed using independent t-tests, with Bonferroni correction applied for multiple comparisons (α = .0033 for anthropometric variables, α = .01 for somatotype/body composition). Significant between-group differences were observed in endomorphy (p = .001, d = 1.18) and ectomorphy (p = .006, d = 1.24), with football players exhibiting higher values in both components. Kabaddi athletes displayed a more mesomorphic–endomorphic profile, whereas footballers were predominantly mesomorphic–ectomorphic. Additionally, humerus (p = .002, d = 1.59) and femur breadths (p = .002, d = 1.52) were significantly larger in football players. While differences in height, fat-free mass, and triceps skinfold did not reach statistical significance, large effect sizes (d ≥ 0.74) suggest practically meaningful distinctions in physique and body composition. This study reveals distinct somatotype and structural differences between Kabaddi and Football players, underscoring the influence of sport-specific demands on body morphology. These findings support the use of anthropometric profiling in talent identification, performance optimization, and tailored training strategies for athletes in high-intensity sports.
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References
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1. The Publication Service of the University of Murcia (the publisher) has the Publication Rights (Copyright) to the published papers and works, and favors and permits the reusing of the same under the license indicated in point 2.
© Servicio de Publicaciones, Universidad de Murcia, 2013
2. The papers and works are to be published in the digital edition of the Journal under the license Creative Commons Reconocimiento-No Comercial-Sin Obra Derivada 3.0 España (legal text). The copying, using, spreading, transmitting and publicly displaying of the papers, works or publication are permitted as long as: i) the authors and original sources (Journal, publisher and URL of the publication) are quoted; ii) it is not used for commercial benefit; iii) the existence and specifications of this users license are mentioned.
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