INTRODUCTION OF SOMATOTYPING

The term somatotype is used in the system of

classification of human physical types developed
by U.S. psychologist W.H. Sheldon. In Sheldon’s
system, human beings can be classified as to body
build in terms of three extreme body types:
endomorphic, or round, fat type; mesomorphic, or
muscular type; and ectomorphic, or slim, linear
type.
 WHAT IS SOMATOTYPING?
Is a method of identifying people by their body shape. Bodies come in all
shapes and sizes but can be grouped as follows.
Somatometry is a fundamental research method in anthropology. It
involves the measurement of bodily proportions and sizes in living
individuals. Before the start of measuring it is necessary to ask three
basic questions:
- What is necessary to measure and evaluate and what kind of data
should be obtained by measuring?
- How will the given dimensions be obtained? (determination of
anthropometric points)
- What instruments should be chosen?
 CATEGORIES OF SOMATOTYPES
There are three extreme categories of somatotypes:
• Endomorphic
• Mesomorphic
• Ectomorphic
Endomorphic- It refers to relative fatness and leanness. A person with an
endomorphic body type has a tendency to put on fat, has a soft roundness of
shape, short tapering limbs, small bones and wide hips.
 Mesomorphic – It refers to condition of more developed skeletal frame
compered to height. A person with a mesomorphic body shape usually has a
high proportion of muscle and bone, a large trunk, a heavy chest, broad
shoulders and narrow hips
Ectomorphic – It refers to a condition where somatotype is of linearity. A
person with an ectomorphic body shape has a lean, fragile, delicate body,
small bones and is narrow at the shoulders and hips
Each somatotype has a 1 to 7 score where 1 is low and 7 is
 

high.
Each person is measured to find their personal mark. A non-
sportsperson may have the following combination: 4, 3, 3 (4 =
medium endomorphy, 3 = low mesomorphy, 3 = low
ectomorphy)
The scale of each somatotype is grouped in two three
categories as follows:
(i). 1 – 3 represent low
(ii). 4 – 6 represent medium
(iii). 6.5 – 7 represent high
(iv). 7.5 – above represent very extreme
 MEASUREMENT OF SOMATOTYPE (how to
obtain data for the somatotype?)
measuring somatotype most commonly measured using
the heath carter measurement system, in which ratings
for endomorphy, mesomorphy and ectomorphy are
calculated using various ways. The following are three
ways of obtaining the somatotype:
(i). the anthropometric method
(ii). the photoscopic method
(iii) The anthropometric plus photoscopic method
The scores from each categories may also be plotted in a
shield diagram or somatograph, representing the somatotype
on a two-dimensional scale. As shown in figure bellow.
 Anthropometric method
The equipment’s incudes a stadiometer or
anthropometer, weighing scale, sliding caliper, a flexible
steel tape, and skinfold caliper.
The advantages of anthropometry are lost unless the
measurements are accurate and reliable(i.es precise).
The anthropometric somatotype can be calculated in two
ways
- Enter the data onto a somatotype rating form.
- Enter the data into equations derived from rating form.
 Enter the data onto a somatotype rating form
The following steps are followed to fill in the rating form:
1. Record pertinent identification data in top section of rating form.
Endomorphy rating (steps 2-5)
2. Record the measurements for each of the four skinfolds.
3. Sum the triceps, sub scapular and supraspinale skinfold thicknesses; record the
sum in the box opposite SUM 3SKINFOLDS. Correct for height by multiplying
this sum by (170.18/height in cm).
4. Circle the closest value in the SUM3 SKINFOLDS table to the right. The table
is read vertically from low to high in columns and horizontally from left to right in
rows. "Lower limit" and "upper limit" on the rows provide exact boundaries for
each column. When the values of SUM3 SKINFOLDS are within 1 mm of the
limit, they circled. In most cases the value in the row "midpoint" is circled.
5. In the row for endomorphy circle the value directly under the column for the
value circled in number (4) above.
Mesomorphy rating (steps 6-10)
6. The values of height and breadths of humerus and femur are to be
recorded in the appropriate boxes. The skinfold thicknesses are corrected
before recording girths of biceps and calf.
7. In the height row directly to the right of the recorded value, circle the
height value nearest to the measured height of the subject. 8. For each bone
breadth and girth circle the number nearest the measured value in the
appropriate row.
9. Deal only with columns, not numerical values for the two procedures
below. Find the average deviation of the circled values for breadths and
girths from the circled value in the height column as follows: (a) Column
deviations to the right of the height column are positive deviations.
Deviations to the left are negative deviations. (b) Calculate the algebraic sum
of the ± deviations (D). Use this formula: mesomorphy = (D/8) +4.0. Round
the obtained value of mesomorphy to the nearest one-half (½) rating unit.
10. In the row for mesomorphy circle the closest value for mesomorphy obtained
in number 9 above. (If the point is exactly midway between two rating points,
circle the value closest to 4 in the row. This conservative regression toward 4
guards against spuriously extreme ratings.)
Ectomorphy rating (steps 11-14).
11. Record weight (kg).
12. Obtain height divided by cube root of weight (HWR). Record HWR in the
appropriate box.
13. Circle the closest value in the HWR table to the right. (See note in number
(4) above.)
14. In the row for ectomorphy circle the ectomorphy value directly below the
circled HWR.
15. Move to the bottom section of the rating form. In the row for Anthropometric
Somatotype, record the circled ratings for Endomorphy, Mesomorphy and
Ectomorphy.
16. Sign your name to the right of the recorded rating.
Enter the data into equations derived from rating form.
The other method of obtaining the anthropometric somatotype is by
means of equations into which the data are entered.
The equation to calculate endomorphy is:
Endomorphy= -0.7182 + 0.1451 (X)-0.00068 (X2 ) + 0.0000014 (X3
)
Where
X = (sum of triceps, sub scapular and supraspinal skinfold
thicknesses) multiplied by (170.18/height in cm).
This is called height -corrected endomorphy and is the most preferred
method for calculating endomorphy.
 
 WHERE SOMATOTYPE IS APPLIED?
SOMATOTYPE AND SPORTS
TRIATHLETE
• Triathletes are more muscular than runners but with less leg
development than cyclists and less upper body development than
swimmers.
• Low body weight improves the power-to-weight ratio.
HOCKEY
• Short legs boost balance and stability, allowing players to pivot.
• They also can prevent back injuries.
• Speed and aerobic endurance are musts.
SWIMMERS
• Long arms and legs act as levers, allowing swimmers to produce greater
force in the water. • Big hands and feet propel the swimmer faster.
DISTANCE RUNNER
• Low body fat levels conserve energy because the runner carries less
weight.
• Muscles will ideally be slow twitch (or fatigue resistant), aiding
endurance.
SPRINTER
• All over muscle and lower body fat levels give sprinters their explosive
powers
• Muscles must be fast twitch (they contract quickly)
• Height does not matter, so long as stride length is efficient.
NETBALLER
• For mid court players, powerful legs enable leaps to intercept high passes
and sprint speed to chase the ball.
• End court players are usually with long arms for shooting and defending.
WEIGHT LIFTER
• Short legs lower the weight lifters centre of gravity (CoG), improving
stability.
• Short arms reduce the arc through which the weight must be lifted.
GYMNAST
• Long limbs in relation to the body boost the gymnasts powerto-ratio.
• Low body fat results in better muscle definition.
• Broad shoulders and narrow hips promote maximum upper body
strength.
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING