Anthropometric measurements, body composition and physical parameters of Indian, Pakistani and Sri Lankan field hockey players

Authors

Singh Kanwaljeet, Guru Nanak Dev University
Singh Kanwar Mandeep
Singh Mandeep

Abstract

This comparative study was conducted to determine the anthropometric measurements and body composition of field hockey teams of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. A total of 53 field hockey players from three teams were studied. The participants’ height was measured using the standard anthropometric rod, while their weight was measured with a portable weighing machine. Widths and diameters of body parts were measured using digital caliper. Girths and lengths were taken with a steel tape. Grip strength was measured with a hand dynamometer. Skinfold thickness measurements were taken using the Harpenden caliper at 4 sites (biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailliac). The percentage of fat was calculated from the sum of 4 measurements of skinfold thickness. It was found that there were no significant differences in height and weight among the three teams, with the Pakistani players recording a slightly higher weight. The Pakistan team had a significantly higher upper arm length (p<0.05) and bi-humerus diameter (p<0.05) as compared to the India and the Sri Lanka teams. The Sri Lanka team had significantly less wrist circumference (p<0.05), hand width (p<0.05) and lean body mass (p<0.05) as compared to the India and the Pakistan teams. The India team had significantly less % body fat (p<0.05) than the other two teams. More data would be of interest to document the changes in anthropometry and body composition during the season and out of season and also to attempt an analysis of characteristics specific to field positions.

Keywords

Body composition, field hockey, % body fat

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