Physical Characteristics of Adolescent Male Wrestlers in Kerala

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the anthropometric and somatotype characteristics of adolescent male wrestlers in Kerala. METHODS: 32 male adolescent wrestlers were chosen for the investigation. Their mean age was 17.1 (+/- 1.3) years, height 158.1 (+/-4.91) cm and weight 66.4 (+/-4.84) kg. Anthropometric measurements included triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, abdomen and calf skinfolds, biceps and calf circumferences and humerus and femur breadths. The body fat percentage was calculated using the formula prescribed by Faulkner. The somatotype of the subjects was calculated by the Health and Carter method. RESULTS: The wrestlers under this study have a body fat percentage of 12.7 (+/-1.15) % and mean Lean Body Mass (LBM) of 87.3 (+/-1.35) %. Their Total Weight of Fat was 8.03 (+/- 1.01) kg and Lean Body Weight 58.9 (+/-3.41) kg. Regarding the somatotype, they fell into the somatotype category of endomorphic mesomorphs with a value of 3.5–4.9–1.6. CONCLUSION: The higher value of mesomorphy indicates that they are capable of creating greater force on the opponents and that they are suitable for a power sport like wrestling. Moreover, shorter body stature results in lower level of center of gravity which in turn may facilitate greater stability during the competition