Anthropometry and somatotypes of competitive DanceSport participants: A comparison of three different styles

Publication date: April 2014 Source:HOMO - Journal of Comparative Human Biology, Volume 65, Issue 2 Author(s): H. Liiv , M. Wyon , T. Jürimäe , P. Purge , M. Saar , J. Mäestu , J. Jürimäe Anthropometry in dance and aesthetic sports has been shown to play an important role in selection and performance criteria. The aim of the present study was to examine variations in somatotype and anthropometry in three different competitive dance styles: DanceSport Standard, Latin American and Ten Dance. Anthropometry and somatotype data were collected from thirty couples competing in Standard (n =24 individuals), Latin American (n =14) and Ten Dance (n =22) styles. A single tester (ISAK Level 1) carried out all anthropometric measurements using the Heath-Carter protocol and somatotypes were calculated using the Heath-Carter's decimal equations. Results indicated that the mean somatotype for the male dancers was 2.4–3.9–3.2, whilst for females it was 2.7–2.7–3.5. Factorial analysis reported Standard dancers scored significantly higher for ectomorphy, sitting height and arm span than Latin dancers (p <0.05). Correlation analysis with the Standard dancer's International Ranking highlighted moderate positive correlation with mesomorphy (r =0.434, p <0.05) and negative correlation with ectomorphy (r =−0.546, p <0.001). The findings of this study show that somatotypes differ among DanceSport participants by dance style. Compared with other aesthetic...
Source: HOMO Journal of Comparative Human Biology - Category: Biology Source Type: research