Kinanthropometry and Sport Practice

This dissertation adopts kinanthropometric methods in order to study and evaluate body size, proportions and composition - in terms of fat and fat free mass - of physically active individuals. In particular, several sport disciplines, like strength training, mountaineering and sprint running have been taken into consideration, at different levels of qualification. In general, the most active individuals show low levels of body fatness, when compared to the general population, thus highlighting the positive effects of sport practice on fitness and general health, especially for what concern the prevention of cardio-vascular and metabolic diseases, which are often related to excessive adiposity and sedentary life styles. Further, the statistical evaluation of the most common and easy-to-measure indices of body fatness, like the BMI (Body Mass Index), has proved their low reliability, especially in physically active individuals, prompting for further research in the field of body composition assessment. Finally, the anthropometric and biomechanical assessment of a sample of Italian sprinters has confirmed their optimal body composition - regardless of their relatively high BMI - and high levels of muscular strength, which are significantly correlated to performances in the 100 m and the 200 m. These findings may improve the way we understand the effects of sport training and physical activity on general health.