Abstract
Physical activity affects body composition and therefore a somatotype. It depends on the type of sports strain and sports specialization.
Generally, the effect increases with time of implementation of particular sport. Top athletes make selected group of individuals with typical somatic features characteristic of the sport (Zapletalová 1997).
The aim of this study was determination somatotype of Czech top judoists, participants in World Cups, with using measurement of anthropometric parameters. Furthermore, we examined the segmental distribution of fluids in the body of each of the probands and thus influence of judo in a balanced development of body.
Totally we tested 11 probands aged 17-27 years (mean age = 21.5 +- 3.5 years). From anthropometric parameters we measured circumferences (arm circumference and calf circumference), bone diameters (humerus epicondyles and femur epicondyles) and skinfold thickness (over the biceps, over the triceps, subscapulare, suprailiacale, on calf I - below fossa poplitea).
We calculated somatotype by Heath and Carter (1967). Segmental distribution of fluid was measured by multifrequent bioimpedancy analyzer InBody 3.0.
We calculated average somatotype 1,5 : 5,7 : 2,1, it indicates somatotype of balance mesomorph. We did not find any significant differences between the right and left side in the distribution of body fluids, despite difference lateral dominance of the extremities of the probands.
Based on our results we can say that judo is a sport suitable for the muscles development of whole the body and this development is balanced for both sides of the body. We also found high proportion of muscle mass in the upper extremities and the trunk with comparison with the general population.
The information is useful for athletes and coaches and we can also use it in education and pedagogy, problem of body weight reduction is currently very actual even in the early age due to rising incidence of obesity among children and youth.