Review of Anthropometric Characteristics of Runners

Abstract

Anthropometric measurements are a series of systematized measures that quantitatively express the dimensions of the human body and skeleton. Anthropometric measurements include body weight, height, skinfolds measurement, circumferences, and various body diameters. The use of these measurements vary, but either individually or combined they allow for reasonable predictions of body composition in non-obese subjects. For example, weight provides a simple measurement of body mass and thus total energy content. Skinfolds measurements reflect the relative amount of fat for a given body site and may be used to describe regional adiposity. Finally, weight combined with skinfolds measurement and body diameters can accurately estimate the amount of fat-free mass and fat mass. Anthropometry is the most common used method of physique and body composition assessment in athletic population.