Somatotype

A somatoplot for high level olympians would what?

-A low level of variation between somatotypes.

Define somatotype.

-A quantitative description of the present structure and composition of the body. -This method of physique classification was developed by W.H. Sheldon in the 1920's to 1950's.

What is important in determining differences in somatotype components? What are the heritability percentages for each type?

-Genes and environment -The heritabilities for mesomorphy (85%) and ectomorphy (65%) are higher than for endomorphy (28%)

Strength and speed-dependent athletes are more what?

-Mesomorphic and less ectomorphic than distance-dependent athletes.

Compare Male vs. Female somatotypes.

-On a somatoplot, the distribution of female physique types differs from the male distribution of physique types - sexual dimorphism. -Females are more endomorphic and less mesomorphic than males. -Ethnic groups can also differ in this fashion.

A high mesomorphy and high endomorphy is correlated to what?

-Positively correlated with physical fitness tests and endomorphy is negatively correlated.

Heath-Carter Method

-Sheldon method and the Heath-Carter method have been the most widely used. -The Heath-Carter method has been extensively used on samples of athletes. -In the Heath-Carter method, the rating scale was opened at the top end, from 7 to 12, to accommodate extreme body types. -The somatotype doesn't tell you anything about a person's height, or about body proportionality - trunk length vs. leg length, etc.

What are the primary determinants of body appearance? (3 points)

-the skeleton -muscle -fat

Define body image.

Body image - the picture an individual has of her own body which she forms in her mind.

What is Sheldon's Somatotype?

Three primary components of body build. (1) Endomorphy - refers to the relative predominance of soft roundness throughout the body. (2) Mesomorphy - refers to relative predominance of muscle, bone, and connective tissue. (3) Ectomorphy - refers to the relative predominance of linearity and fragility. -Based on a 7 point scale and a 3 numeral rating (ex. 333 is a balanced somatotype (endo, meso, ecto)).