Relationship Between Somatotype and Physical Fitness Components in Cameroonian Sprinters
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajssi.v1i1.6754Keywords:
Cameroon, Fitness Parameters, Somatotype, Sprinters, YaoundéAbstract
This Cross-Sectional Correlational Study investigated the relationship between somatotype and fitness parameters among 113 elite sprinters (53 women and 60 men) aged 18 to 32, from athletics clubs in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Somatotype parameters were assessed using the Heath-Carter method, which determines the endomorphic, mesomorphic, and ectomorphic components of somatotype. Fitness parameters were assessed using standardized tests, including: Handgrip strength; Vertical jump; One-leg balance; Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max); Maximal Aerobic Velocity (MAV). Significant negative correlations were also found between mesomorphic rating and handgrip strength (r = -0.319, p < 0.01), VO2max (r = -0.341, p < 0.01), and VMA (r = -0.341, p < 0.01). Additionally, a significant positive correlation was found between mesomorphic rating and sprint performance (r = 0.632, p < 0.001), indicating that individuals with a higher muscle-to-fat ratio tend to perform better in sprint events. Results suggest that individuals with high endomorphic rating tend to have lower performance in terms of strength, power, and endurance. The study’s findings have implications for coaches and healthcare professionals, who can use somatotype assessment to identify individuals who may be at risk for poor physical performance and tailor training programs and interventions to an individual’s somatotype.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Mbang Bian William, Ebal Minye Edmond, Mekoulou Ndongo Jerson, Endele Marcous Michel, Nga Tsogo Nancy, Assomo Ndemba Péguy Brice, Guessogo Wiliam Richard (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
