Anthropometric profile of elite women’s volleyball players in the Philippines

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the anthropometric profile of elite women’s volleyball players in the Philippines. Thirty-six (n=36) subjects with a mean age of 23.9 + 3 years participated in this study and were measured by ISAK-certified anthropometrics. Results showed that elite Filipino women’s volleyball players are relatively taller and heavier than average Filipino females but smaller and lighter than most internationally-successful women’s volleyball teams. They are in the athletic body fat percentage range with a somatotype of endomorph-mesomorph on average. Middle blockers are tall, thin and lean with a mean central somatotype with lengthy extremities. Outside hitters and opposite spikers are relatively tall, lengthy, and muscular with a mean endomorph-mesomorph somatotype. Liberos are shorter and lighter overall with low body fat and a generally endomorphic mesomorph somatotype. Setters are relatively shorter, heavier and larger with higher body fat and an endomorph-mesomorph somatotype on average. Various similarities and differences with related studies are also discussed.

Keywords

• anthropometry
• body composition
• somatotype
• volleyball