Assessing the Somatotype Profile of Gorkha Soccer Players

Abstract

Many factors influence the Somatotype of the human body. In addition to genetics, there are also environmental factors and cultural differences. This study aimed to find out the somatotype Profile of Gorkha soccer players based on their playing position and also to determine which anthropometric type is the most distinctive. The study sample consisted of 30 National-level Soccer players from different academies or clubs who participated in the National Level Championships Tournament will be selected purposively as subjects and aged 18-25 years, including Striker (N=10), Midfielder (N=10) and Defender (N=10). Heath and Carter’s (1990) equations for decimal anthropometry (ISAK) measurements were used. Body density percentage was calculated according to the equation of Durnin and Womersley (1974). Then, the amount of body fat was determined using the Siri (1956) equation. The results indicated that most of the players showed a body type that was ectomorphic mesomorph, which is the most important component in all positions. Therefore, the study concluded that a body type with a strong ectomorph and slight mesomorph advantage would benefit soccer players at the elite level.