Investigation of the Relationship Between Somatotype Structures and Respiratory Functions of Ski-mountaineering National Athletes

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between somatotype structures and respiratory functions of national ski-mountaineering athletes. Methods: Nine male athletes (age 19.66±2.12 years, height 175.3±5.19 cm, body weight 68.55±2.69 kg) and four female athletes (age 17.25±0.95 years, height 164±8.58 cm, body weight 57±4,24 kg) participated in the study. Height, body weight, skinfold thickness, width and circumference measurements were taken. The somatotype structures of the athletes were determined by Heath-Carter method and pulmonary function measurements were determined by digital spirometer. Descriptive analysis, t-test, and Spearman correlation analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: As a result of the analysis, the mean somatotype structure of male athletes was 3−5−2 (Endomorphic−Mesomorphic) and the mean somatotype structure of female athletes was 4−4−3 (Mesomorphic-Endomorphic). The pulmonary function test results of the athletes were within the normal range and showed higher performance than expected. It was determined that the FVC and MEF25% values of the athletes whose somatotype structures were ectomorphic-mesomorphic were higher than the endomorph-ectomorphic ones and there was a significant difference between them. In addition, there was a negative correlation between FVC and endomorphic somatotype structures and body fat percentages of the athletes. No significant correlation was found in other variables. Conclusion: The lung function of the athletes was healthy and strong, and somatotype structures especially affected their vital capacity and airways. The FEV1/FVC values of the athletes were lower than expected, shows that the athletes in our study group had a narrowing and obstructive condition in the large airways.