Comparative Investigation of Somatotype, Body Composition and Muscular Fitness Variables of Resistance Training Youths in Two West African Countries

Introduction: Resistance training has grown into a favorite technique for youths to achieve good health, reduce obesity, develop strength, and achieve a positive body image. Establishing the differences in somatotype, body composition, and muscular fitness is required to design a collaborative developmentally regional competitive resistance training programme. This study compared somatotype, body composition, and muscular fitness variables of resistance-trained youths (RTY) in Ghana and Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used. 202 resistance training youths {(Mean age = 21.89 ± 1.37, F-78(38.6%), M- 124(61.4%)} were recruited. Somatotype (ectomorph, endomorph, and mesomorph), body composition [body mass index- BMI), percentage body fat (%BF), waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-hip ratio (WHR), total body water, and skinfold thickness (triceps, suprailiac, biceps, supraspinal, medial calf, thigh)], muscular fitness (hand grip strength, wall squat quadriceps strength, and core strength) were measured. Results: There were more ectomorphic Ghanaian resistance training youths than Nigerian resistance training youths (54 > 41) and fewer mesomorphic Ghanaian resistance training youths than Nigerian training youths (45 < 56), also, there were less endomorphic Ghanaian resistance training youths than Nigerian resistance training youths (2 < 4). More Ghanaian resistance training youths were overweight and obese compared to Nigerian resistance training youths although not significantly. Ghana resistance training youths significantly had higher biceps, %BF, BMI, and right- and left-hand grip strengths (P<0.05) while Nigerian resistance training youths significantly had higher supraspinale, medial calf, and thigh measurements (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in weight, triceps, suprailiac, waist circumference, hip circumference, WHR, total body water, wall squat quadriceps strength, and core strength between the two nations.There are many similarities and differences between the two nations. Conclusion: In designing a collaborative, regionally competitive resistance training programme, consideration of common criteria is strongly suggested. Further studies could examine the roles of lifestyles, habits, and resistance training modalities.