Anthropometric Characteristics and Somatotype Profiles of University Athletes in Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to determine and compare the anthropometric characteristics and somatotypes of male athletes participating in volleyball, basketball, and soccer at Madonna University, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 male athletes (15 volleyball, 15 basketball, 20 soccer players) aged 18-25 years. Anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, skinfold thicknesses, bone girths, and circumferences, were obtained. Somatotype was estimated using the Heath-Carter method. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the differences between the sports. Results: Basketball players were taller and heavier than the other athletes. Significant differences were found in height (p=0.033), triceps skinfold thickness (p=0.049), and humerus breadth (p=0.013) among the three sports. Volleyball players exhibited the highest endomorphy (4.03 ± 2.09) and mesomorphy (5.16 ± 1.44) scores, while soccer players showed the lowest endomorphy (2.97 ± 0.32) and highest ectomorphy (1.65 ± 0.71) values. The majority of athletes across all three sports were classified as endomorphic mesomorphs. Conclusion: The study provides insights into sport-specific physical characteristics and body compositions among Nigerian collegiate athletes, which may inform talent identification and training strategies. The findings highlight the need for further research to understand the unique attributes of athletes in these sports within the Nigerian context.