The impact of weightlifting training on the somatotype of male students: a one-year study

Abstract

The sedentary lifestyle of students during online learning has been linked to negative effects on somatometry, including somatotype and other anthropometric characteristics. Online education can lead to increased sedentary behavior and reduced physical activity levels, which may significantly affect the physical form and body composition of students. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential of engaging in heavy athletics training to positively influence the somatotype of male students aged 18-19 years. We conducted a year-long pedagogical observation involving 47 male students from various universities in Kharkiv who had no prior experience in sports. Among them, 22 participants engaged in heavy athletics training and constituted the experimental group, while the control group consisted of students who remained inactive during the observation period. Somatometric measurements were collected using the Carter method, which assesses somatotype based on three main anthropometric components in different age groups, including height-weight ratios, bone diameters, volumetric dimensions, and skinfold thickness. The somatotype was represented numerically as a combination of these components. At the onset of the study, there were no significant differences in somatometric measurements between the control and experimental groups. However, after one year, the experimental group showed a considerable increase in the mesomorphic component and a decrease in the endomorphic component compared to the control group. While the ectomorphic component did not exhibit significant differences between the groups. The findings indicate that male students who engaged in heavy athletics training demonstrated significant improvements in their somatotype over the course of one year by increasing their mesomorphic component and reducing their endomorphic component. On the other hand, non-active peers experienced a notable increase in their endomorphic component during the same period. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of heavy athletics training to positively impact the body composition of male students and emphasizes the need for further research to explore the underlying mechanisms. The results provide valuable insights into promoting physical activity among young adults during online learning and have implications for fostering healthier lifestyles among the student population.