A Preliminary Study on Female Runners and Their Body Composition

Abstract

Running is one of the most common sports activities for both athletic and non-athletic person. Regular physical exercises, such as running, throwing, and jumping, increase rate of physical development and boost athletic performance. In the high-level competitions, anthropometric profiles indicate whether or not the athlete would be suitable for the competition. The study aimed to examine the type of runners and the association among anthropometric parameters of the female runners. The study had been conducted on the female runners in the campus of CCSHAU, Hisar, Haryana. Twenty female students were selected. On the basis of the interview schedule, out of these 20 runners, 5 competitive runners were purposively selected based on their running practice, physical health, and involvement in university athletic competitions. Anthropometric data were collected and calculated by using anthropometric formulas and methods. Anthropometric assessment of the competitive runner includes body weight, height, and skinfold measurement. Study revealed that 35% was a beginner and they had started running from the last 2 to 6 months. 35% were competitive runners and practicing running from at least 2 years up to 6 years. Out of 35%, competitive runners 20% were sprint runners (100 and 200 mt.) and 15% were middle-distance runners (1500 mt.). 60% of female runners were having a height in between 1.6 and 1.7 mt followed by 1.5–1.6 mt (35%) and 1.7–1.8 mt (5%). Runners fall into normal weight category (19.55 ± 1.35 kg/m²) and mean fat percentage of female runners was found 15.12 ± 2.56%. In respect to the weight and height, BMI falls into the normal category. Age, weight, and BMI positively correlated with fat%, fat weight, and lean body mass.