Digital photogrammetry versus ISAK anthropometry in determining body segment lengths of powerlifters.

P. Mellow, P. Hume*, J. Keogh & S. Pearson

The potential for considerable time-savings when measuring an athlete and the non-invasive nature of digital photogrammetry make it an attractive alternative to the traditional International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) anthropometric method if validity could be established. This study assessed the validity and reliability of digital photogrammetry to determine body segment lengths compared to the traditional ISAK anthropometric method. Sixty- eight Australasian and Pacific powerlifters (54 males and 14 females) were measured for 42 anthropometric dimensions (using International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry protocols) and had six digital photos taken in the front and back, left sagittal, right medial leg, right sagittal arm and right sagittal leg planes during the Oceania Powerlifting Championships and the New Zealand Bench Press Championships. Both the digital (0.31%) and ISAK (0.90%) average technical errors of measurement (TEN) for the intra-tester reliability for the seven limb segments were lower than the ISAK criteria (1.0%). The TEM for the inter-tester reliability of the digital photogrammetry (1.64%) was above the ISAK acceptable error level of 1.5%. Comparing digital and ISAK methods for the seven limb segments gave a mean percent error of 3.8% compared to the ISAK values. Greater error was found in the upper limb compared to the lower limb segments. Digital photogrammetry is not yet a valid method compared to ISAK anthropometry, but it exhibits high intra-tester reliability. Several potential sources of error have been identified and with future development may reduce the error to acceptable levels.

Anthropometric dimensions of team New Zealand America's Cup sailors

S. Pearson*, P. Hume, P. Mellows & D. Slyfield

This study described anthropometric dimensions for crewmembers in the Team New Zealand America's Cup Sailing 2003 campaign. Thirty-five male America's Cup sailors (12 Grinders, 7 Trimmers, 11 Afterguard, and 5 Bowmen), with an average of 19 years sailing experience, were measured for 42 anthropometric dimensions (using ISAK protocols). The grinder sailors were significantly taller, heavier, had a larger arm span, longer forearm and upper arm, and longer feet than the other three groups of sailors. However, sitting height was not different between any of the groups. The larger standing height for the grinders was due to a longer tibia and not from a longer femur or longer trunk. The grinders also had wider humerus and femoral bones than the other groups of sailers. Twelve of the thirteen girths were significantly larger in the grinders than in any other sailer groups. Sum of skinfolds were similar between the trimmer (78 + 21), afterguard (84 ± 17), and bowmen (79 + 15) groups, but were significantly higher in the grinding group (102 + 15, p = 0.015). The grinders had significantly more lean muscle mass than all other sailing groups. The largest lean muscle mass was 103.8 kg for a grinding sailor of 117.1 kg (14.2% body fat). The sailors in the afterguard, trimming and bow groups showed very few differences in anthropometric characteristics between them. Sailors in different functional positions in the Team New Zealand America's Cup crew had significantly different anthropometric dimensions that reflected the physical tasks required of them during a sailing race.

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