Abstract

Objective. Endomorphism, mesomorphism and ectomorphism are the three fundamental morphological classes in which the individuals can be classified. Aim of the study was to verify the different fitness among the somatotypes. Methods. Fourty sedentary men (average age 24.05±3.2), gathered by somatotype, underwent relative strength determination and maximal ergometric tests. Results. Analysing the data through a software SAS it was found that BMI was lower in ectomorphism (P=0.002) and the .VO2max and relative strength lower in endomorphism (P=0.002; P=0.04). Appraising the .VO2max independently from relative strength and body mass index (BMI), in the study population, .VO2max was higher in ectomorphism than in endomorphism (+8.57 mL/kg/min; P=0.04) and it was also higher in mesomorphism than in endomorphism (+10.32 mL/kg/min; P=0.002). Conclusion. Principal somatotypes show significant differences in physical fitness, therefore the somatotype determination represents an important starting point for choosing the sport best suited to each subject. Verf.-Referat