Abstract

To evaluate the effect of physique on dynamic and explosive strength performances, male students (n = 161) were measured on grip strength, trunk extension, leg lift, vertical jump, predicted VO2 max, and PWC170. Correlations between the physique, strength and performance variables were low to moderate. This suggested that physique does not markedly influence strength and performance and such relationships are not high enough for predictive purposes. However, multivariate analysis of variance and discriminant analysis isolated a combination of seven variables which significantly differentiated three of the four somatotype groups. The endo-mesomorphic group performed best in those aspects requiring strength and power, closely followed by mesomorphs. The best aerobic performance in relation to body weight was achieved by the balanced and ectomorphic groups who were leanest and lightest. Verf.-Referat