42145 - Sport Anthropometry

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to critically evaluate the physical characteristics required to optimize high-performance athletic outcomes, as well as the effects of both recreational and competitive sports practice on body structure across different age groups. They will also gain an understanding of the concept of biological maturity and its implications in sports settings. Through laboratory activities, students will develop the ability to measure and manage not only basic linear dimensions, but also parameters related to body composition assessment, including both qualitative and quantitative aspects.

Course contents

Talent Identification and Development in Sport
Analysis of the criteria and processes for identifying and enhancing athletic potential.
Assessment of biological age and its applications in sports. Techniques for predicting adult stature.
Relationship between biological maturation and performance: performance variations across different maturational stages.

Genetic and Anthropometric Factors in Athletic Performance
Influence of genetic factors on anthropometric characteristics and athletic performance.

The Athlete’s Anthropometric Profile
Role of anthropometric factors in determining athletic success: analysis of potential athlete populations, selective pressures, use of z-scores, and application of multivariate analysis techniques.
Anthropometric aspects in talent selection.
Definition and interpretation of the anthropometric profile according to the specific requirements of different sports disciplines.
Physical and constitutional characteristics of elite athletes.
Correlations between body constitution, proportions, body composition, and performance, with examples of morphological optimization applied to sport.

Readings/Bibliography

T.R Ackland, B.C. Elliott, J. Bloomfield: Applied Anatomy and Biomechanics in Sport, Human Kinetics, 2009

K. Norton, T. Olds: Anthropometrica- UNSW Press 2000

R. Malina, C. Bouchard, O. Bar-Or: Growth, maturation, and physical activity. Human Kinetics, 2004

S. Toselli, F. Campa. Valutazione antropometrica e della composizione corporea. Per la salute e la performance. ATS Giacomo Catalani Editore [https://www.ibs.it/libri/editori/ats-giacomo-catalani-editore], 2021

E. Marini, S. Toselli (curator) Bioelectrical impedance analysis of body composition. Applications in sports science, UNICApress, 2021

https://unicapress.unica.it/index.php/unicapress/catalog/book/978-88-3312-033-1

Slides used to support in-class teaching

Analysis of scientific articles relevant to the topics covered in the course, which will be provided to students.

Teaching methods

Lectures and practical sessions.

Assessment methods

The assessment of learning takes place through an oral exam, aimed at evaluating the acquisition of the skills and competencies outlined in the course objectives. The exam is considered passed with the correct answer to two main questions related to the topics covered during the course. During the interview, the following aspects are assessed:

1. Mastery of the concepts and methods presented during the lectures and practical sessions.

2. The ability to critically analyze the topics discussed.

3. Clarity of presentation and competence in using the specific language of the discipline.

A clear presentation, a solid critical analysis of the topics, and the use of appropriate terminology will result in excellent evaluations. A superficial understanding of the material, limited connections between the topics covered, and correct but occasionally inappropriate language will result in a satisfactory evaluation. Partial knowledge, educational gaps, or inadequate language will lead to a passing or lower grade.

The assessment for the integrated course 'Antropometria Sportiva e Preparazione Atletica' will be calculated as the weighted average of the two evaluations obtained in the individual parts of the course.

Teaching tools

Projector, PC, anthropometric equipment

Office hours

See the website of Stefania Toselli