Analyzing the effects of exercise prescribed based on health-related fitness assessment among different somatotypes

Abstract

Introduction: Human body types (somatotypes) are classified into ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph. The ectomorphs are physically weak and usually tall. Mesomorphs were characterized as muscular, thick skinned with good upright posture. Endomorphs characterized as fat, heavy, and usually short.

Methods: This study is an interventional study, in which a total number of 45 healthy male volunteers between the age group of 22 and 28 years were observed. Written consent was obtained from the patients after a detailed explanation of the study. Exercises were prescribed and executed based on the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines for exercise testing and prescription. Body composition, cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility were assessed.

Results: The statistical analyses were done using the SPSS software version 16 executed at a 95% confidence interval. Mean and standard deviations were calculated by descriptive statistics. A paired t-test was done to find the effectiveness of the intervention. The level of significance in all tests was set to p < 0.05. Positive changes were observed in health-related fitness among the three groups.

Conclusion: This study reports about finding the somatotypes, and exercising based on that will provide the best results in health-related fitness components designed by the ACSM.