Relationship Between Somatotype and PHV in Iranian 7-10 Years Old Boys

An important variable in investigation of agility during puberty is the age of reaching peak high velocity، which like other agility indicators is under the effect of different factors such as physical condition and type. The purpose of present research was to examine relationship between somatotype and peak high velocity (PHV) among Iranian 7-10 years old boys.

Participants were 313 7-10 year-old members of Basij Talent Identification Centers in all Iran''s provinces. Somatotype data were calculated using ISAK instruction and PHV was measured using Malina –Buchard formula and were analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple regressions.

Results of Pearson correlation showed that PHV had a positive correlation with ectomorphy and negative correlation with endomrphy and mesomorphy. Total correlation between PHV and somatotype was 0. 50 which explained 25% of PHV variance. Results of regression analysis showed ectomrphy and endomorphy were significant predictors of PHV but msomrphy was not a significant predictor of PHV.

Endomorphy had a smaller part in predicting the PHV age، but mesomorphy was not a strong predictor، Moreover، ectomorphy following endomrophy had a strong predicting power. Studies in this area suggest that those who have greater ectomorphic characteristics are less agile and the physiologic requisites for their puberty develop later in their bodies. Therefore poor sport performance of ectomorphic children may result from their distance to PHV age so coaches and instructors should consider this measurement and somatotype.