Relationship of Anthropometric Characteristics with Performance of National Level Female Swimmers in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background: Swimming demands a unique blend of fitness and biomechanical efficiency. Anthropometric traits like arm span, leg length, height, and weight influence stroke length, propulsion, and drag, impacting performance. Assessing these variables offers insights for athlete profiling and training strategies in elite swimming. Objectives: To determine the relationship of selected anthropometric characteristics with performances in national level female swimmers in Sri Lanka, based on Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA) points derived from each athlete’s best competitive event Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 25 national-level female swimmers aged 15 to 25 years, recruited via convenient sampling from clubs registered under the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union. Measures of anthropometry including arm span, leg length, height and weight were evaluated using measuring tape, stadiometer and digital weight scale, respectively. The subjects’ best timing in their best event was taken to calculate the FINA points as performance. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25.0. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Participants (n=25) had a median age of 17.00±1.21 years, median height of 160.00±6.36 cm, and median body weight of 47.00±5.87 kg. The median arm span was 168.24±7.04 cm, and the median right-side leg length was 88.00±4.44 cm and left-side leg length was 88.00±4.07. Performance data showed a median FINA score of 418.00±83.68, with a range from 310 to 586; 72% of the athletes achieved scores above 400, reflecting consistent national-level standards. The performance level had a statistically significant strong positive correlation with arm span (r=0.810, p<0.001), while right-side leg length (r=0.479, p=0.015) showed statistically significant moderate positive correlation with performance level. Conclusions: The present study concluded that Sri Lankan swimmers with higher arm span and more leg length are positively associated with higher FINA scores. These traits may be beneficial for performance and should be considered in swimmer development programs.