This study measures the body shape of competitive athletes in four different sports (kendo, tennis, track and field (short-distance running) , and soccer) in order to identify their specific physical characteristics and help create better-fitting athletic wear for each group. It was found that compared to the body shape of a normal adult male, kendo, tennis, and track and field (short-distance running) athletes had large or extra-large development in the upper body. This trend was particularly pronounced in the short-distance runners, who had a difference in chest and waist measurements that was outside the standard sizing classifications created for adult males. All four types of athletes were larger than average around the base of the neck, and had a tendency towards sloped shoulders based on shoulder angle measurements. These results indicate that particular attention must be paid to the neck, shoulder, and chest area when designing their clothing. Measuring the shape of the back of the body, it was found that tennis players tended to have rounded backs, while sprinters had pronounced buttocks. All four groups have outstanding physical characteristics under the Heath-Carter method of somatotyping based on their mesoderm score. Kendo players and sprinters have developed muscles and physical builds with no excess fat, while tennis players are muscular and carry some subcutaneous fat. Soccer players are also developed in turns of muscularity, but tend to be ectomorphic with a thin physique.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.36/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE