Somatotype and cardiovascular endurance within young students after the secondary school cycle in Ivory Coast

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to establish a link between the somatotype and the cardiovascular endurance within the young students (girls and boys) who are candidates for the annual recruitment test organized by the national institute for youth and sports. METHODS: This study was performed on 2552 young students (666 girls at 21,82±2,27 years old and 1 886 boys at 22,12±2,26 years old). Anthropometrical measures were performed to determine the somatotype and a shuttle race test was carried out to estimate the maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max). The comparison of mean values of V02max according to the somatotype was done through the ANO VA analysis test. RESULTS: Comparisons of estimated mean V02max according to somatotype revealed significant differences (P<0,001) both in girls and boys, suggesting an influence of the somatotype over the maximum oxygen consumption (V02max). Specific post-hoc analysis indicate that among boys, the ecto-mesomorphs have a higher V02max average compared to the ectomorphs, the endo-ectomorphs, the endo-mesomorphs, the endomorphs and the mesomorphs. In the same way, girls with such morphotype (ecto-mesomorph) are those who have the best V02max. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study show that whatever the gender, the ecto-mesomorphs have always got the best performances, suggesting a link between the somatype and the endurance quality within the girls and the boys. This seems to be the meaning of a morphological specificity also linked to the practice of sports of endurance. Establishing suitable morphotype could constitute an important basis for detection, orientation and sport performance improvement.