A multivariate analysis of kinanthropometric profiles of elite female orienteers

The purpose of this study was to examine the relevance of various kinanthropometric features of elite female orienteers in terms of success at the Student World Orienteering Championships (SWOC)(1992). Participants at this competition were divided into successful (final placing in top 35; n = 12) and less successful (final placing below 35; n = 11) competitors. A non-orienteering reference group was used to enable the identification of any sport specific factors. Measurements of the orienteering group were taken during the week of the SWOC and included 5 skinfold thicknesses, 2 limb girths, 2 bone breadths, 3 proportional lengths and 3 physical tests (grip strength, leg strength, flexibility). Using the results of these, percent adiposity, somatotypes and various anthropometric indices were also obtained. Age and adiposity variables were found to correlate significantly with competitive performance (p < 0.01). Discriminant function analysis successfully distinguished between the successful and less successful orienteers (Wilks' Lambda = 0.603; p < 0.01). There was no difference (p > 0.05) between the orienteering group and the reference group for the majority of the proportionality measures and similarily in the results of the physical tests. Adiposity values were higher in the non-orienteers. In conclusion, body composition measures discriminated between successful and less successful orienteers at a major event at an elite level. The primary difference between the orienteers and the reference group was in body composition rather than linear or proportional measures.