Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin und Dopingstudien

Anthropometry Profile and its Influence on Injury Pattern in America’sCup Racing Crew

Abstract

Hadala M, Vera P and Barrios C

Aim: The America’s Cup challenge involves intense physical stress due to racing sailboats. Therefore different anthropometric parameters and their influence on injury pattern were investigated.

Methods: The setting was the 32 nd America’s Cup hosted in 2007 in Valencia, Spain. Register of anthropometric parameters was obtained from all members of one syndicate (starting 27 in 2004 and 34 in the last 2007 season). Measurements included body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), skinfold thickness, fat, muscle and limb body mass in kg and percentage. The anatomic location, type, number and mechanism of injuries were registered during competition by a medical team.

Results: Mean BMI of the crew (27.14 in 2004 and 27.23 in 2007). Crew members with overuse injuries were older (p<0.01), showed significantly lower skinfold thickness in 2007 season (p<0.01) and also significantly lower muscle mass percentage in 2007 (p<0.05). Athletes suffering more than one injury had lower weight in both 2004 and 2007 seasons (p<0.05 in 2007). Athletes with injuries at the upper extremity had the lowest weight (p<0.05), the lowest skinfold thickness in 2007 (p<0.01), the lowest muscles mass also in 2007 (p<0.01), and the lowest body fat weight (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Anthropometric profile of athletes involved in America’s Cup yachting was dependent on the different onboard physical requirements and had close relationship to injury pattern.