Analysis of the relationship between anthropometric Characteristics and archery performance

Anthropometry is the systematic study of human body measurements and proportions. It is highly significant in many scientific and practical fields, such as public health, biomechanics, forensic science, and ergonomics. The procedure comprises gathering and analysing quantitative data about the dimensions of the human body, which can be used to design products, evaluate nutritional status, and assess physical development in a variety of demographics (Chakraverty & Gupta, 2022).

Anthropometry has grown in significance over time, particularly in the fields of healthcare and industrial design, where an understanding of the differences in the human body enhances functionality, comfort, and safety.  According to Tanner (1981), anthropometry was first used in criminology and anthropology to classify individuals based on their physical characteristics. However, it has become a vital tool for medical diagnostics, sports science, and population health research because of technological and statistical modelling advancements (Ulijaszek & Lourie, 2019).

According to recent studies, digital anthropometry and three-dimensional (3D) scanning are used to collect data more accurately and efficiently than traditional manual methods (Matsui et al., 2020).  This study highlights the importance of anthropometry in contemporary scientific and practical contexts by examining its fundamentals and applications. Researchers and practitioners can improve human performance and well-being by making informed decisions in a variety of fields by understanding the diversity in human morphology.

The scientific study of body dimensions and proportions, or anthropometry, is widely used in ergonomics, sports science, and health to assess physical characteristics, performance, and overall well-being. Important indicators of human morphology and functional ability are key anthropometric traits such as arm span, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, height, muscle mass, skeletal muscle mass, sitting height ratio, waist-hip ratio, and weight (Wells & Fewtrell, 2006). These evaluations provide important insights into growth patterns, health risks, and body composition. While the waist-hip ratio serves as a predictor of cardiovascular risk factors, BMI is a common indicator of obesity and undernutrition (World Health Organisation [WHO], 2020). For evaluating muscular imbalances and general strength, skeletal muscle mass and regional muscle distribution including left and right arm and leg muscle mass are essential (Janssen et al., 2000).  Arm span, which is often linked to height, is particularly relevant in clinical evaluations and sports where people may have atypical limb lengths (Mohanty et al., 2001). In biomechanical and postural research, the sitting height ratio which measures the proportion of torso length to total body height is frequently used to assess growth trends and body symmetry (Fredriks et al., 2005). An essential anthropometric measure, weight is used in conjunction with fat mass to determine body composition and is closely linked to general health (Heymsfield et al., 2005).

Important movement components like bow anchor, draw, follow-through, reasoning, release, and T-stance are crucial for improving performance in the fields of sports and biomechanics, particularly archery. While the draw and release are important variables that affect accuracy and force application, the bow anchor point serves as a standard for shooting consistency (Ertan et al., 2003). While reasoning in archery includes making decisions and placing shots strategically, follow-through ensures stability and accuracy, reinforcing proper technique (Soylu et al., 2006). The T-stance affects an archer's overall stability and endurance and is crucial for balance and weight distribution (Kodithuwakku et al., 2016).  To improve athletic performance and reduce injury risks, it is essential to understand the connection between anthropometric measurements and biomechanical techniques. Researchers and professionals can create evidence-based training and health interventions that increase productivity and safety in a variety of fields by combining anthropometry and movement analysis.

The selection of subjects

Sampling is a crucial research method, particularly when gathering data from a limited or particular population is required. Five male archers from the Indian International Recurve category made up the sample for this study. They were chosen through purposive sampling at the SAI Archery Training Centre in Sonipat. Their shooting FITA scores in archery ranged from 650 to 720, and they were between the ages of 24 (± 5) and 6.0 (± 5 inches) tall. They competed from 2018 to 2024.

Data Collection

The paper describes the subjects' archery performance as well as the anthropometric examinations and analyses that were conducted. To determine how the accurate pull-push technique in archery affects each subject's scoring performance as determined by the World Archery Federation's (WAF) standard operating procedures. After three trials for each patient, all efforts were assessed.

Table 1: Criterion Measure

Administration of Anthropometric Tests

1. Arm Span Measurement

• Equipment: Measuring tape
• Procedure: The individual stands against a wall with arms outstretched horizontally. A single measures the separation between the middle finger tips.

2. Height Measurement

• Equipment: Stadiometer
• Procedure: The participant places their back against the stadiometer while standing barefoot. • The height is measured to the closest 0.1 cm while the head is positioned in the Frankfurt plane.

3. Weight Measurement

• Equipment: Weighing scale
• Procedure: The participant wears very little clothing and stands barefoot on the scale. To the closest 0.1 kg, weight was recorded.

4. BMI Calculation

• Formula: BMI = Weight (kg) / Height² (m²)

5. Fat Mass and Skeletal Muscle Mass Assessment

• Equipment: Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).
• Procedure: The participant lies or stands still while electrical resistance is measured to estimate fat mass and muscle mass distribution.

6. Left & Right Arm/Leg Muscle Mass Measurement

• Equipment: BIA
• Procedure: Segmental analysis is conducted to determine muscle mass in each limb separately.

7. Sitting Height Ratio Measurement

• Equipment: Stadiometer and sitting height board
• Procedure: The participant sits on a flat surface with their back straight. Sitting height is measured and divided by total height to obtain the ratio.

8. Waist-Hip Ratio Measurement

• Equipment: Measuring tape
• Procedure: The narrowest point between the iliac crest and lower ribs is used to measure waist circumference.
• The measurement of hip circumference is taken at the buttocks' widest point.
• Waist-Hip Ratio = Waist circumference / Hip circumference
• WHO (2020) categorizes a high-risk ratio as ≥0.90 for men and ≥0.85 for women.

Section- I

Table 2: Descriptive Statistic of an anthropometrical test Variables of elite archers.

Table 02 The descriptive statistics highlight key physical characteristics of elite archers. Arm span, an essential measurement for archery performance, had a mean value of 175.23 cm (SD = 8.02), suggesting an advantage in upper limb reach. BMI values ranged from 21.25 to 26.17, with an average of 23.40 (SD = 1.77), indicating that most archers fall within the normal weight category according to WHO classification (WHO, 2020).

Body composition measures revealed an average fat mass of 20.15 kg (SD = 10.57) and skeletal muscle mass of 23.80 kg (SD = 4.70), reflecting an athletic build. The waist-hip ratio (M = 0.85, SD = 0.02) falls within the normal range, which is associated with lower cardiovascular risk (Janssen et al., 2000).

Muscle mass distribution across the left and right arms and legs showed relatively symmetrical values, indicating balanced strength—a crucial factor in archery performance. Notably, the sitting height ratio (M = 49.74, SD = 1.54) suggests proportional body segmentation, which may influence postural stability during shooting.

Graph 1:  The mean and standard deviation scores of an anthropometric test for elite archers.

Table 3: Descriptive Statistic of performance Variables of elite archers.

Table 03 The descriptive statistics highlight key physical characteristics of elite archers.  Anchor (M = 5.00, SD = 0.63): The anchoring position is a critical component of consistent shooting, with an average score of 5.00, indicating proficiency across the sample. Draw (M = 4.67, SD = 0.52) and Follow-through (M = 4.67, SD = 0.52): These are essential for maintaining shooting form and shot execution. The consistency in their standard deviations suggests uniformity in technique among participants. Reasoning (M = 4.17, SD = 0.75): This cognitive skill reflects decision-making ability during shooting, with a slightly lower mean compared to technical execution variables, indicating some variability among archers. Release (M = 4.67, SD = 0.52): A smooth release is necessary for accuracy, and the high mean value suggests mastery in this skill. T-stance (M = 4.50, SD = 0.55): The stance plays a fundamental role in stability and balance, with a mean score of 4.50, indicating consistency in posture among the athletes.

Graph 2: The average and standard deviation scores of an anthropometric test for elite archers.

Section-2

The archery performance and anthropometrical factors. Pearson Correlation, a type of multi-correlation statistics, to look at the data we collected. The results are shown below.

Table 4: Relationship of anthropometric variables with the performance elite archers in archery.

*. Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed).

**. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).

Coefficient of correlation required to be significant at degree of freedom = (.811)

Table 4: reveals that Relationship Between Anthropometric Measures

1.     Height and Muscle Mass: Height correlates positively and significantly with left arm muscle mass (r = 0.939, p < 0.01), right arm muscle mass (r = 0.932, p < 0.01), and skeletal muscle mass (r = 0.826, p < 0.05). This suggests that taller individuals tend to have greater muscle mass across their limbs and overall body. The strong correlation between height and sitting height ratio (r = 0.943, p < 0.01) confirms that height distribution (torso vs. limb length) plays a role in body composition.

2.     Arm Span and Muscle Mass: Arm span exhibits significant positive correlations with left arm muscle mass (r = 0.828, p < 0.05), left leg muscle mass (r = 0.888, p < 0.05), and skeletal muscle mass (r = 0.909, p < 0.05). This indicates that individuals with longer arm spans generally possess greater total muscle mass.

3.     Weight and BMI: BMI correlates strongly with weight (r = 0.812, p < 0.05), indicating that BMI effectively reflects body mass. Weight shows moderate correlations with waist-hip ratio (r = 0.445) and skeletal muscle mass (r = 0.446), suggesting that weight comprises both lean and fat mass components.

4.     Fat Mass and Its Negative Correlations: Fat mass shows a negative correlation with height (r = -0.493) and muscle mass components (ranging from -0.072 to -0.452), indicating that higher fat mass is inversely related to lean muscle mass.

B. Relationship Between Muscle Mass and Performance Variables

1.     Skeletal Muscle Mass and Release Performance: Skeletal muscle mass is significantly correlated with release (r = 0.816, p < 0.05). This implies that individuals with greater muscle mass are more efficient in executing movements requiring strength and coordination.

2.     Right and Left Leg Muscle Mass: Left and right leg muscle mass are highly correlated (r = 0.998, p < 0.01), demonstrating symmetry in lower body muscular development. Their strong correlations with skeletal muscle mass (left leg: r = 0.980, p < 0.01; right leg: r = 0.971, p < 0.01) emphasize the contribution of leg strength to overall musculature.

C. Performance Metrics and Their Correlations

1.     Arm Span and Release Performance: Arm span is significantly correlated with release (r = 0.896, p < 0.05), indicating that a wider arm span may improve performance in movement execution.

2.     Draw and Anchor in Movement Execution: Anchor (r = 0.612) and Draw (r = 0.612) correlate positively, implying that an effective draw is associated with maintaining a stable anchor position. Follow-through shows a moderate correlation with draw (r = 0.250), suggesting that maintaining a controlled draw may enhance follow-through effectiveness.

3.     T-Stance and Negative Correlations: T-stance exhibits negative correlations with muscle mass and anthropometric variables, particularly waist-hip ratio (r = -0.707), right leg muscle mass (r = -0.363), and height (r = -0.401). This suggests that certain body types or mass distributions may impact the ability to maintain an optimal T-stance.

Muscle mass and height are strongly related, indicating a natural relationship between body structure and muscle development. Fat mass is negatively correlated with performance-related variables, suggesting that lean body mass plays a critical role in execution and efficiency. Arm span, skeletal muscle mass, and release performance exhibit strong correlations, implying that anatomical factors contribute to athletic capabilities. Lower body musculature significantly impacts skeletal muscle mass and overall strength, emphasizing the importance of balanced training. T-stance and waist-hip ratio relationships suggest biomechanical constraints, which could be explored further in future studies.