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American Journal of  Physical Education 
and Health Science (AJPEHS)

Assessing the Somatotype Profile of  Gorkha Soccer Players
Tanmoy Adhikari1*, Sudip Das1, SM Farooque1

Volume 2 Issue 1, Year 2024
ISSN: 2992-9679 (Online) 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54536/ajpehs.v2i1.2559
https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajpehs

Article Information ABSTRACT

Received: March 13, 2024

Accepted: April 06, 2024

Published: April 10, 2024

Many factors influence the Somatotype of  the human body. In addition to genetics, there 
are also environmental factors and cultural differences. This study aimed to find out the 
somatotype Profile of  Gorkha soccer players based on their playing position and also to 
determine which anthropometric type is the most distinctive. The study sample consisted 
of  30 National-level Soccer players from different academies or clubs who participated in 
the National Level Championships Tournament will be selected purposively as subjects and 
aged 18-25 years, including Striker (N=10), Midfielder (N=10) and Defender (N=10). Heath 
and Carter’s (1990) equations for decimal anthropometry (ISAK) measurements were used. 
Body density percentage was calculated according to the equation of  Durnin and Womersley 
(1974). Then, the amount of  body fat was determined using the Siri (1956) equation. 
The results indicated that most of  the players showed a body type that was ectomorphic 
mesomorph, which is the most important component in all positions. Therefore, the study 
concluded that a body type with a strong ectomorph and slight mesomorph advantage 
would benefit soccer players at the elite level.

Keywords
Anthropometric, Endomorph, 
Mesomorph, Ectomorph, 
Gorkha

INTRODUCTION
Soccer is the most popular sports discipline in the world. 
There are many physical indicators of  soccer performance. 
Anthropometric characteristics are important indicators 
and can influence the progress of  soccer players (Shahram 
Faradjzadeh Mevaloo, A. F. 2021). The literature review 
showed that height, body mass, body fat percentage, and 
somatotype are some of  the important anthropometric 
characteristics associated with performance (Norton and 
Olds 1996).
Somatotype is an essential characteristic that can indicate 
elite athletic suitability. This parameter, combined with 
body composition and proportionality indices, could be 
used in talent identification programs. There is a large 
amount of  data in the literature about the suitability 
of  different somatotype patterns not only for sports 
disciplines but also for intra-sport positions, events 
and weight categories. However, some of  these data 
need to be refreshed and updated due to secular trends, 
modification of  the rules of  the sport, greater availability 
of  elite athletes as subjects, and emerging new training 
methods.
Body composition makes an important contribution 
to an individual’s level of  physical fitness performance, 
particularly in activities that require one to carry one’s 
body weight, which is associated with multiple jumps 
because the effectiveness of  any physical performance 
has been related to numerous basic, traits found in boys 
and girls which includes their maturation, body size and 
types of  body (Daksh Sharma, 2017).
Body composition and shape in different groups of  
humans, including athletes, determines Somatotype 
which can be classified into three categories Endomorphy 
(related to fatness), Mesomorphy (related to muscle mass) 

and Ectomorphy (related to linearity and slenderness), 
(Shahram Faradjzadeh Mevaloo, A. F. 2021).
This study aimed to find out the somatotype Profile 
of  Gorkha soccer players based on their position and 
also find out which somatotype category were more 
distinguishing. It was hypothesized that the somatotype 
of  Gorkha players would vary in different playing 
positions. 

LITERATURE REVIEW
Many factors are important in determining the success 
of  a football player or a team. Football players have 
to adapt to the physical demands of  the game, which 
are multifactorial. Players may not need to have an 
extraordinary capacity within any one of  the areas of  
physical performance but must possess a reasonably 
high level within all areas. Morphological characteristics, 
body composition and somatic dimensions play a vital 
role in determining the success of  an athlete (J. E. 
Lindsay Carter, B. H. 1990) & (William Duquet and J. E. 
Lindsay Carter, R. E. 2009). During a football match, the 
player’s movements are characterized by high intensity, 
short-term actions and pauses of  varying length. To be 
successful in such a team sport, football players need 
an optimal combination of  technical, tactical, physical 
characteristics (e.g. somatotype and body composition), 
and mental motivation (Sukanta Saha, B. K. 2014), 
among other sports characteristics. Moreover, (Shahram 
Faradjzadeh Mevaloo 2021) research on Iranian soccer 
players provides relevant context regarding somatotype 
variations among players in different sports and positions. 
The study’s methodological approach, including the use 
of  ISAK measurements and Heath-Carter equations, 
ensures rigorous assessment and comparison of  

1 Department of  Physical Education, Tripura University, Tripura, India
* Corresponding author’s e-mail: dipon.cool213@gmail.com



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Am. J. Phys. Educ. Health Sci. 2(1) 35-39, 2024

somatotypes. Additionally, the discussion on body fat 
percentage variations among playing positions reflects 
findings from a (Kumar, V. 2020) investigation on women 
soccer players, emphasising the multifactorial nature of  
body composition in sports performance. Furthermore, 
insights from studies on volleyball players by (Omprakash 
Gangey 2016) and football players by (Sukanta Saha et 
al. 2014) underscore the importance of  position-specific 
physique characteristics in athletic success, supporting 
the relevance of  the current study’s findings for player 
development and training strategies. The present study 
extends this understanding by focusing on specific 
somatotype profiles in soccer players. Numerous studies 
have shown how crucial it is to take anthropometric traits 
into account when developing training plans, identifying 
potential, and optimizing performance across a range of  
sports.

MATERIALS AND METHOD
A total number of  30 national-level soccer players from 
different academies or clubs who participated in the 
National Level Championships Tournament will be 
purposively selected from Gorkhas of  West Bengal and 
Sikkim, who were selected as subjects for the study. The 
age range of  the subjects was between 18 years to 25 years. 
The players had experience in competitive Soccer for 10-
12 years and also, they were active in playing Soccer.
After observing each subject’s playing position and taking 
the subject’s view, and coach’s concern, they were divided 
into three groups Striker (n=10), Midfielder (n=10) and 
Defender (10). Participants provided written informed 
consent from the players before the collection of  the 
data.

Anthropometric Measurements
All the measurements had been done by following 
the standard methods described by the International 
Society for Advancement of  Kinanthropometry. The 

anthropometric measurements were measured by an 
ISAK (level-1) certified person only. The Somatotype 
was considered as Height, Weight, Biceps, Triceps, 
Subscapular, Supraspinal, Medial Calf, Upper Arm 
Flex, Calif, Bi-epicondylar Humerus and Bi-epicondylar 
Femur were used. (Adhikari and McNeely 2015). To 
assess the somatotype (Endormorphy, Mesomorphy and 
Ectomorphy) of  the subjects Heath and Carter (1990) 
equations for a decimal anthropometric somatotype were 
used.

Equation for Endomorphy
0.1451(X) - 0.00068(X2) + 0.0000014(X3) – 0.7182
Where ‘X’ = (Sum of  triceps, subscapular and supraspinale 
skinfolds) multiplied by (170.18/ height in cm).  

Equation for Mesomorphy
(0.858 × H.B) + (0.601 × F.B) + (0.188 × C.A.G) + 
(0.161 × C.C.G) – (Height × 0.131) + 4.5
Where H. B= Humerus Breadth, F. B= Femur Breadth, 
C.A.C= Corrected Arm Girth (Flexed Arm Girth – 
Triceps Skinfold/10), C.C.C= Corrected Calf  Girth 
(Maximal Calf  Girth – Calf  Skinfold/10).

Equation for Ectomorphy
If  HWR ≥ 40.75, then Ectomorphy = 0.732 × HWR – 
28.58
If  HWR < 40.75 and > 38.25, then Ectomorphy = 0.463 
× HWR – 17.63
If  HWR ≤ 38.25, then Ectomorphy = 0.1 or (recorded 
as ½)
Body density was calculated by the equations of  Durnin 
and Womersley (1974). Then, body fat was determined 
by the Siri equation (1956) for each of  the densities 
previously calculated. 
In the following table mentions the name of  
Anthropometric variables, equipment used and unit of  
measurement.

Table 1: Description of  anthropometric variables, equipment used and unit of  measurement
Anthropometric Variables Equipment Used Unit of  Measurements
Height Stadiometer Centimeter (cm)
Weight Weighing Machine Kilogram (kg)
Skinfold thickness of  body parts (Biceps, Triceps, Subscapular. 
Supraspinale & Medial Calf)

Harpenden Caliper Millimeter (mm)

Circumference of  body parts (Upper Arm flexed & Calif) Anthropometric Tape Centimeter (cm)
Diameter of  body parts (Biepicondylar Humerus and Femur) Sliding Caliper Centimeter (cm)

Analytical Procedure
For analysis of  data standard statistical procedure was 
used. Mean was calculated as a measure of  central 
tendency by using the formula-

measure of  variability by using the formula-

The standard deviation (SD) was calculated as the 

The range was calculated as the simplest measure of  
variability or dispersion by using the formula-
Range (R) = Max Value – Min Value



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RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Somatotypes of  Gorkha soccer players were displayed 
in the following Table. The mean average and standard 
deviation of  somatotype categories were shown in Table 2. 

According to the International Society for Advancement 
of  Kinanthropometry (ISAK) measurements were found 
the somatotypes i.e., Endomorphy, Mesomorphy and 
Ectomorphy.

Table 2: Descriptive basic data and Somatotype of  Male Gorkha Soccer Players based on positions (Mean±SD)
Playing Level Playing Position Body Types

Endomorphy Mesomorphy Ectomorphy
National Level Striker 2.65 ± 0.92 3.89 ± 1.45 2.50 ± 1.28

Midfielder 2.62 ± 0.88 4.24 ± 0.52 2.44 ± 0.37
Defender 2.05 ± 0.74 4.41 ± 0.78 2.60 ± 0.87

Table 3: Body fat percentage (%) by player’s position
Position Body Fat %

Mean ± Sd Range
Striker 7.5 ± 1.103066 9.74 – 6.44
Midfielder 7.28 ± 0.378871 7.94 – 6.66
-Defender 7.18 ± 0.418783 7.8 – 6.37

Different equations have determined body fat (%). 
Descriptive values of  each equation for all players. There 
are significant differences in body fat determined by 11 
Anthropometric measurements using Heath and Carter 
(1990) equations, for body fat (%) was calculated using 
Durnin and Womersley (1974) and body density and fat 
% by Siri (1956). From these values, the mean body fat 
for each player was calculated and differences between 

playing positions were analyzed (Table 3). Strikers had 
a higher body fat than other positions, although no 
significant differences with midfielders and defenders 
were observed.
The percentage of  Gorkha soccer players which fall 
under each somatotype component and the classification 
of  somatotype according to their position is shown in 
Table 4. Most of  the players showed a somatotype that 

Table 4: The percentage of  profiles that fall under each major somatotype category for National Level Gorkha 
Soccer Players regarding playing position
Playing Level Somatotype Categories Striker Midfielder Defender
National Players Ectomorphic Mesomorph 2 6 6

Endomorphic Mesomorph 3 3 3
Mesomorphic Ectomorph 4 - 1
Balanced Ectomorph 1 - -
Mesomorphic Endomorph - 1 -

Figure 1: Somatotype distribution of  somatotype categories of  Gorkha soccer players by positions



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was Ectomorphic Mesomorph is the most important 
component in all positions. It showed a total number of  
five (5) somatotypes were found among the players. Table 
4 it presented that Ectomorphic Mesomorph (S=2, M=6, 
D=6), Endomorphic Mesomorph (S=3, M=3, D=3), and 
Mesomorphic Ectomorph (S=4, M=0, D=0) were at the 
top of  the table 4. Whereas Balanced Ectomorph and 
Mesomorphic Endomorph the less representative in their 
percentage distribution.
To ease the interpretation of  the somatotype results, a 
somatochart were performed for each position (Figure 1). 
Strikers (n=2), Midfielders (n=6) and Defenders (n=6) 
are all located in the ectomorphic-mesomorph quadrant, 
while the other positions showed a higher dispersion.

DISCUSSION
The presented findings provide the somatotypes, body 
fat percentage, and anthropometric characteristics of  
male Gorkha soccer players at the national level based 
on their playing positions considering the somatotype 
distribution, body fat percentage, and differences 
among playing positions. Ectomorphic Mesomorph 
emerges as the dominant somatotype category across 
all playing positions, indicating a blend of  lean muscle 
mass and slender body types. This finding aligns with the 
dynamic and endurance-focused nature of  soccer, where 
players require a combination of  agility and strength. 
Moreover, the prevalence of  Endomorphic Mesomorph 
and Mesomorphic Ectomorph somatotypes suggests a 
diversity in body compositions among players. This variety 
may be attributed to individual player characteristics and 
playing styles associated with different positions.
The dominance of  Ectomorphic Mesomorph as the 
primary somatotype component across all playing 
positions aligns with previous research in soccer. A 
supportive study conducted by Reilly et al. (2000) found 
that elite soccer players often exhibit characteristics 
associated with the mesomorphic and ectomorphic 
somatotypes, emphasizing the importance of  a balance 
between muscle mass and agility in the sport. Additionally, 
the higher values of  endomorphy and mesomorphy 
observed in strikers compared to midfielders and 
defenders are consistent with the notion that strikers 
may benefit from a more robust and muscular physique, 
providing an advantage in goal-scoring situations 
(Ostojic et al., 2014). The analysis of  body fat percentage 
indicates variations across playing positions. Strikers 
exhibit a slightly higher body fat percentage compared to 
midfielders and defenders, although the differences are 
not statistically significant. This finding may be associated 
with the specific physiological demands and playing styles 
of  strikers, who may prioritize explosive movements and 
strength, potentially contributing to a slightly higher body 
fat percentage.
The discussion of  body fat percentage incorporates 
the use of  various anthropometric measurements and 
equations, including those by Heath and Carter (1990), 
Durnin and Womersley (1974), and Siri (1956). The 

utilization of  multiple methods adds robustness to the 
analysis, providing a comprehensive understanding of  
body composition among Gorkha soccer players. While 
the study provides valuable insights, it is essential to 
acknowledge certain limitations. The sample size, specific 
training regimens, and dietary habits of  players were not 
discussed in detail, which could influence somatotype and 
body fat percentage outcomes.
The lack of  statistically significant differences in body 
fat percentages among playing positions, as shown in 
Table 3, underscores the complexity of  assessing body 
composition in soccer players. A study by Silva et al. 
(2013) supports this idea, indicating that factors beyond 
playing positions, such as playing style, dietary habits, 
and individual training protocol may influence body fat 
variations among soccer players.
The findings of  this study offer practical implications for 
training programs tailored to position-specific physique 
characteristics. The support from existing literature, such 
as the work of  Ostojic et al. (2014) and Reilly et al. (2000), 
underscores the importance of  individualized training 
approaches based on the unique demands of  playing 
positions in soccer.
These findings have implications for player development, 
training, and position-specific strategies. Coaches and 
sports scientists may use this information to tailor training 
programs based on the physiological characteristics 
associated with different playing positions. Furthermore, 
ongoing research and longitudinal studies are encouraged 
to enhance the understanding of  somatotype variations 
and their impact on soccer performance among diverse 
populations.

CONCLUSION
Based on the results, in light of  the conclusion drawn 
and within the limitations of  the study, it can be revealed 
that our body system has been gifted by nature to 
accommodate and change appropriately within the 
physiological limits. Gorkha soccer players’ body type 
with high dominance in Ectomorphic Mesomorph with 
a slight Endomorphic Mesomorph leads to higher and 
more effective performance. Furthermore, the Body 
Fat % of  Gorkha soccer players is 75%, Midfielders 
73%, and Defenders at 71% respectively. So, the study 
concluded that the Ectomorphic and Mesomorphic body 
types benefit elite-level soccer players. This study can 
be used by coaches, strength and conditioning coaches, 
sports scientists, and nutritionists as normative data on 
the body profile of  male Gorkha soccer players, sets 
national and international standards, playing positions, 
and tournament levels.

Acknowledgment
We sincerely appreciate all those who have contributed 
to the completion of  this manuscript. This work would 
not have been possible without the support, guidance, 
and collaboration of  numerous individuals and 
organizations.



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