Anthropometric and functional characteristics of Colombian elite long-distance runners/Características antropométricas y funcionales de corredores colombianos de élite de larga distancia/Caracteristicas antropometricas e funcionais de corredores colombianos de elite de longa distancia

Objective: To evaluate the anthropometric and physical performance characteristics of elite long-distance runners. Methods: A cross-sectional study in 19 male competitive long-distance runners of national level (age 28.2 ± 6.9 years). A total of 24 anthropometric variables were measured according to the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) statements. The Heath-Carter method and the formula proposed by Siri, Matiegka, Jackson and Pollock were used to calculate the somatotype and the body composition, respectively. Ergospirometry VO (2) max. Vertical Jump Test and the Wingate Test were used as functional indicators. Results: Regarding body composition, we found fat mass percentage 13.3 ± 3.2; muscle mass 47.3 ± 2.5%. and body adiposity index 24.1 ± 3.3. Somatotype profile was the mesomorphic-balanced (3.6-4.02.1). Mean values of functional tests with their standard deviations were: V[O.sub.(2)] max (mL x [kg.sup.-1] x [min.sup.-1]) 42.6 ± 8.1; anaerobic power 106.0 ± 31.8 kg x [s.sup.-1], and anaerobic capacity 6501.0 ± 1831.6 K/jul. Conclusion: These results may provide a profile of long-distance runners that can be used as training targets for developing athletes. The results may also provide information for training and tactical emphasis. KEYWORDS Sports: Athletic Performance; Anthropometry; Body composition Objetivo: describir las caracteristicas antropometricas y funcionales de corredores elite de larga distancia. Metodo: estudio transversal de 19 atletas elite profesionales (edad 28,2 ± 6,9 anos). Se midieron 24 variables antropometricas, segun las normas de la International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Se calcularon los tres componentes del somatotipo de Heath-Carter y se estimo la composicion corporal con las ecuaciones propuestas por Siri, Matiegba, Jackson y Pollock. Como indicadores funcionales se midieron la capacidad funcional por V[O.sub.(2)] max por ergometria, la potencia anaerobica por salto vertical y la capacidad anaerobica por el test de Wingate. Resultados: en cuanto a la composicion corporal se hallaron: porcentaje de masa grasa de 13,3 ± 3,2; proporcion muscular de 47,3 [+ or -] 2,5% e indice de adiposidad corporal de 24, l ± 3,3. El somatotipo grupal fue el mesomorfo-balanceado (3,6-4,0-2,1). Con respecto a los indicadores funcionales, se hallaron: valores promedio de capacidad aerobica por V[O.sub.(2)] max de 42,6 ± 8.1 mL x [kg.sup.-1] x [min.sup.-1]; potencia anaerobica de