Abstract: Anthropometry — the measurement and analysis of human body dimensions — has long been central to understanding athletic potential, optimizing training, and guiding talent identification. This review synthesizes theoretical foundations and empirical findings on how anthropometric variations (height, body mass, limb lengths, body composition, somatotype, and proportionality) relate to performance across a range of sports. Evidence indicates that certain anthropometric profiles confer advantages in specific activities: taller stature and longer limb segments favor basketball, volleyball, rowing, and sprinting start mechanics; mesomorphic build and greater lean mass are advantageous in power and contact sports (e.g., weightlifting, rugby, throwing); ectomorphic profiles commonly characterize endurance runners; while a compact, hyperflexible body often benefits gymnasts and divers. However, relationships are complex and moderated by factors such as sex, age, training history, biomechanics, physiological capacities (VO₂max, anaerobic power), and technical skill. Talent identification models that rely solely on static body measurements can misclassify potential because anthropometry interacts dynamically with growth, maturation, and training-induced adaptations. Practical applications include position-specific profiling, individualized strength and conditioning plans, equipment and technique optimization, and long-term athlete development frameworks that account for maturation. The review also highlights methodological challenges in the literature — inconsistent measurement protocols, small and heterogeneous samples, cross-sectional designs, and limited longitudinal tracking — and calls for multimodal, longitudinal research that integrates anthropometry with biomechanical, physiological, and psychosocial variables. Finally, ethical considerations (labeling, early specialization, and discrimination) and culturally sensitive approaches to anthropometric assessment are discussed. Recommendations are provided for researchers, coaches, and sport scientists to use anthropometric information responsibly to enhance performance and athlete well-being.

Keywords: anthropometry, body composition, somatotype, talent identification, sports performance, body proportions, maturation

Downloads: | DOI: 10.17148/IJIREEICE.2025.13211