Background

Anthropometric assessment in high-performance sports is complex, requiring both physical and psychological considerations. Despite the increasing number of International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) accredited practitioners, the ethical and practical challenges they face—particularly in applying anthropometric data within dynamic sports environments—remain underexplored.

Aim

This qualitative study explores ISAK practitioners’ experiences of anthropometric assessment in high-performance sport, identifying key challenges and practitioner-informed strategies to enhance practice and athlete well-being.

Method

Three on-line focus groups were conducted in August and September 2024 with 14 UK- and Ireland-based practitioners (11 female, three male), aged 44.0 ± 7.2 years. Participants had 10.6 ± 5.5 years of experience as ISAK Level 3 accredited practitioners and 11.0 ± 5.9 years of experience providing anthropometric support in sport, with 92% having worked at the international level. A semi-structured topic guide was used to facilitate discussion, and data analysis followed Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis framework.

Results

Three key themes were identified: (1) Holistic athlete care: Integrating anthropometric and performance data; (2) Bridging the gap: Enhancing education and training for real-world application; and (3) Challenging the status quo: Addressing cultural and organisational barriers. Participants emphasised the importance of holistic, individualised approaches to anthropometric assessment that resist reductionist views of body metrics. They advocated for structured mentorship, expanded professional development, and greater interdisciplinary collaboration to support ethical and effective practice.

Conclusions

Entrenched data-driven cultures and hierarchical structures hinder athlete-centred care. Overcoming these barriers requires collaboration between regulatory bodies, ISAK practitioners, and multidisciplinary teams. Integrating frameworks such as Entrusted Professional Activities and Communities of Practice, alongside experiential learning approaches, will enhance practitioner autonomy and ensure anthropometric assessment remains both effective and athlete centred.

中文翻译：

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在运动环境中导航人体测量评估：英国和爱尔兰 ISAK 从业者的观点

  背景

高性能运动中的人体测量评估很复杂，需要考虑生理和心理因素。尽管国际人体测量学促进协会 （ISAK） 认可的从业者数量不断增加，但他们面临的道德和实际挑战——尤其是在动态运动环境中应用人体测量数据时——仍然没有得到充分探索。

  目的

这项定性研究探讨了 ISAK 从业者在高性能运动中进行人体测量评估的经验，确定了关键挑战和从业者知情的策略，以增强练习和运动员的福祉。

  方法

2024 年 8 月和 9 月进行了三个在线焦点小组，有 14 名英国和爱尔兰的从业者（11 名女性，3 名男性），年龄在 44.0 ± 7.2 岁之间。参与者拥有 10.6 ± 5.5 年的 ISAK 3 级认证从业者经验，以及 11.0 ± 5.9 年的体育人体测量支持经验，其中 92% 曾在国际层面工作。使用半结构化主题指南来促进讨论，数据分析遵循 Braun 和 Clarke 的反射性主题分析框架。

  结果

确定了三个关键主题：（1） 整体运动员护理：整合人体测量学和表现数据;（2） 缩小差距：加强教育和培训，以应用实际应用;（3） 挑战现状：解决文化和组织障碍。参与者强调了整体、个性化人体测量评估方法的重要性，该方法抵制身体指标的还原论观点。他们倡导结构化的指导、扩大专业发展和更大的跨学科合作，以支持合乎道德和有效的实践。

  结论

根深蒂固的数据驱动文化和等级结构阻碍了以运动员为中心的护理。克服这些障碍需要监管机构、ISAK 从业人员和多学科团队之间的合作。整合委托专业活动和实践社区等框架，以及体验式学习方法，将增强从业者的自主性，并确保人体测量评估保持有效且以运动员为中心。