Body Symmetry Science Fair Projects

Body Symmetry

Body symmetry tells you a lot about a person. It usually tells you how healthy they have been throughout their life, and in particular, throughout their childhood.

Water & Soil Microbes Experimenter Kit	DNA Extraction Kit	EDU-36820 C2D Discovery Planet Digital Microscope	Discovery Planet EDU-41021 Maxscope Videoscope	Student's Microscopes
Age 10 +	Age 12 thru High School	Ages 10 and up	Ages 4 -12	Ages 8 thru Adults

Objectives/Goals

The purpose of our project is to study and test the affect of body symmetry on athletic ability.

Methods/Materials

We measured 7th and 8th grade participants using a digital caliper and recorded bilateral measurements for the ear, wrist, leg and foot. When completed, we calculated the average difference away from perfect symmetry for each person so that they could be measured on a uniform #symmetry scale#. We then put each participant through a series of athletic tests, according to the SPARQ method (Speed, Power, Agility, Reaction and Quickness). Participant results were recorded in the 40 yard dash, the vertical jump, the powerball toss, the 20 yard shuttle run, keyboard finger reaction and finally 30 second stepovers. The range of results was calculated and each participant was evaluated along the scale as well as in relation to their symmetry measurement.

Results

Those with the smallest symmetry index (the most symmetrical) indeed exhibit faster running times, longer strength tosses and quicker reaction times. Interestingly, our participant population did not have a large variation away from perfect symmetry, but there was a large range of athletic ability exhibited.

Conclusions/Discussion

Studies over time have shown that elite athletes indeed have more symmetrical bodies and exhibit superior athletic ability to those with less symmetrical bodies, and our results indicate the same. The data we gathered through the SPARQ tests shows a strong correlation between a higher degree of body symmetry and superior performance on specific SPARQ tests for athleticism. While our results speak loudly in support of our hypothesis, it should be noted that other factors seem to impact athletic talent, such as genetics, general health and academic prowess. 3rd party contributor