Body Composition in Selective Groups of Elite Indian Sportsmen

ABSTRACT

Body composition is an important indicator of the physical fitness and health of athletes. Excess fat% inbody acts as dead weight which must be lifted against gravity during sports leading to increase in energydemands thereby decreasing performance. Endurance athletes require less fat-free mass% and fat %, asthey have to move their total body mass horizontally for extended periods thereby reducing performance.Body composition was analysed in 30 subjects each of Wrestling, Weightlifting, Boxing, Fencing andArchery. The results were analysed using SPSS and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and one way ANOVA wereused for analysis. Boxers were found to have the least percentage fat % and highest fat free mass% (FFM)(9.57±2.80, 90.43±2.80) whereas Weightlifters had the maximum fat% and least FFM% (11.47±2.52, 88.53±2.52)out of five disciplines of sports studied. Weightlifters needing firm hold and to maintain the centre of gravity,have a tendency for higher fat % compared to other sports. Boxers require muscle strength for forceful andexplosive activities and tend to have least fat % and maximum FFM%. Indian Wrestlers and Fencers havecomparable fat% to international standards.