Body Composition in Mexican University Athletes by Sex and Sport

Abstract

Monitoring body composition is important because it is related to sports performance and health. The aim of the study was to compare body composition according to sport and sex in a group of Mexican university athletes. A total of 615 selected university athletes with an average age of 21.0 ± 1.6 years (women: n=293; age 20,7 ± 1.6; men n= 322, 21.3 ± 1.6 years) participated. Sports assessed were: A (Cheerleading), ATL (Athletics), BF (Basketball female), BV (Basketball male), FF (Football female), FV (Football male), R (Rugby), T (Tennis), TKD (Taekwondo), VP: (beach volleyball), VSF (volleyball female) and VSV (volleyball male). Body composition was obtained using equations for the calculation of four components: muscle mass (% and kg), fat mass (% and kg), sum of 6 skinfolds (mm) and the musculoskeletal index (MSI). Multiple differences were found between the sports, the most notable of which were greater height and weight in BF and VSF (p=< 0.001) and greater muscle development in BF (p=< 0.001). In addition, a lower fat % was found in ATL and a higher IMO in FF players (p=< 0.001). In conclusion, there are differences in body composition in university athletes between the different sports disciplines and there are also differences between sexes. This study aims to provide reference data to promote the development of a talent detection policy that takes into account variations in body composition and anthropometric profiles in sport in Mexico.