Sex differences in body composition and physical fitness of young basketball players
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v77.118335Keywords:
Body fat, female, male, muscle strength, postural balanceAbstract
Introduction: Throughout adolescence, sex differences are observed for anthropometric, body composition, and physical fitness variables.
Objective: This study’s aims were: (1) to explore differences in anthropometry, body composition, and physical fitness performance between male and female youth basketball players, and (2) to examine the relationships between body composition, strength, and balance performance.
Methodology: Forty-nine regional youth basketball players (27 males; mean age = 14.3 ± 1.2 years), were assessed for body composition, strength, speed, upper-limb coordination, and balance performance.
Results: As expected, males were taller (p = 0.002), with lower body fat (p < 0.001) and increased fat-free mass (p < 0.002) than females. Body fat correlated significantly with strength (handgrip: rs = -0.47, p < 0.001; countermovement jump: rs = -0.72, p < 0.001; squat jump: rs = -0.73, p < 0.001; horizontal jump: rs = -0.76, p < 0.001), upper-limb speed and coordination (rs =-0.32, p = 0.027), and 20-m sprint performance (rs = 0.72, p < 0.001), but not with balance tasks. Body mass and fat-free mass were negatively associated with balance, indicating reduced postural control.
Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of accounting for sex differences when developing training programs for youth basketball players. Also, coaches and their staff should monitor body composition, particularly body fat, to enhance explosive strength and speed. Fat-free mass positively influences balance ability, highlighting the role of body composition in physical fitness.
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