Setting Reference Percentiles for Categorizing Body Fat Percentage in Combat Sports Professional Male Athletes Using Bioimpedance Analysis

Kriti Jurov^*
*Correspondence: Kriti Jurov, Department of Sports Medicine, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia, Email:

Introduction

Combat sports demand a unique blend of strength, agility and endurance, making body composition a critical factor in an athlete's performance and success. For professional male athletes competing in combat sports such as boxing, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and wrestling, understanding and optimizing body fat percentage is of paramount importance [1]. It not only affects performance but also influences an athlete's weight class eligibility, making it a crucial determinant in the competitive arena. In this study, we embark on the endeavour of establishing reference percentiles for categorizing body fat percentage specifically tailored to professional male combat sports athletes. We employ the method of bioimpedance analysis, a non-invasive and accurate technique, to assess body composition. By establishing these benchmark percentiles, we aim to provide combat sports athletes, coaches and sports scientists with a valuable tool to gauge and manage body fat levels effectively. This will aid in making informed decisions regarding weight management, training strategies and overall performance optimization within the demanding world of combat sports [2].

Description

The process of setting reference percentiles for categorizing body fat percentage in professional male combat sports athletes using bioimpedance analysis involves a multifaceted approach encompassing data collection, analysis and interpretation.

Data collection: To establish reference percentiles, a substantial and representative dataset of professional male combat sports athletes is assembled. This dataset typically includes individuals from a variety of combat sports disciplines, ensuring a broad spectrum of body types, weight classes and experience levels are accounted for. Detailed anthropometric measurements, such as height, weight and body fat percentage, are collected from each athlete [3].

Bioimpedance analysis: Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA) is employed as the primary method for assessing body composition. BIA is a non-invasive technique that measures the impedance or resistance of electrical flow as it passes through body tissues. By analyzing the impedance, BIA can estimate various components of body composition, including body fat percentage. Professional male combat sports athletes undergo BIA assessments under standardized conditions to ensure consistency and accuracy. These assessments involve the use of specialized BIA equipment, typically in the form of handheld devices or foot-to-foot scales. The athletes may be asked to fast or follow specific hydration protocols before testing to minimize variables that can affect BIA results [4].

Data analysis: The collected data are subjected to rigorous statistical analysis. Percentiles are calculated to establish reference ranges for body fat percentage within the athlete population. These percentiles categorize athletes into various body fat level groups, such as low, moderate and high body fat, based on their percentile ranking. The analysis also considers potential factors that may influence body fat percentage, including age, training history and specific combat sport discipline [5].

Interpretation and application: Once the reference percentiles are established, they are interpreted and applied to the combat sports community. Athletes can compare their individual body fat percentages to the reference percentiles to gain insights into their body composition relative to their peers. Coaches and sports scientists can use this information to tailor training and nutrition programs to optimize performance and ensure athletes compete in appropriate weight classes.

Conclusion

The establishment of reference percentiles for categorizing body fat percentage in professional male combat sports athletes using bioimpedance analysis represents a significant milestone in the quest for optimized performance and athlete well-being within the combat sports community. These reference percentiles provide a valuable framework for athletes, coaches and sports scientists to gauge and manage body composition effectively. Athletes can use them to understand where they stand in relation to their peers and make informed decisions regarding their weight management strategies and training regimens. Coaches and sports scientists can tailor their guidance based on these reference ranges, helping athletes achieve their competitive potential while safeguarding their health. The establishment of reference percentiles for body fat percentage in combat sports professional male athletes through bioimpedance analysis is a testament to the commitment of the combat sports community to the holistic development of its athletes. It represents a powerful tool for enhancing performance, promoting athlete well-being and ensuring the sustainability and integrity of the sport. As we continue to refine and expand our understanding of body composition in combat sports, these reference percentiles will remain a cornerstone in the pursuit of excellence and fairness in this demanding and dynamic field.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

There are no conflicts of interest by author.

References

1. Kershaw, Erin E. and Jeffrey S. Flier. "Adipose tissue as an endocrine organ." J Clin Endocrinol Metab 89 (2004): 2548-2556.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

2. Harvey, Innocence, Anik Boudreau and Jacqueline M. Stephens. "Adipose tissue in health and disease." Open Biol 10 (2020): 200291.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

3. Sundgot-Borgen, Jorunn, Nanna L. Meyer, Timothy G. Lohman and Timothy R. Ackland, et al. "How to minimise the health risks to athletes who compete in weight-sensitive sports review and position statement on behalf of the Ad Hoc Research Working Group on Body Composition, Health and Performance, under the auspices of the IOC Medical Commission." Br J Sports Med 47 (2013): 1012-1022.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

4. Gabbett, Tim J. "Science of rugby league football: A review." J Sports Sci 23 (2005): 961-976.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

5. Kasper, Andreas M., Carl Langan-Evans, James F. Hudson and Thomas E. Brownlee, et al. "Come back skinfolds, all is forgiven: A narrative review of the efficacy of common body composition methods in applied sports practice." Nutrients 13 (2021): 1075.

   Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at