Body composition, segmental bioimpedance phase angle and muscular strength in professional volleyball players compared to a control group

Background: The assessment of body composition is central in evaluating athletes' nutritional status and the effects of training. The aim of this study was to evaluate body composition and the relation between bioimpedance phase angle (PhA) and muscular strength in elite female volleyball players. Methods: Twelve volleyball players (age 23.8±3.6 years; weight 63.0±5.1 kg; height 170±4 cm; BMI 21.9±1.3 kg/m2) and 22 non-athletic females, who served as a control group (age 23.6±2.0 years; weight 60.7±4.8 kg; height 167±5 cm; BMI 21.9±1.3 kg/m2), participating in the study. Skinfold thickness measures were used and segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was performed. Additionally, hand grip strength was used to evaluate muscular strength. Results: Volleyball players had lower FM and higher FFM than controls (FM(kg)=15.7±2.7 vs. 18.0±3.0, P=0.036; FM(%)=24.8±3.0 vs. 29.5±3.8, P=0.001; FFM(kg)=47.4±3.5 vs. 42.8±3.6, P=0.001). Both whole-body and segmental PhA were higher in volleyball players (P