Body Composition in Karate: A Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry Study

Karate is a widely practiced combat sport. Karatekas’ body composition has typically been obtained in small groups using skinfolds or bioelectric impedance. In this work, we assessed three-compartment the accurate dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry technique (QDR Horizon, Hologic) large sample (n = 58; 74% males) of black belt karatekas. Stature-adjusted indices (fat mass index; fat-free bone mineral apparent density) were calculated. The Student’s t-test was used for group–group analysis. Correlation Pearson’s r. ability soft tissue to predict content and areal density with linear regression. Reference mean quartile values whole-body regional male athletes. generally more favorable than female similar males females at all sites except right leg. predicted good accuracy (R2 0.542–0.827; p < 0.001 models). data presented paper are expected be use karate coaches, physical trainers, participants interested assessing monitoring athletes’ composition.