Body composition assessment of paddle and tennis adult male players.

INTRODUCTION Racket sports require athletes to constantly improve and progress in their physical qualities in order to maintain competitive standards. This includes achieving and maintaining an optimal body composition. However, few studies have been published addressing this topic. OBJECTIVE This study tries to provide a complete anthropometric profile, including somatotype and body composition, of paddle and tennis male adult players. METHODS Anthropometric parameters including weight, height, skinfolds, girths and breadths were measured in 21 paddle and 26 tennis players, and the results were compared between the two groups as well as a control group, who did not play racket-based sports. RESULTS No significant differences in any body composition variable were found comparing tennis vs paddle players, with both groups showing a meso-endomorphic somatotype. The athletes presented lower muscle mass, and therefore less mesomorphic component, compared to the control group. CONCLUSION Since body composition is a major determinant in racket sport performance, it is instrumental to control fat and muscle body mass by using adequate dietetic and nutritional tools as well as optimal training programs.