Does body composition play a role in predicting sports injuries? A systematic review

Introduction: This study aimed to review the literature on the role of body composition as arisk factor for injury in an athletic population.Materials and Methods: We searched articles in English in Google Scholar Science direct,PubMed, WOS, Scopus, ProQuest, and Cochrane Library databases without time limit until2020 using keywords related to "body composition" and "sports injury".Results: Considering criteria including inclusion and exclusion, 10 papers out of 1322 studieswere comprehensively reviewed. It was found that body composition components are relatedto musculoskeletal injuries in the athletic population. Body mass index, weight and bonedensity are known as risk factors in the development of sports injuries.Conclusion: This systematic review provides preliminary evidence of the relationship between body composition and prediction of injury in athletes. Defects in various aspects ofbody composition were recognized as potential risk factors for lower extremity injuries.Likewise, body composition should be considered when screening athletes.