Bioelectrical Impedance Technology in Sports Anthropometry: Segmental Analysis in Karate Athletes

The modern equipment for evaluation of body composition use computerized technology to determine or estimate body components. Having a moderate amount of each component is important for healthy life. Quantification of fat has been prime focus of attention, but many coaches, sport scientists and sport physicians working with elite athletes recognize that knowledge of the amount and distribution of lean tissue, such as bone and muscle, can be just as important in determining sports performance. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) estimates the amount of total body water (TBW), fat free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) measuring the resistance of the body as conductor to a very small alternating electrical current. The investigated group was composed of twenty (20) elite level male karate athletes with the following characteristics (mean ± SD): age = 22.5 ±3.6 years, age span (18 to 27 years); height = 179.95 ± 2.3 cm; body mass = 77.5 ± 9.8 kg. Body composition was diagnosed with the InBody 720, multifrequency (1–1000 kHz) bioelectrical impedance analyzer (BIA). Karate athletes are obliged to maintain their body weight within certain range if they want to stay in optimal weight category. Our results showed that Macedonian karatees have symmetrical and balanced distribution between left and right side of the body. The strongest advantage of BIA methodology and InBody devices, compared to other field methods in sports anthropometry, is the segmental lean mass analysis. Monitoring the segmental analysis could help in following the quality of nutritional and training regime or rehabilitation procedure in athletes.