Diversity in body composition, segmental muscle mass distribution and isometric strength in team sports

Purpose: Regular training causes the human body to adapt to the load, and specific changes occur in the soft tissues affecting the body composition. In this study, we analyzed differences in body composition, segmental muscle mass and isometric strength in soccer players, basketball players, handball players and volleyball players.

Methods: Height and weight were measured in 96 men aged 20.7 ± 1.88 years training in academic sports clubs in Wrocław (Poland): football (n = 24, age: 20.3 ± 1.08 years), basketball (n = 24, age: 20.9 ± 1.83 years), handball (n = 24, age: 21.2 ± 1.90 years) and volleyball (n = 24, age: 20.3 ± 1.06 years). Body composition was assessed using BIA and SBIA. Motor tests were conducted to assess grip strength and back strength.

Results: It occurred that soccer players are characterized by significantly lower height. Handball players have higher body cell mass and better results in strength tests. Additionally, they have a less muscular torso and more strongly muscled legs. Basketball players, handball players and volleyball players are characterized by a more muscular right side of the torso. Football players are distinguished by greater muscularity of the right lower limb. Among volleyball players, greater muscularity of the right upper limb was noted. In football, handball and basketball players, significantly greater right hand strength was observed.

Conclusions: It can be concluded that training load in team games shapes specific differences in body composition and isometric strength. Team game players also tend to develop directional asymmetries in the musculature of body segments and grip strength.