Journal article
Body composition characteristics of elite Australian rugby union athletes according to playing position and ethnicity
Journal of Sports Sciences, Vol.33(9), pp.970-978
2015
PMID: 25553727
Abstract
This study describes the body composition traits of modern-day elite rugby union athletes according to playing position and ethnicity. Thirty-seven international Australian rugby athletes of Caucasian and Polynesian descent undertook body composition assessment using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and surface anthropometry. Forwards were significantly taller, heavier and had a greater total fat mass and lean mass than backs. Backs displayed a higher percentage lean mass and lower sum of seven skinfolds and percentage fat mass. While no whole body composition differences were seen between ethnicities, significant regional differences were observed. In the periphery (arm and leg) regions, Polynesians had a greater proportion of fat mass (53.1% vs. 51.3%, P = 0.052, d = 0.5) and lean mass (49.7% vs. 48.6%, P = 0.040, d = 0.9), while in the trunk region a lower proportion of fat mass (37.2% vs. 39.5%, P = 0.019, d = 0.7) and lean mass (45.6% vs. 46.8%, P = 0.020, d = 1.1). Significant differences were also seen between Caucasian and Polynesian forwards in leg lean mass (31.4 kg vs. 35.9 kg, P = 0.014, d = 2.4) and periphery lean mass (43.8 kg vs. 49.6 kg, P = 0.022, d = 2.4). Elite Polynesian rugby athletes have different distribution patterns of fat mass and lean mass compared to Caucasians, which may influence their suitability for particular positions.
Details
- Title
- Body composition characteristics of elite Australian rugby union athletes according to playing position and ethnicity
- Authors
- Adam J Zemski (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringGary J Slater (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringElizabeth M Broad (Author) - US Olympic Committee, United States
- Publication details
- Journal of Sports Sciences, Vol.33(9), pp.970-978
- Publisher
- Routledge
- Date published
- 2015
- DOI
- 10.1080/02640414.2014.977937
- ISSN
- 0264-0414
- PMID
- 25553727
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449335202621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Sport Sciences