Assessment of Body Mass and Fat Percentage in Children Training Judo Compared to Their Non-training Peers

Abstract

Study aim: Judo training leads to an increase in the muscle mass of athletes. The consequence of this is a high level of body mass index (BMI). At the same time, the body’s fat percentage is reduced. This phenomenon has been well-described in older age groups. However, body build and composition parameters of the youngest judokas are still unclear. The aim of the study was to answer the following questions: Do the training and recruitment of athletes influence body build and composition in the studied groups? Are BMI and body fat percentage differentiated between children and younger children? Are body build and composition in studied group related to competitive experience and level of achievement in competitions? Basic procedures: The study group consisted of 21 judokas aged 11 to 12 years (younger children) and 71 non-training peers, as well as18 judokas aged 13 to 14 years (children) and 44 of their non-training peers. Body mass and composition were determined using the Tanita TBF-551 body composition analyser. Examination of the judokas was conducted during regional championships. Results and main findings: In the younger age group, significantly higher BMI and body fat percentage were observed in the group of non-training peers (20.5 and 22.2%; in judokas: 18.2 and 17.6%, respectively). In children, significant differences were observed only in body fat percentage. Its value was lower in judokas and amounted to 16.2% (in non-athlete peers: 20.1%). Comparison of body build and composition between judo athletes in the examined age groups revealed significant differences in the case of BMI. The value of this index in children was 20.5, which was significantly higher than in the younger children (17.6). No correlations of body build and composition with competitive experience and level of achievement in competitions were found in the studied groups. Conclusions: A 4-year training experience is a significant factor in the development of judo-specific body build and composition. However, their indices are not related to the level of achievement in the youngest age groups.