Relationship Between Body Composition And Sport-specific Performance Metrics In Ncaa Di Female Volleyball Players

Abstract

PURPOSE: The present study examined the relationship between body composition and sport-specific performance markers in NCAA Division I female volleyball players. METHODS: Twelve NCAA DI female volleyball players were assessed for body composition [body mass (BM), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), body fat % (BF%)] via air displacement plethysmography (BODPOD) and sport-specific performance metrics [standing vertical jump (SVJ), pull-ups (PU), power clean (PC), back squat (BS), bench press (BP), and 5-10-5 pro agility shuttle (PA)] pre-, mid-, and post-season. Pearson and partial correlations assessed the relationships between FM, FFM, and performance metrics. RESULTS: FM and FFM were highly correlated (r=0.521, p<0.01). FM and PC were correlated (r=0.405, p=0.01) when assessed via Pearson correlation but no longer correlated when controlling for FFM (partial correlation, r=0.084, p<0.05). FM and SVJ were correlated when controlling for FFM (r=-0.477, p<0.05). FFM was correlated (Pearson, p<0.05) with BP (r= 0.335), PC (r=0.748), SVJ (r=0.659), and PA (r=-0.373). When controlling for FM, partial correlations (p<0.03) existed between FFM and PC (r=0.653), SVJ (r=0.707), and PA (r=-0.407). CONCLUSION: SVJ was the only performance variable that correlated with FM when controlling for FFM. FFM was positively correlated with PC and SVJ, and negatively with PA when controlling for FM. This suggests greater amounts of FFM are more advantageous for performance in the PC (lift greater amounts of weight) and PA (perform in less time) than having low FM, while having low FM or greater FFM are both advantageous for SVJ (greater jump height).