Body Fat of Basketball Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background This study aimed to provide reference values for body fat (BF) of basketball players considering sex, measurement method, and competitive level. Methods A systematic literature research was conducted using five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Scopus). BF values were extracted, with analyses conducted using random-effects models and data reported as percentages with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results After screening, 80 articles representing 4335 basketball players were selected. Pooled mean BF was 13.1% (95% CI 12.4–13.8%) for male players and 20.7% (95% CI 19.9–21.5%) for female players. Pooled mean BF was 21.4% (95% CI 18.4–24.3%) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), 15.2% (95% CI 12.8–17.6%) via bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), 12.4% (95% CI 10.6–14.2%) via skinfolds and 20.0% (95% CI 13.4–26.6%) via air displacement plethysmography. Pooled mean BF across competitive levels were 13.5% (95% CI 11.6–15.3%) for international, 15.7% (95% CI 14.2–17.2%) for national and 15.1% (95% CI 13.5–16.7%) for regional-level players. As the meta-regression revealed significant effects of sex, measurement method and competitive level on BF, the meta-analysis was adjusted for these moderators. The final model revealed significant differences in BF between male and female players (p < 0.001). BF measured by DXA was significantly higher than that measured by BIA or skinfolds (p < 0.001). International-level players had significantly lower BF than national and regional-level players (p < 0.05). Conclusions Despite the limitations of published data, this meta-analysis provides reference values for BF of basketball players. Sex, measurement method and competitive level influence BF values, and therefore must be taken into account when interpreting results.

Relationships Between Physical Fitness and Wrestling – Specific Fitness in Freestyle Wrestlers

“…The reduction in fat tissue has a positive impact on sports achievements in most sports, e.g. basketball [27], volleyball [28], athletics and swimming [29], martial arts: taekwondo [30], karate [31], boxing [32]. Greater muscle mass combined with high power levels may make it easier for wrestlers to perform various technical elements.…”

The Body Composition Effects on Physical Tests and On-Court Game Performance of U-14 Elite Portuguese Basketball Players

“…Besides influencing physical test results, BC also has a strong impact on game performance and players' competitive level. A recent meta-analysis pointed out that BF varies according to players' competitive level, with international players showing less BF than regional players [19]. A previous study with Portuguese U-14 players selected for regional teams revealed that athletes from lower-ranked teams had higher values of BF% than those from finalist teams, suggesting that BF could influence the team's final classification [12].…”

“…The relationships between body composition (BC) and performance tests have been studied in several sports [15][16][17][18], and previous research has shown that body fat percentage (BF%) and fat-free mass (FFM) levels (two common indicators of body composition) varied according to the sport and sport-specific success [15], particularly in basketball [19]. In a recent study with female college athletes from six different sports (basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, lacrosse, rowing, and soccer), gymnastics and basketball athletes displayed the lowest BF% across the six sports, while basketball players had the highest FFM of all sports [15].…”

Predictors of Speed and Agility in Youth Male Basketball Players

“…The selection of highly talented basketball players is usually performed by anthropometric screening, emphasizing stature. Even though height is genetically predetermined, general and sports-specific fitness tests such as 5m, 10m and 20-meter sprint, countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump (DJ), squat jump (SJ), as well as agility t-test, and Lane test are most commonly used for the assessment of players' physical potential related to basketball success [10,16], independent of training status and experience. As suggested by Cui et al (2019), drafted NBA players outperformed undrafted players in body height, arm span, vertical jumps, and agility [17].…”