Lazar Toskic; Milan Markovic; Jozef Simenko; Vladimir Vidic; Nikola Cikiriz & Milivoj Dopsaj

The aim of the study is to investigate the differences in body composition between differently trained men and women. This research included 159 participants (84 male and 75 female) divided into 5 groups according to activity level: PI - physically inactive, PA – physically active, SP – strength and power athletes, EA – endurance athletes, TS – team sports athletes. The testing procedure of measuring body composition was carried out by the use of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA, InBody 720). Of the statistical analysis, ANOVA and MANOVA were used. The results showed that there is a significant difference in body composition parameters between differently trained men and women (p = 0.000; F = 2.470; η2 = 0.356, on average). Both in groups of men and women the biggest differences were observed between PI, EA and other groups (F = from 9.656 to -1.673, p = from 0.000 to 0.043; F = from 10.966 to 1.073, p = from 0.000 to 0.050, respectively). The results showed that every physical activity is beneficial from the aspect of body composition status and that the most crucial factor in improving body composition status is the regularity of physical activity. It has been shown that regular physical activity leads to a decrease in muscle fat and an increase in muscle mass and protein. Also, it has been shown that practicing a physical activity typical for endurance sports has the most significant positive impact on body composition status and leads to a significant decrease in body fat mass.

KEY WORDS: Muscle mass; Body fat; Protein; Bioimpedance; Physical activity.

TOSKIC, L.; MARKOVIC, M.; SIMENKO, J.; VIDIC, V.; CIKIRIZ, N. & DOPSAJ, M. Analysis of body composition in men and women with diverse training profiles: a cross-sectional study. Int. J. Morphol., 42(5):1278-1287, 2024.