Abián, P.; Abián-Vicén, J. & Sampedro, J.

Summary

The purpose of this study was to determine whether differences exist between the dominant and non-dominant side in anthropometric measurements in the best Spanish badminton players, and to verify if the side of the body where the measurement was made could influence the calculation of body composition and somatotype. Forty-six elite badminton players voluntarily participated in the study, 31 were men (age=21.7±4.3 years) and 15 women (age=19.1±4.4 years). Anthropometric measurements consisting of 6 skinfolds, 3 lengths, 3 breadths and 5 girths, were taken on the dominant and non-dominant side of each participant. Body composition and somatotype were calculated with the values recorded on each side. No differences were found in the skinfolds or the lengths between the dominant and non-dominant side, as a result neither were significant differences found in the fat percentage (11.20 ± 4.45% dominant; 11.12 ± 4.48%, non-dominant, ns). Values were higher (p <0.05) in bone breadths and girths on the dominant side. Bone percentage was greater when calculated from measurements on the dominant side (dominant=16.37±1.14%, non-dominant=15.66±1.12%; p<0.001). Muscle percentage was higher when calculated from measurements on the non-dominant side (dominant=49.39±2.60%, non-dominant=50.18±2.69%; p<0.001). In conclusion we can confirm that there are body asymmetries in high level badminton players, because differences were found in bone breadths and girths between the dominant and non-dominant side. When calculating the body composition with the badminton players' dominant side, bone percentage was overestimated and muscle percentage was underestimated.

KEY WORDS: Badminton; Anthropometry; Body composition; Somatotype; Muscle mass.

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