University Presentation Showcase: Graduate Poster Gallery
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Creation Date
Spring 2015
Major
Exercise and Sports Science
Department
Exercise and Sport Science
Degree
Graduate
Mentor
Michael T. Lane
Mentor Department
Exercise and Sport Science
Abstract
Body composition is an important metric for general health and athletic performance. Currently there is a lack of research linking body composition to performance in collegiate Softball. Purpose: To examine how the body composition of collegiate softball players changes over the course of a season. Methods: The body composition of 18 female collegiate softball players was collected using a BodPod (COSMED USA, INC, Concord, CA). The subjects were tested on four occasions; September, November, January and March. The subjects body fat % (BF%), lean body mass (LBM) and total body weight (BW) where collected and tracked during the course of the study. Results: Height was 66.9±2.34 inches (height for position 66.1±2.37” and 67.8±2.11” for battery). Difference of mean BF% from the first to fourth test was 0.30%±2.94 (Team), -0.05%±2.41 (Field) and 0.66%±3.49 (Battery). Difference of mean BW, from the first to fourth test was 2.46±6.14lbs. (Team), 1.16±4.53lbs. (Field) and 3.76±7.47lbs. (Battery). The difference of mean LBM from the first to fourth test was 1.33±2.37lbs. (Team), 0.88±3.03lbs. (Field) and 1.79±1.52lbs. (Battery). RMANOVA found a significance difference in BW over the four time points in relation to class (P=.014) and position (P=.042). LBM also shown a significant effect the Battery position and the freshman class. Discussion: This data shows that the body composition of female, collegiate softball players does change over the course of a season. There was a significant relationship to change based on the players’ position as well as a significant relationship based on the players’ class. Further research is needed to examine the effects of body composition on the performance of female athletes.
