Relationship between body composition and mechanical variables and strength performance in university athletes

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between body composition and performance and mechanical strength variables in university athletes. The sample is composed of twenty-five university athletes who practiced team sports. Material and method: Anthropometric variables of body weight, height and skinfolds were measured. Performance variables were obtained by measuring vertical jumps (SJ), countermovement jumps (CMJ) and the mid-thigh pull test, with which maximum isometric strength (“FIM”) was obtained. In addition, power and mean propulsive velocity (MPV) were determined by performing 6 squats at 60% of each participant’s body weight. Results: The main results showed that the percentage of muscle mass did not present a significant relationship with power (R = -0.187; P = 0.371) and FIM (R = -0.155; P = 0.460). As for jumps, moderate significant relationships were observed for SJ (R = 0.534; P = 0.006), CMJ (R = 0.552; P = 0.007) and VMP (R = 0.545; P = 0.005). On the other hand, the percentage of fat mass did not present significant correlation with power (R = -0.109; P = 0.606) and FIM (R = -0.236; P = 0.255). On the contrary, MG obtained moderate significant correlations with SJ (R = -0.523; P = 0.007) and CMJ (R = -0.517; P = 0.008) and MPV (R = -0.509; P = 0.009). Conclusions: There is a relationship between anthropometric variables of muscle mass and fat mass with jump height in SJ, CMJ and mechanical variables of strength such as MPV, it is suggested to deepen in new investigations that relate these variables.