11. BODY COMPOSITION IN NCAA DIVISION-1 FEMALE BASKETBALL PLAYERS DURING PRESEASON AND OFF-SEASON

Abstract

Body size and composition are among the many physiological factors that influence sport performance and health. However, limited research is available examining longitudinal changes of body composition among NCAA Division-1 female athletes. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess longitudinal body composition changes over one season in NCAA Division-1 female basketball players. Methods: Nine (n = 9) female NCAA Division-1 basketball players participated in this study. Data were collected in October and June in consecutive years. Each visit, body weight (BW) was measured with a calibrated digital scale and body fat percentage (BF%), fat mass (FM), and fat-free mass (FFM) were measured via air displacement plethysmography (BODPOD). Results: There were no statistical differences in BW (78.6 ± 13.6 kg to 79.4 ± 13.2 kg; p = 0.366, Cohen’s d = 0.06), BF% (20.6 ± 7.5% to 21.7 ± 7.8%; p = 0.104, Cohen’s d = 0.15), FM (17.0 ± 9.1 kg to 18.1 ± 9.3 kg; p = 0.156, Cohen’s d = 0.12), or FFM (61.6 ± 4.9 kg to 61.3 ± 4.7 kg; p = 0.498 Cohen’s d = 0.06) during this period. Conclusions: No statistically significant mean changes were seen in BW, BF%, FM, or FFM from preseason to off-season. However, slight individual changes in body composition may be expected over the course of a season. During the preseason to offseason, on average, NCAA Divison-1 female basketball players may expect to maintain BW, BF%, FM, and FFM. Monitoring individual longitudinal body composition assessment is of value.