Comparison of body composition between professional sportswomen and apparently healthy age- and sex-matched controls

INTRODUCTION: In view of the relationship between physical activity and nutrition on body composition, we assessed lean and fat mass and BMC (total and regional) in professional Indian sportswomen and compared it with apparently healthy age- and sex-matched females. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 104 sportswomen and an equal number of age-matched normal healthy females (controls). They were evaluated for anthropometry and body composition (fat, lean mass, and bone mineral content (BMC) by DXA. RESULTS: Mean age (19.1 ± 1.3 vs. 19.4 ± 1.5 years) and body mass index (21.34 ± 3.02 vs. 21.26 ± 4.05 kg/m(2)) were comparable in both groups. Sportswomen had higher intake of energy, macronutrients, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Total lean mass (33.67 ± 3.49 vs. 31.14 ± 3.52 kg, P < 0.0001), appendicular skeletal muscle index (5.84 ± 0.57 vs. 5.46 ± 0.63 kg/m(2); P < 0.0001) and BMC (2.27 ± 0.32 vs. 2.13 ± 0.34 kg, P < 0.002) was significantly higher and percentage fat mass was significantly lower (33.1 ± 7.5 vs. 37.0 ± 8.3; P < 0.0001) among sportswomen when compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Indian sportswomen have a higher total and regional lean mass, BMC, and lower percentage fat mass when compared with healthy females. Physical activity, energy, protein and calcium intake were positively associated with lean mass and BMC.