The isometric exercise elbow plank and body composition in adolescent handball players
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Abstract
Introduction: To analyze the relationship between body composition (BMI, body fat percentage, and fat-free mass) and performance in the isometric elbow plank test in adolescents.
Objective: To analyze the relationship between body composition (BMI, body fat percentage, and fat-free mass) and performance in the isometric elbow plank test in adolescents.
Materials and methods: Thirty handball players aged 13–14 years participated. Body composition, body mass index, body fat percentage, and fat-free mass were measured, along with the elbow plank resistance time. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied using R software (v4.4.1).
Results: In boys, a significant inverse relationship was found between elbow plank time and two adiposity indicators: BMI (r² = 29.3%) and body fat percentage (r² = 27.9%). Higher fat levels were associated with lower endurance. Fat-free mass showed no significant correlation. In girls, no significant correlations were found, although a slight trend was observed: higher fat linked to lower time, and more muscle to greater endurance. However, confidence intervals crossed zero, so the results are not statistically conclusive.
Conclusions: Excess body fat negatively affects core stability in boys. In girls, the relationship was unclear. These findings highlight the importance of promoting healthy body composition to optimize functional performance, prevent injuries, and tailor training to pubertal development.
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