Athlete considerations for physique measurement

Abstract

Physique traits are one of an array of variables known to influence performance of athletes across a wide range of sports. The routine monitoring of physique traits has become common practice amongst athletic populations, affording an opportunity to objectively assess the impact of training and diet and subsequently adjust these variables to optimise adaptations. An array of techniques is available to assess the physique traits of athletes. When selecting the most appropriate technique, a range of factors should be considered, including technical (safety, validity, precision and accuracy of measurement) and practical issues (availability, financial implications, portability, invasiveness, time effectiveness and technical expertise necessary), including the ability of the technique to accommodate the unique physique traits of athletes. Guidelines to assist with facilitating standardisation of athlete presentation prior to assessments are provided, with application to the majority of physique assessment techniques commonly applied amongst athletic populations such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, air displacement plethysmography (i.e. Bod Pod) and bioelectrical impedance analysis. The exception may be surface anthropometry given results are minimally impacted by athlete presentation.