Anthropometric and motor performance characteristics of Nigerian badminton players

Abstract

Background and Objective: Anthropometric indicators of body size and proportions, physique and body composition are important factors in physical performance and fitness. The study examined the relationship between anthropometric and motor performance characteristics of Nigerian national badminton players. Materials and Methods: Height, weight, skinfolds, arm span and chest width, sit and reach, running speed, push-up, sit-up, vertical jump height and long jump length were taken from 29 participants (20 males and 9 females), including six national players. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 software was used to determine the descriptive, multiple correlation coefficient (r) and independent t-test statistics. An alpha level of 0.05 was used for all statistical significance. Results: There was significant correlations between height and running-speed (r = 0.44, p = 0.02), push-up (r = 0.48, p = 0.01), sit-up (r = 0.58, p = 0.00) and vertical-jump (r = 0.72, p = 0.00); percentage of body fat and sit-and-reach (r = 0.55, p < 0.05), running-speed (r = 0.65, p = 0.00). Apart from flexibility (t = 0.7, p = 0.43), male players demonstrated superior health and motor fitness compared to female players. Similar trend was noted for the national in contrast to the provincial level players (t = 1.7, p = 0.09). Conclusion: A significant correlation exists between some anthropometric characteristics' and motor performance characteristics in badminton players. Except, flexibility, male players had superior anthropometric and motor fitness compared to female players. Also, the national players exhibited satisfactory anthropometric and motor fitness parameters compared to the provincial badminton players. The findings of this study should inform trainers, coaches and sport scientists in the designing and training programme to enhance badminton performance.