THE DIFFERENCE OF ANTHROPOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS BETWEEN ELITE AND NOVICE BODYBUILDERS IN THAILAND

Abstract

Research purpose. This study aim to compare anthropometric characteristics between elite and novice bodybuilders. Materials and methods. Twenty bodybuilders consisted of 10 elites and 10 novices were recruited. Percent body fat, segmental lean mass, and segmental fat mass were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis device. Other measure includes circumference of body segment and body height. Results. Results of the study indicated that significant differences were found in term of upper arm (flexed) circumference, upper arm circumference, and chest circumference, with the elite were bigger than the novice. Elite bodybuilders also had significantly lower body fat percentage, with better segmental lean mass of right arm, left arm, and trunk. Interestingly neck, arm, waist, hip, thigh, and calf circumferences were not significantly different between groups. Similar insignificant differences were also found in body mass index, segmental lean mass of right leg and left leg, segmental fat mass of left and right arm, trunk, and left and right leg. With regards specifically to group of bodybuilders that participated in this study, the non-significant differences variables may indicated area that can be improved in term of training in both elite and novice. The variables with significant differences may indicate the area that may have been over-emphasize by the elite group, which may also contributed to their better (winning) performance. Conclusions. As a conclusion, the results also corresponds well with bodybuilding judging criteria, where one of it such as size (circumference) may be similar, but bodybuilders with lean and well define body will be in the winning group.