Correlation between Groin Flexibility and Leg Specific Subcutaneous Fat Profile of Indian Badminton Players

Shreyashi Saha1* and Prajakta Nande1

1 Department of Home Science

.Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

* Corresponding author

Phone no. +91-9130783924

Email id: shreyashirimpi12@gmail.com

Abstract

Body kinematics is necessary element for players in badminton like racket specific athletic discipline. The present study deals with determination of leg specific subcutaneous fat in terms of deposited fat percentage and leg circumferences and skinfold thickness at thigh and calf sites. The assessment was done over 160 injury free Indian school going badminton players (boys: n=80 and girls: n=80) from reputed badminton academies of Nagpur city, Maharashtra. Leg specific fat percentage was analysed through bio impedance technique. Thigh and calf circumferences as well as skinfold thicknesses were measured by measuring tape and skinfold calliper. Adductors muscles flexibility was assessed by groin flexibility test. Correlations were derived using Pearson’s product moment coefficient of correlation. Both the genders unveiled generous growth in leg-anthropometric profile in terms of thigh and calf circumferences. Though boys exposed near comparable skinfolds, girls displayed substantial increment of skinfolds at thigh and calf. Girls exhibited higher subcutaneous fat than that of boys whereas boys showed reduction in subcutaneous fat with progressive age. Groin flexibility ensued superior performance of girls from younger age group and boys from older age group. Invariably for both the genders, assenting correlation between groin heel distance and circumference & skinfold at thigh and calf sites as well as subcutaneous fat in leg specified the adverse impact of these constraints on flexibility.

Keywords: Badminton, Skinfold thickness, Subcutaneous fat, Groin flexibility.

Introduction

Physical characteristics and body composition have been known to be fundamental to excellence in athletic performance (Mathur and Salokun, 1985). Particularly in racket sports, body kinematics and anthropometric parameters are associated with greater success (Wong et al., 2014, Courel-Ibáñez and Herrera-Gálvez, 2019). Fat profile is one of the most crucial element among body kinematics. All these parameters directly put impressions on adductor muscles flexibility at groin site. It is well acknowledged that leg movements envisioned to jumping, lifting, sprinting, changing motion & direction like actions for playing different forehand, backhand and drop shots are largely depended on adductor muscles flexibility and agility. Among young Indian upcoming athletes precisely for badminton players no investigational studies were carried-out intending to evaluate the effects of subcutaneous fat, skinfold thickness and circumferences at thigh and calf like fat prone sites on the leg suppleness in terms of adductor muscles flexibility at groin site. So the present research was taken-up in search of influences of these parameters on leg specific physical flexibility.

MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY

Subjects Selection: A total 160 healthy vigorous professional male and female players from 10-12 (n=80) and 13-15 (n=80) years age group, were purposively enrolled from several well-known badminton training academies of Nagpur city, Maharashtra. Sample population included the players who practicing for more than one and half years regularly. Questionnaire cum interview were conducted to gather general and sports informations of subjects.

Ethical Clearance: The study was duly ratified by Research and Recognition Committee, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. All assessments were taken under Covid-19 safety protocols. Before initiating survey work, consents were taken from coaches, parents and as well as from players.

Body Composition: Leg specific fat percentage was assessed by bio electrical impedance analyser.

Skinfold Thickness: Thigh skinfold was measured at mid-point of anterior portion of thigh, between middle of knee and highest point of thigh. Similarly calf skinfold was measured at highest circumference of calf. Skinfold thickness was by grasping skin by skinfold calliper. The result was recorded in mm at minimal 0.1 mm level.

Girth Measurement: Girth of thigh and calf were taken at the portion located 1 cm below the gluteal line and at the largest circumference portion of calf respectively. Circumferences were delineated by non-stretchable plastic tape. The estimations were recorded in cm.

Fitness Evaluation: Leg specific fitness was carried-out by groin flexibility test to examine flexibility in the adductor muscles at groin site. The test was performed by sitting on floor with knee bent and flat feet together. The score was calculated by measuring distance between heels and groin.

Statistical Analysis: The measured values of different parameters were statistically synthesized in terms of mean, standard deviation, range. Percentage excess or deficiency in comparison with their corresponding standards [NCHS, 2009; McDowell et al., 2008 (NCHS); NCHS, 1974] were derived to evaluate their leg-anthropometric and body composition profile and to grade their performance level. Standards are taken from global standards with large population. For the present study, both null hypothesis (H0) & non directional alternative hypothesis (H1) were formulated. The differences between measured value with corresponding standard for every age group as well as in between to age groups of both the genders were drawn at 0.01 and 0.05 significance level.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Sports Experience: As per survey 60% of 10-12 age group and 87% of 13-15 age group of female players and  38% (10-12 age group) and 62% (13-15 age group) of male players were identified as more than two years of playing experiences.

Body Composition: Under body composition parameters, by body composition monitor, subcutaneous fat of leg was assessed and results are tabulated in table-1

Table-1: Data on Leg Subcutaneous Fat of Badminton Players

S. No.	Parameters	Girls (n=80)			Boys (n=80)
		10-12 yrs (n=40)	13-15 yrs (n=40)	z Values #	10-12 yrs (n=40)	13-15 yrs (n=40)	z Values #
1	Leg Subcutaneous Fat (%)
i	Mean±SD	30.03±6.63	31.56±5.53	1.12	22.05±6.46	17.72±5.79	3.16**
ii	Range	18.20-44.70	17.60-45.00		11.20-35.10	9.20-30.80

# - z values are for between gender group comparisons. ** - Significant at both 5 % & 1% levels (p<0.01); * - Significant at 5% level but insignificant at 1% level (0.01<p<0.05); Values without any mark indicate insignificant difference at both 5%  & 1% levels (p>0.05).

            The girls under 10-12 age group category and 13-15 age group category were  found with wide range (18.20-44.70cm and 17.60-45.00cm) of leg specific subcutaneous fat with mean of 30.03±6.63% and 31.56±5.53% which reflected that the older girls had marginally higher fat percentage (1.53%, z=1.12, p>0.05) than younger girls. This showed that despite of higher playing experience through the ages, the fat deposition in the legs augmented among girls due to initiation of puberty transition. On the contrary, the boys under 10-12 and 13-15 age group had mean value of subcutaneous fat of leg was 22.05±6.46% and 17.72±5.79% respectively, which indicated that with more playing experiences over the years along with delayed puberty transition period, significantly lesser leg specific fat percentage (4.33%, z=3.16, p<0.01) was recorded in older age group as compared to younger age group. The interpretation also supported by the results viewing that the inter gender difference of leg subcutaneous percentage was lower at younger age (Girl> Boys= 7.98%) and higher (Girl> Boy= 13.84%) at older age. Santhilkumar and Vincent, (2020) also corresponded the same in young male (Age: 13.29±1.86 years) and female (Age: 13.93±3.13 years) badminton players as body composition contrasted by sex showed higher body fat percentage for the female group than the males.

Skinfold Thickness: In addition to leg specific body fat percentage, to determine the fat deposited beneath the skin, skinfold thickness at fat susceptible thigh and calf sites of leg were also measured and results were shown in table-2.

Table-2: Data on Thigh and Calf skin fold of Badminton Players

S. No.	Parameters	Girls (n=80)			Boys (n=80)
		10-12 yrs (n=40)	13-15 yrs (n=40)	z Values #	10-12 yrs (n=40)	13-15 yrs (n=40)	z Values #
1	Thigh Skinfold (mm)
i	Mean±SD	15.43±4.72	17.68±4.22	2.25**	14.08±4.21	13.98±5.57	0.09
ii	Range	6.00-29.00	7.00-27.00		6.00-21.00	4.00-26.00
iii	Standard	18.87	22.95		16.21	13.34
iv	z values§	4.61	7.90		3.20**	0.73
v	%Deficit/Excess	-18.23	-22.96		-13.14	4.80
2	Calf Skinfold (mm)
i	Mean±SD	13.03±4.54	14.40±3.92	1.44	11.35±3.74	11.70±5.12	0.35
ii	Range	3.00-23.00	6.00-25.00		5.00-18.00	4.00-24.00
iii	Standard	15.30	17.65		12.00	11.44
iv	z values§	3.16**	5.24**		1.10	0.32
v	% Deficit/Excess	-14.84	-18.41		-5.42	2.27

# - z values are for between gender group comparison; § - z values are for comparison between data of subjects & standards; ** - Significant at both 5 % & 1% levels (p<0.01); * - Significant at 5 % level but insignificant at 1 % level (0.01<p<0.05); Values without any mark indicate insignificant difference at both 5% & 1% levels (p>0.05).

The result indicated that the female players of 10-12 and 13-15 age group were recorded with mean values of thigh skinfold as 15.43±4.72 mm and 17.68±4.22 mm and calf skinfold as13.03±4.54 mm and 14.40±3.92 mm respectively. In comparisons with corresponding reference standards (NCHS, 2009 & 1974), 18.23% (z=4.61, p<0.01) and 22.96%deficit (z=7.90, p<0.01) for thigh and 14.84% (z=3.16, p<0.01) and 18.41% (z=5.24, p<0.01) deficit for calf skinfold were discerned among female player. The comparison portrayed the favourable effect of rigorous badminton practice which led to maintain the optimum fat deposition as compared with control adolescents from same age group.  The skinfold of elder ones were reasonably higher (thigh: 2.25mm, z=2.25, 0.05>p>0.01 and Calf: 1.37mm, z=1.44, p>0.05) than younger ones again confirmed the significantly higher fat deposition during puberty period. In comparison to the skinfold measures of girls, the boys for both younger and older age group displayed lesser skinfold at thigh (10-12 yrs: 1.35mm and 13-15 yrs: 3.7mm) and calf (10-12 yrs: 1.68mm and 13-15 yrs: 2.70mm) sites with mean values of 14.08±4.21 mm and 13.98±5.57 mm for thigh and 11.35±3.74 mm and 11.70±5.12 mm for calf accordingly. This also supported that the instigation of pubertal transition with higher fat deposition beneath the skin earlier among girls than boys. Although the younger boys showing momentous deficiency in skinfold for both the sites (Thigh: 13.14%, z=3.20, p<0.01 and Calf: 5.42%, z=1.10, p<0.05) in comparison to reference standard (NCHS, 2009 & 1974) whereas older boys showed trivial excess value of 4.80% (z=0.73, p>0.05) and 2.27% (z=0.32, p>0.05). While finding the reference skinfold sums of top athletes of different sports discipline, Garrido-Chamorro, et al. (2012) determined that women presented higher skinfold values than men. Chatterjee, et al. (2016) also observed higher fat in girls in comparison with boys among table tennis players.

Girth Measurement: Girth measurements was estimated by measuring circumference measurement at thigh and calf sites intended as a measure of the underlying musculature and adipose tissues. The measurement was tabulated in table-3.

Table-3: Data on Leg circumferences of Badminton Players

S. No.	Parameters	Girls (n=80)			Boys (n=80)
		10-12 yrs (n=40)	13-15 yrs (n=40)	z Values #	10-12 yrs (n=40)	13-15 yrs (n=40)	z Values #
1	Thigh Circumference (cm)
i	Mean±SD	40.84±5.71	48.19±5.40	5.91**	38.67±5.19	44.28±7.39	3.93**
ii	Range	32.80-54.00	39.70-63.50		29.20-51.00	31.00-61.00
iii	Standard	42.78	48.45		42.51	48.70
iv	z values§	2.15	0.30		4.68**	3.78**
v	%Deficit	-4.53	-0.54		-9.03	-9.08
2	Calf Circumference (cm)
i	Mean±SD	28.31±3.21	32.23±2.63	5.97**	28.07±2.90	32.26±4.45	4.99**
ii	Range	24.50-36.50	27.00-40.50		23.00-38.00	23.00-40.00
iii	Standard	32.95	35.58		32.04	36.01
iv	z values§	9.14**	8.06**		8.66**	5.33**
v	% Deficit	-14.08	-9.42		-12.39	-10.41

# - z values are for between gender group comparison; § - z values are for comparison between data of subjects & standards; ** - Significant at both 5 % & 1% levels (p<0.01); * - Significant at 5 % level but insignificant at 1 % level (0.01<p<0.05); Values without any mark indicate insignificant difference at both 5% & 1% levels (p>0.05).

            The mean values of thigh (Girls:  40.84±5.71 cm; 48.19±5.40 cm and Boys:   38.67±5.19 cm; 44.28±7.39 cm) and calf (Girls: 28.31±3.21 cm; 32.23±2.63 cm and Boys: 28.07±2.90 cm; 32.26±4.45 cm) circumferences represented near similar differences of calf circumference between two age groups of girls (3.92cm; z=5.97, p<0.01) as well as boys (4.19cm; z=4.99, p<0.01).Although thigh circumference displayed drastic increment of 7.35cm (z=5.91, p<0.01) and 5.61cm (z=3.93, p<0.01) in senior age group as compare with junior group of girls and boys. Overall girls possessed noticeably greater circumference (10-12 yrs: 2.17cm and 13-15 yrs: 3.91cm) over boys in thigh site which is considered to be the utmost fat prone site of lower limb. On the other hand, calf circumference exhibited inconsequential superiority of girls in younger group (0.24cm) and boys in older group (0.03cm). Although among world badminton players, Hume, et al. (2008) proved that both single and doubles male players exposed higher thigh and calf girths than female players. Moreover while characterising the anthropometric profile of male and female Nigerian sub-elite badminton players, Akinbiola et al. (2017) also recorded the higher thigh and calf girths in male over female players. But Raschka and Schmidt (2013) didn’t drawn any significant differences between higher class male (Thigh: 52.3±3.0cm and Calf: 37.0±1.0cm) and female (Thigh: 52.1±2.7cm and Calf: 37.4±1.0cm) badminton players of 22.7±3.8 (n=20) years and 24.0±2.4 years (n=20) age. Invariably of age group, both genders depicted considerable deficiency of thigh (Girl: 10-12 yrs4.53%; z=5.91, p<0.01, 13-15yrs 0.54%; z=0.30, p>0.05 and Boys: 10-12 yrs 9.03cm; z= 4.68, p<0.01, 13-15 yrs 9.08cm, z=3.78, p<0.01) and calf circumferences (Girl: 10-12 yrs14.08%; z=9.14, p<0.01, 13-15 yrs9.42%; z=8.06, p<0.01 and Boys: 10-12 yrs12.39cm; z= 8.66, p<0.01, 13-15 yrs10.41cm, z=5.33, p<0.01) in comparison with corresponding standard values [NCHS, 2009; McDowell et al., 2008 (NCHS)] which firmly demonstrate the assenting effects of incessant practice and exercising. While comparing some anthropometric characteristics of elite badminton and tennis players, Yasin et al. (2010) noted calf circumferences of the badminton players (age 21.67±3.52 years; n=15) (36.38±1.48cm) are greater than the tennis players (age 21.07±3.53 years; n=15) (34.40±1.68cm) and Raschka and Schmidt (2013) stated larger calf circumferences of the badminton players are a sign of more pronounced calf muscles.

Flexibility Evaluation:

Groin flexibility test was estimated by measuring the distance between groin and heel. Minimum distance ensured the superior performance. The results of groin flexibility in terms of groin-heel distance are given in table-4.

Table-4: Data on Groin Flexibility of Badminton Players

S. No.	Parameters	Girls (n=80)			Boys (n=80)
		10-12 yrs (n=40)	13-15 yrs (n=40)	z Values #	10-12 yrs (n=40)	13-15 yrs (n=40)	z Values #
1	Groin Flexibility Test (Groin-Heel Distance) (cm)
i	Mean±SD	6.01±6.09	6.55±5.19	0.43	5.54±5.76	8.92±9.60	1.91*
ii	Range	0.00-23.00	0.00-23.00		0.00-21.00	0.00-35.00

# - z values are for between gender group comparisons. ** - Significant at both 5 % & 1% levels (p<0.01); * - Significant at 5% level but insignificant at 1% level (0.01<p<0.05); Values without any mark indicate insignificant difference at both 5% & 1% levels (p>0.05).

            In 10-12 years age group the boys (5.54±5.76 cm) performed better than girls (6.01±6.09cm) with lesser groin-heel distance (0.47cm) whereas among 13-15 age group, the girls’ performance were superior (2.37cm) over boys. Overall in both the gender the younger group performed much better than older group especially for the boys (3.38cm, z=1.91, 0.05>p>0.01). This was also evident from the percentage analysis of number of subjects from all the age group in referred standard gradation (Nande and Vali, 2010) (Figure-1). It was revealed that 60% and 22.5% of younger boys’ performance were graded as excellent and very good which was much higher percentage of subjects in comparison with older boys with 57.5% and 5%. In contrary both younger and older girls achieved near similar performance with 57.5% and 25% among younger one and 42.5% and 42.5% among older one scored under excellent and very good category. Overall the performance analysis of both the gender presented uprated performance.

Figure. 1 Groin Flexibility Test Performance Evaluation of Subjects

 

Correlation Studies: The correlation studies between Groin flexibility with leg specific body composition in terms of subcutaneous fat along with skinfold thickness and leg girth at thigh and calf like fat susceptible sites are shown in table-5. There found significant positive correlation between groin-heel distances with all the measured leg specific body fat profile firmly explained the undesirable effects of increment in fat profile. 

Table-5 Correlation between Leg Fat Profile Indicators and Groin Flexibility Test Performance

S. No.	Parameters	Correlation Coefficient Values (r)
		Girls (n=80)		Boys (n=80)
		10-12 yrs (n=40)	13-15 yrs (n=40)	10-12 yrs (n=40)	13-15 yrs (n=40)
I	Correlates of Groin-Heel distance with Body Composition
1.	Performance of Groin Flexibility vs. Leg Subcutaneous Fat	0.6343*	0.4444**	0.3004	0.5411*
II	Correlates of Groin-Heel distance with Skinfold Thicknesses
1	Performance of Groin Flexibility vs. Thigh Skinfold Thickness	0.5416*	0.3242	0.3520*	0.6601*
2	Performance of Groin Flexibility vs. Calf Skinfold Thickness	0.5724*	0.2382	0.3618*	0.6806*
	Correlates of Groin-Heel distance with leg girth
3	Performance of Groin Flexibility vs Thigh Circumference	0.5352*	0.4000**	0.1210	0.4572*
4	Performance of Groin Flexibility vs Calf Circumference	0.5733*	0.3641**	0.0829	0.6000*

*- Significant at both 5 % and 1% levels (p<0.01); ** - Significant at 5 % level but insignificant at 1 % level (0.01<p<0.05); Values without any mark indicate insignificant difference at both 5% & 1% levels (p>0.05).

Conclusion

Conspicuous decrement in leg specific subcutaneous fat percentage as well as skinfold profile at thigh site were noticed for male players with progressive age. On contrary, substantial enhancement was recorded in leg subcutaneous fat percentage and skinfold thickness at thigh and calf site among female players through the ages. Slight increment in calf skinfold through the ages among boys specified the delayed instigation of fat deposition. Augmentation of leg specific subcutaneous fat, as evidenced from higher thigh and calf skinfolds and circumferences among girls over boys, attributed to the body fat escalation, owing to gender specific body morphological response and early initiation of pubertal phase. Although marginal calf circumference superiority of boys over girls indirectly pointed towards calf muscle gain. Due to less body fat profile, superior performance of younger boys among all the age groups were witnessed. The adverse effects of mounting fat profile were perceived from affirmative correlations of groin-heel distances with different variables of fat profile. So, in spite of natural gender specific body morphological response during puberty period, by rigorous fitness training, intense practice with sound healthy dietary status; the fat profile should be maintained, at optimum level for better performance in badminton matches.

Acknowledgement

First and foremost, authors would like to express their profound gratitude to coaches for providing the opportunity as well as players and their parents for the successful completion of survey.

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