Anthropometric characteristics of young elite sailors based on performance level.

Background: : The aim of the present study was to analyse possible differences in anthropometric characteristics of elite sailors based on categories and performance level.

Methods: A total of 42 young (aged 12-18 years) elite sailors (men = 31; women = 11) of the Monohull (n = 21) and Windsurfing (n = 21) categories composed the study sample. Testing was per-formed in one session the day before the start of an official and international competition. Body composition was measured using an octopolar and multi-frequency electrical bioimpedance analyser, and height was recorded using a telescopic measuring instrument. Cross-sectional study. The total sample was divided into two groups based on their performance level (ranking), 50th percentile (P1), and 100th percentile (P2).

Results: P1 presented a lower BMI, total body fat mass, and body fat mass in the trunk, arms, and legs (p < 0.05). Similarly, P1 reported a higher total body muscle mass and body muscle mass on the trunk, arms, and legs compared to the less level performance group (p < 0.05). In addition, P2 sailors were taller and heavier (p < 0.05). Regarding categories, the Windsurf sailors presented statistically significantly lower arm fat mass than the Monohull (p < 0.05). The Windsurf sailors showed differences between the two performance-level groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, comparing the high-level performance group in both categories, higher arm muscle mass on the Windsurfing sailors was detected (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: These findings could help to differentiate the anthropometric variables that determine sport performance in young elite sailors and could be used to differentiate the anthropometric variables in each category.