Comparative analysis of somatotype indicators and performance rates in cadets engaged in kettlebell lifting

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. The bioimpedance method is used to evaluate body composition due to its objectivity, non-invasiveness, and ease of use at various levels. Its application helps establish the relationship between body composition and physical performance, predict competitive success, and assess training efficiency. This method is widely used in strength sports. The aim of this study was to compare the somatotype indicators of cadets engaged in kettlebell lifting with their actual competitive performance. Materials and Methods. Sixty-two kettlebell lifting athletes, all cadets at military academies, were divided into two groups. Group 1 included 42 athletes aged 20.67 ± 0.39 years, with competitive levels ranging from beginner to first-class athlete. Group 2 consisted of 20 athletes, with a mean age of 22.20 ± 0.54 years. Their competitive level ranged from national- to international-level competitors (Candidate for Master of Sports, Master of Sports, and International-Class Master of Sports). The age difference between the groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05).  Body height and body mass, body fat percentage (%), muscle mass percentage (%), visceral fat level (%), and basal metabolic rate (kcal) were measured. Total muscle mass (kg), fat mass (kg), body mass index (BMI), fat-free mass index (FFMI), skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), and performance index were calculated. To characterize the data, the median and the 1st (25th) and 3rd (75th) quartiles were determined. The significance of differences between groups was assessed using Rosenbaum's nonparametric criterion (Q) and the information measure of correlation (I) between the analyzed characteristics. Results. Most somatotype indicators showed similar values in both groups. Most participants had a body fat percentage above the average range and a muscle mass percentage within the average range. Most participants also had a BMI above the average range, an FFMI below the average range, and a high SMI. A significant increase in the performance index was observed in Group 2 (Q = 13, p < 0.05). A significant predominance of individuals with below-average FFMI was found in Group 1 (2I = 67.54, p < 0.01). Quartile ranges were established for the evaluated indices in kettlebell athletes. A performance index value of 155–209 was observed within the interquartile range for Group 1, whereas for Group 2 this range was 238–358. The interquartile range for FFMI was 16–18 kg/m² in Group 1 and 16–17 kg/m² in Group 2. The interquartile range for SMI was 8.1–9.2 kg/m² in Group 1 and 8.2–9.0 kg/m² in Group 2. Conclusions. Competitive performance differed significantly between the groups, whereas most somatotype indicators showed similar values. Quartile ranges were established for the performance index, FFMI, and SMI in kettlebell athletes. The bioimpedance-derived indices used in this study can be applied to characterize the somatotype features of kettlebell athletes and to compare athletes with different levels of competitive performance.