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Body Composition and Bioelectrical-Impedance-Analysis-Derived Raw Variables in Pole Dancers
Giada Ballarin1,2, Luca Scalfi2, Fabiana Monfrecola2
1Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples "Parthenope", 80133 Naples, Italy.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|December 10, 2021
Summary
Pole dancers have better body composition, including higher fat-free mass and lower body fat, compared to non-dancers. Specific bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) variables indicate superior muscle health in pole athletes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Human Physiology
- Body Composition Analysis
Background:
- Limited research exists on the body composition of pole dancers.
- Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a key method for assessing body composition.
- Raw BIA variables like impedance ratio (IR) and phase angle (PhA) offer insights into body cell mass and hydration status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the body composition of female pole dancers with a control group.
- To specifically evaluate raw BIA variables as indicators of muscle composition in pole dancers.
- To investigate the relationship between training level and body composition markers.
Main Methods:
- Forty female pole dancers and 59 controls underwent whole-body and limb-specific BIA at multiple frequencies (5, 50, 100, 250 kHz).
- Predicted variables included fat-free mass (FFM), FFM index, fat mass (FM), and body fat percentage (BF%).
- Raw BIA variables, impedance ratio (IR), and phase angle (PhA) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Pole dancers demonstrated higher FFM index and BIA indexes, with lower BF% compared to controls.
- Pole dancers exhibited greater PhA and smaller IRs in the whole body and upper limbs.
- Professional pole dancers showed higher FFM, whole-body IR, and PhA than non-professionals.
Conclusions:
- Raw BIA variables significantly differ between pole dancers and controls, suggesting enhanced body cell mass.
- Pole dancing is associated with increased FFM and reduced FM.
- The findings highlight the unique physiological adaptations to pole dancing training.
