Performance measurement and percent body fat in the high school athlete

Standards for performance have been derived from the preseason assessment of the high school athlete. The performance of 3,174 athletes during five performance tests was measured. The tests included dips, sit-ups, and pull-ups, in addition to grip strength measurement and vertical jump capability. Measurements were converted to the amount of work done or force developed. Nondimensional ratios were determined using the tables and empirical equations presented in this paper. These quantities were then compared to the percent body fat. The average performance of the athletes as determined by the testing procedures described herein decreases dramatically as the body fat increases above 10% in males and 19% in females.