Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate total, regional, and throwing versus non-throwing
arm body composition measures across the 4 major positions of NCAA Division I female
softball players using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) (n=128). Total and regional
total mass (TM), fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM), bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral
content (BMC), and visceral adipose tissue were measured. Athletes were separated
into: pitchers (n=32), catchers (n=13), outfielders (n=39), and infielders (n=44).
ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD assessed total and regional differences between positions. Although
no significant total or regional LM differences were observed across positions, outfielders
had significantly (p=0.006–0.047) lower total-body, arm, and trunk TM and FM, leg
FM, and leg BMC in comparison to pitchers. The throwing arm had significantly (p<0.0001–0.018)
greater LM, BMD, and BMC than the non-throwing arm for all positions. Notably, there
were minimal body composition differences among softball positions, with the primary
differences being that pitchers had larger total and regional fat values than outfielders.
The throwing arm of all positions had greater LM, BMD, and BMC than the non-throwing
arm. These values can be used by coaches and trainers as descriptive DXA data for
collegiate softball players.
Key words
dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) - visceral adipose tissue - bone mineral density
