Seasonal Body Composition Changes in Elite Rugby Players: DXA and Anthropometry-Based Comparison of Backs and Forwards.

ABSTRACT: Background: Body composition analysis in rugby is necessary for profiling athletes for ideal positioning, the establishment of standards and the development of nutritional and training strategies for improvement. This study aimed to assess the body composition of elite rugby players and examine seasonal variations between backs and forwards using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and anthropometry. Methods: Thirty-two rugby players (25.97 ± 4.51 years; 93.00 ± 15.39 kg; 181.77 ± 6.27 cm) from First Spanish National league team had their body composition assessed using DXA and anthropometry before and after the season. Results: The main findings indicated that backs exhibited significant increases in total mass, lean mass and fat-free mass, whereas forwards showed

SUBMITTER: Couce B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12452749 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature