Analysis of the relationship between the 5m sprint with body composition, biological maturation and anthropometric indicators in young male tennis players

The research aimed to analyze the relationship between the 5m sprint with body composition, biological maturation, and anthropometric indicators in young male tennis players. The study utilized a correlational cross-sectional design with the participation of 35 male young tennis players (15 +/- 0.5 years old) of Chilean nationality, selected through non-probabilistic convenience sampling. The 5m sprint was measured on tennis courts, and anthropometric variables such as weight, height, body circumferences (arm, thigh, and leg), and skinfolds (triceps, anterior thigh, and medial leg) were recorded. Peak height velocity (APVC), body fat percentage (GC), and skeletal muscle mass (MME) were calculated. The results showed that the 5m sprint was primarily associated with the medial leg skinfold (R-2=24%; p<0.01) and GC (R-2=13%; p<0.05). Furthermore, an increase in these indicators was correlated with a worse performance in 5m sprint test (beta= 0.02; 0.04 s, respectively). However, body weight, height, APVC, and MME demonstrated a weak association with the 5m sprint (p>0.05). In conclusion, the 5m sprint shows greater association with adiposity indicators, mainly with the medial leg crease and GC. Additionally, better levels in these indicators are associated with a shorter time in the 5m sprint.