Characteristics of Body Composition, Phase Angle and Body Water in Elite Chilean Skydivers

Unsuitable body composition in skydivers not only affect the sport performance but also could increase the probability of risk injury or severe accident; hence, to determine body composition characteristics could be helpful to prevent such events. This study aimed to describe body composition, phase angle, and total body water in highly trained Chilean skydivers. Eight Team Chile (R) professional skydivers (33.4 +/- 4.9 years) with more than 6 years of experience participated in this study. Fat mass, muscle mass, fat-free mass, lean mass, visceral mass, phase angle, and total body water were measured by bioelectrical impedance. Skydivers had a bodyweight of 76.7 +/- 5.7 kg, a height of 1.72 +/- 0.1 m, and a body mass index of 26.0 +/- 1.9 kg/m(2). Regarding body composition, they had a fat mass of 20.6 +/- 3.0 %, a muscle mass of 44.9 +/- 2.0 %, and a fat-free mass of 79.4 +/- 3.0 %. Phase angle and total body water were 7.25 +/- 0.3 degrees and 344.6 +/- 3.2, respectively. The present findings could be useful to science sport professionals as reference values of body composition, phase angle, and total body water of highly trained skydivers to improve sports performance and avoid injuries.