Abstract - Assessment of Body Composition and Muscle Mass Asymmetry in Male Karate Athletes Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis
Background and Study Aim. Body composition is a critical determinant of athletic performance, particularly in weight-class sports like karate. The study aimed to evaluate muscle mass (MM), body fat percentage (BF%), and fat-free mass (FFM) in male karate athletes at Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and to
identify muscle imbalances for performance optimization.
Materials and Methods. This study included 11 male karate athletes (mean age: 19.79 ± 2.51 years; mean height: 168.53 ± 6.08 cm; mean weight: 63.75 ± 8.04 kg). Body composition was assessed using a Tanita MC-980MA device under standardized conditions. MM, BF%, and FFM were compared against regional and international benchmarks, including Macedonian, Polish, and Japanese
athletes. Coefficients of variation (Cv) were calculated to assess homogeneity.
Results. All participants exhibited muscle asymmetry in the legs, with the right leg larger than the left (mean difference: 0.34 kg, Cv < 10%). In arms, 81.82% showed imbalances with lower homogeneity (Cv > 10%). Mean BF% was 10.82 ± 3.66%, aligning with ACE standards but higher than Japanese and Macedonian athletes. FFM (58.36 ± 4.46 kg) was lower than Macedonian and Polish
athletes but comparable to Ho Chi Minh City counterparts.
Conclusion. Muscle asymmetry and elevated BF% highlight the need for targeted interventions in training and nutrition. Unilateral strength exercises, high-intensity interval training, and protein supplementation are recommended to enhance muscle balance and optimize body composition for competitive performance.