CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

In the realm of sports and athletics, the impact of body composition on

performance has long intrigued by practitioners. At Isabela State University - Echague
Campus, where athletic excellence is a cornerstone of campus life, we have observed
a growing curiosity about how varying body compositions influence athletic
performance. Our own observations have highlighted that athletes with different body
types often exhibit distinct performance characteristics, prompting us to delve deeper
into this phenomenon.

In the real world of athletics, it is common to see individuals with diverse

body compositions—ranging from lean and muscular to bulkier or more endomorphic
—competing at high levels. This diversity raises compelling questions about how
factors such as muscle mass, body fat percentage, and overall body composition can
impact an athlete's ability to perform and excel in their respective sports.

Understanding the relationship between body composition and athletic

performance is crucial for optimizing training regimens and achieving peak
performance in sports. Body composition, defined by the proportion of fat, muscle,
and bone in an individual's body, significantly influences an athlete's physical
capabilities and overall performance. Different body types, categorized as ectomorph,
endomorph, and mesomorph, exhibit unique characteristics that impact an athlete's
suitability for various sports and their performance within those sports.

Ectomorph, characterized by a lean and slender physique with a low

percentage of body fat and muscle mass, are often associated with endurance sports.
According to Carter and Heath (1990), ectomorph excel in activities requiring
prolonged aerobic capacity and efficiency, such as long-distance running and cycling,
due to their lighter body weight and higher metabolic efficiency. The low muscle
mass, however, can be a disadvantage in sports requiring significant strength and
power.

Endomorph, with a higher percentage of body fat and a wider body structure,
are typically more suited to sports that require substantial strength and power.
Research by Norton and Olds (1996) suggests that endomorph can leverage their
greater muscle mass and larger body size in sports like weightlifting and shot put.
However, the higher fat percentage can negatively affect endurance and speed,
presenting a challenge in sports that require high levels of aerobic fitness.

Mesomorphs, characterized by a muscular and well-proportioned body, often

find a balance between strength, power, and endurance. Mesomorphs tend to excel in
a variety of sports due to their favorable muscle-to-fat ratio and ability to gain muscle
easily while maintaining low levels of body fat. As noted by Sheldon (1940),
mesomorphs are typically more versatile athletes, performing well in sports ranging
from sprinting to bodybuilding.
 We are motivated by the desire to better understand how body composition
specifically affects athletic performance within our university setting. By examining
these relationships, we aim to provide insights that could enhance training regimens,
inform nutrition strategies, and optimize performance outcomes for our athletes. Our
research seeks to contribute valuable knowledge to the field, addressing the curiosity
of many who wonder how best to leverage body composition for peak athletic
performance.

Conceptual Framework

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Assessing the The Student athletes

Impact of body
composition

Statement of the Problem

This study is conducted to assess the effect of body composition in students athlete on
their performance in any sport/events that they specialized

Specifically, to seek answer the following:

Name:(optional) _____________________

1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of:

1.1 Weight;
1.2 Height;
1.3 Age;
1.4 Body type;(Ectomorph, Endomorph, Mesomorph)
1.5 Sport/s;

1.6 Level of competition achieved;

Intramurals Regional
 University Meet National

2. What are the relationship of body composition in the performance output of an

athlete?

3. What are the favorable impact of Body Composition of the respondents in their
performance in sports?
1.1 Physical Aspect
1.2 Psychological Aspect

4. What are the Significant difference of the profile of respondents in the relation to
Body Composition to the performance of the Student Athlete?

Significance of the Study

This study is of considerable significance to the field of sports science and athletic
performance. By examining the impact of body composition on athletes, the research
addresses critical aspects that influence an athlete's capability to perform at their best.
The findings are expected to have wide-ranging implications for athletes. The
significance of this study is highlighted in several key areas:

Optimization of Training Regimens. Understanding how different body

compositions affect performance enables coaches and trainers to develop more
personalized and effective training programs. By tailoring workouts to the specific
needs of ectomorph, endomorph, and mesomorph athletes, training regimens can be
optimized to enhance strengths and mitigate weaknesses, leading to improved overall
performance.

Nutritional Guidance. The study provides insights into how dietary needs vary
across different body types. Nutritional strategies that consider an athlete's body
composition can support muscle growth, fat reduction, and energy levels, directly
impacting performance. This information is valuable for dietitians and nutritionists
working with athletes to design diet plans that align with their training goals and body
composition.
Injury Prevention and Management. By understanding the relationship between
body composition and athletic performance, this study helps in identifying potential
risks associated with different body types. For instance, ectomorphs may be more
prone to injuries due to lower muscle mass, while endomorphs might face issues
related to higher body fat. Preventive measures and rehabilitation programs can be
developed to address these specific risks.

Performance Enhancement. The study contributes to the broader understanding of

how body composition influences various performance metrics such as speed,
strength, endurance, agility, and skill. This knowledge allows athletes to focus on
specific areas for improvement, leading to more balanced and enhanced performance
across different sports disciplines.

Holistic Athlete Development. The study underscores the importance of a holistic

approach to athlete development, considering not just physical training but also
nutrition, injury prevention, and psychological well-being. This comprehensive
perspective supports the development of well-rounded athletes who are better
equipped to achieve long-term success in their sports careers.

Policy and Program Development. Sports governing bodies and organizations can
utilize the insights from this study to formulate policies and programs that support
athlete health and performance. Guidelines on training, nutrition, and injury
management that consider body composition can lead to more effective and
sustainable sports programs.

Scope and Delimitation

This study will focus on assessing the impact of body composition on performance of
an athlete The respondents of the study are the student athlete of Isabela State
University.

Definition of Terms
To aid in comprehending this study, the following terms are explained:

Body Composition. Understanding body composition is crucial as it impacts an

athlete's physical abilities, metabolic efficiency, and overall performance in sports.
Different body compositions affect strength, endurance, speed, agility, and
susceptibility to injuries.

Athlete. Athletes participate in various sports disciplines, ranging from endurance

sports like running and cycling to strength-based sports such as weightlifting and shot
put. Athletes are the primary focus of this study, as their performance and
physiological responses to training and nutrition interventions are analyzed relative to
their body composition.

Somatotypes. Somatotypes classify individuals based on their body shape, size, and
composition into three primary types: ectomorph, endomorph, and mesomorph.

Ectomorph. Characterized by a lean and slender physique with low body fat and
muscle mass, suited for endurance sports.

Endomorph. Characterized by a higher percentage of body fat and a wider body

structure, suited for strength-based sports.

Mesomorph. Characterized by a muscular and well-proportioned physique, suited

for a variety of sports due to balanced strength and endurance.

Performance. Performance refers to an athlete's ability to execute skills and achieve

desired outcomes in competitive sports. It encompasses various metrics such as speed,
strength, endurance, agility, skill proficiency, and overall athletic prowess.

Impact. Impact in the context of this study refers to the direct influence or effect that
body composition has on an athlete's performance. It encompasses both physiological
and performance-related outcomes resulting from variations in body fat, muscle mass,
and bone density.

Optimization. Optimization refers to the process of maximizing the efficiency,

effectiveness, and overall performance potential of athletes through tailored training,
nutrition, and recovery strategies based on their individual body compositions.
Hypothesis

The body composition of an athlete, specifically the ratio of lean body mass to
fat mass, significantly impacts their performance metrics, such as speed, endurance,
strength, and agility. Athletic performance is multifaceted, involving various physical
and physiological factors. Among these, body composition is a critical element as it
influences an athlete's power-to-weight ratio, cardiovascular efficiency, and muscular
strength. Lean body mass, comprising muscles, bones, and other tissues, is essential
for generating force and sustaining physical activity, while excess fat mass can
impede movement efficiency and increase the risk of fatigue.

CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDY

This chapter presents the review of related literature and studies, which
includes both foreign and local studies. The researchers also consulted and pursued
several refereed journals, articles, and internet materials to gather pertinent documents
that are very relevant to the conceptualization of this paper.

Literature
Anna Pastuszak 2016, Existing somatotype data on athletes are useful as
guidelines for sport selection and choice of training appropriate to the enhancement of
desired somatotype characteristics
 Henry Lukaski, Christiana J. Raymond-Pope 2021. Observational studies
dominate the literature and describe the sport-specific physique characteristics (size,
shape, and composition) of adult athletes by gender and levels of competition.
Medicinski pregled 2014, It is well known that body composition changes
under the influence of continuous physical activity, and, therefore, it is one of the
major components of fitness, and general health of the athletes.
Adriana Poblano-Alcalá and Debbie Braun-Zawosnik 2014, we saw
significant differences in body composition and in energy availability among the
differente somatotypes in student,endomorphic, mesomorphic, and ectomorphic
somatotype groups in body composition while in energy availability were among
mesomorphic-ectomorphic, and between endomorphic-ectomorphic groups.
William W. Bolonchuk, William A. Siders, Glenn I. Lykken, Henry C.
Lukaski 2016. Dominant ectomorphs had less body weight, fat weight, and percent
body fat than endomorphs and mesomorphs. Fat-free weight (FFW), total body
potassium (TBK), and body cell mass (BCM), normalized for stature, were lower in
the ectomorphs than in the endomorphs and mesomorphs
Grigoris G. Malousaris a, Nikolaos K. Bergeles 2018, Identified a specific
characteristics characteristic of physique that may contribute to success in sports as
well as the possible structural differences among athletes in various sports has been a
subject of high interest for sport scientists and coaches
Andreas M. Kasper , Carl Langan-Evans ORCID, James F. Hudson ,Thomas
E. Brownlee 1ORCID and Liam D. Harper 2021. Total body mass (BM) assessments
can be important in some situations (e.g., in sports where there is a given weight
classification), the wider examination of body composition, specifically lean mass
(LM) and fat mass (FM), is more informative for athletes and their coaches.

STUDIES
This study is anchored on the (1) Somatotype theory; (2) Body type of theory;
and (3) Biological theory
Somatotype is a theory proposed in the 1940s by the American psychologist
William Herbert Sheldon to categorize the human physique according to the relative
contribution of three fundamental elements which he termed somatotypes, classified
by him as ectomorphic, mesomorphic, and endomorphic, and its advantages and
disadvantage in their daily lives. Body type of theory. Humans have long had a
predisposition for classifying living organisms based on a variety of characteristics,
such as habitat, dietary strategy, or mode of locomotion (movement). With the
development of taxonomy in the 18th century by Carolus Linnaeus, life was further
categorized based on physiology and the evolutionary relatedness of different species.
In humans, early anthropologists relied upon culture, cranial shape, and even
personality traits for describing different types of individuals. Biological Theory is
devoted to theoretical advances in the fields of evolution and cognition with an
emphasis on the conceptual integration afforded by evolutionary and developmental
approaches. The theory support how body composition affects the performance of an
individual, and how it can affect their personalities that can influence their daily
function and their course to course activity.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK.
All fitness components depend on body composition to some extent. An increase
in lean body mass contributes to strength and power development. Strength and power
are related to muscle size. Thus, an increase in lean body mass enables the athlete to
generate more force in a specific period of time.
In addition, excess body fat can lead to additional loads placed on joint during
weight bearing activities such as running, causing joint distress. Healthy or athletic
body fat percentages typically allow for more optimal performances, due to the
improved economy and reduced injuries.
Francesco 2021, strengthen the evidence that Body composition is acknowledged
as a determinant of athletic health and performance. Its assessment is crucial in
evaluating the efficiency of a diet or aspects related to the nutritional status of the
athlete. Despite the methods traditionally used to assess body composition, bioelectric
impedance analysis (BIA) and bioelectric impedance vector analysis (BIVA) have
recently gained attention in sports, as well as in a research context. Only until recently
have specific regression equations and reference tolerance ellipses for athletes become
available, while specific recommendations for measurement procedures still remain
scarce. Therefore, the present narrative review summarizes the current literature
regarding body composition analysis, with a special focus on BIA and BIVA. The use
of specific technologies and sampling frequencies is described, and recommendations
for the assessment of body composition in athletes are provided. Additionally, the
estimation of body composition parameters and the interpretation of the raw
bioelectrical data qualitative a are examined, highlighting the innovations now
available in athletes.

MODEL OF BODY COMPOSITION

The term Body Composition is used to illustrate the different components that,
when taken together, makes up a person`s body weight. For analysis of body
composition, it is often suitable to think of the body as made of two components: fat
and non-fat. The non-fat portion is called "fat free mass" or "lean body mass".
However, body can be taken into different compartment models for body composition
assessments

THE 4C BODY MODEL

Various models were fit to the data to adjust for body size and age. Each of the four
compartments (mineral, water, fat, and protein) changed with age, with fat increasing
and the other compartments declining.

Somatotype Model of Body Composition

It was originally believed that a person’s somatotype was unchangeable, and that

certain physiological and psychological characteristics were even determined by

whichever one a person aligns to. Endomorphs have bodies that are always rounded

and soft, mesomorphs are always square and muscular, and ectomorphs are always

thin and fine-boned.

CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter describes how the study was conducted. It includes the research

design, selection of respondents, data gathering procedure and data analysis.

Research Design
 This study is a quantitative type of research that will use a descriptive type of

research design to gather data. This type of research design is bound to classify and

determine the numbers of an athlete who’s in any specific type of body composition.

Respondents of the Study

The respondents of the study are the student athlete of Isabela State

University-Echague Campus.

Data Gathering Tool

To gather the data, the researchers will use surveys or questionnaires. The

questionnaire consists items to determine the profile of the respondents, reasons and

impact of body composition in performance of an athlete in Isabela State University-

Echague Campus. The following descriptive equivalent for the questionnaire’s range

was used in the study.

TABLE 1: Descriptive Equivalent for advantages and disadvantages

RANGE DESCRIPTIVE EQUIVALENT

1.00 – 1.79 Strongly Disagree
1.80 – 2.59 Disagree
3.40 – 4.19 Agree
4.20 – 5.00 Strongly Agree

Data Gathering Procedure

The method to be used in this study is descriptive research for it creates

adequate information that can give answers to the research problem. The researchers

believe that this method is the most suitable method for their research as Manuel and

Medel, said that Descriptive Research describes what it is. It involves the description,

recording, analysis, and interpretation of the present nature, composition, or processes

of phenomena. According to Glass and Hopkins (1984), it is a type of research that

gathers data then describes the event after organizing, tabulating, depicting, and

describing the data collection. It also reveals problems or abnormal conditions so that

remedial measures may be instituted. Researchers with this kind study the relationship

of variables through gathering data then have an interpretation of it then present the

result.

Procedures

The researchers constructed a questionnaire validated by an expert that

consists of a series of questions and other prompts to gather information from

respondents. Researchers used this method of collecting data because their method is

descriptive research which studies the relationship of variables without manipulating

it. They chose their respondents using multi-stage sampling to disseminate the copies

of the questionnaire and let the respondents answer it that will be collected by the

researcher completely. The answered questionnaires were tallied and all the

information responded by the samples presented the result and made an interpretation

of it. Lastly, the researchers constructed their recommendation based on the result

presented and finally made their conclusion.

Research Questionnaire

Title: ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF BODY COMPOSITION ON

PERFORMANCE OF AN ATHLETE IN ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY-
ECHAGUE .CAMPUS

College of Education
Isabela State University
September 12, 2024
DearRespondents,

I hope this message finds you well.

We the Researchers are conducting a research study titled "Assessing the Impact of
Body Composition on the Performance of Student Athletes at Isabela State
University." This study aims to explore how different body composition profiles—
specifically ectomorph, endomorph, and mesomorph—affect athletic performance
among our student-athletes.

As part of this research, I am reaching out to you to participate in a brief

questionnaire. Your insights and responses are invaluable in helping us understand the
relationship between body composition and athletic performance. The information
gathered will contribute to improving training programs and supporting resources
tailored to the needs of our athletes.

Demographic Information

1. Name (Optional): ____________________

2. Weight;
3. Height;
4. Age;
5. Body type;(Ectomorph, Endomorph, Mesomorph)
6. Sport/s;
7. Level of competition achieved;

Intramurals Regional

University Meet National

Questionnaire: Assessing the Impact of Body Composition on Performance of an

Athlete
Instructions: Please indicate your response by selecting one option that best reflects
your opinion or experience. Use the following scale:
1 - Strongly Disagree
2 - Disagree
3 - Agree
4 - Strongly Agree

1. What is the profile of the respondents? SA A D SD

4 3 2 1
1. My current body weight contributes positively in my
performance.
2. My body genetics supplies enough strength.
3. My body genetics supplies enough stamina.
4. My body genetics supplies enough agility.
5. Vascular type has an advantage in sports.
6. Skinny type has an advantage in running/athletics.
7. Body type hinders my athletic performance.
8. Execution of skills in sports become more efficient.

5. What is the relationship of body composition and SA A D SD

genetics in the performance output of an athlete? 4 3 2 1
1. Unleashing my potential in sports heighten.
2. My body composition helps me to perform confidently.
3. My body composition provides a negative effect in my
achievement in sports.
4. Achieving my goals become easier because of my body
composition.
5. Body composition is a bonus towards achieving goals.
6. Genetics play a vital role in achieving your dreams.
7. Genetically gifted in body tends to achieve more in life.
8. Genetics hinder growth.

3. What are the favorable impact of Body Composition SA A D SD

of the respondents in their performance in sports? 4 3 2 1
1. Having a high percentage of body fat (%BF) has a
positive impact on my overall sports performance.
2. A lower body mass index (BMI) is associated with
improved athletic performance.
3. Having a higher muscle mass percentage is essential for
optimal sports performance.
4. Body composition has a significant impact on my
endurance performance in sports.
5. Maintaining a healthy body composition through diet
and exercise is crucial for long-term athletic success.
6. Having a higher percentage of fast-twitch muscle
fibers improves my speed and power in sports.
7. Body composition plays a critical role in determining
my overall athletic ability.
8. A leaner body composition is beneficial for improving
my agility and quickness in sports.
9. Body composition is a key factor in determining my
potential for injury or illness during sports competition.
10. Having a balanced body composition (e.g., adequate
muscle mass and low body fat) is essential for achieving
optimal sports performance.
11. Having a lean body composition helps me feel more
confident and prepared for sports competitions.
12. My body composition has a significant impact on my
mental toughness and resilience during sports
competition.
13. I believe that having a healthy body composition is
essential for achieving optimal sports performance.
14. Body composition affects my self-perception and self-
esteem as an athlete.
15. 1Having a balanced body composition helps me focus
on my training and performance goals.
16. I believe that body composition is a key factor in
determining my overall athletic identity.
17. Having a lean body composition reduces my anxiety
and stress levels during sports competition.
18. Body composition affects my motivation and
commitment to training and competing in sports.
19. I believe that having a healthy body composition is
essential for achieving long-term athletic success.
20. Body composition influences my perceived control
and autonomy over my athletic performance.

4. What are the significance difference of the profile of SA A D SD

respondents in the relation to the body composition to 4 3 2 1
the performance of the student athlete?
1. My body type is an important factor in my athletic
performance.
2. My body composition influences how quickly I recover
from intense physical activities.
3. My body composition directly affects my performance
in endurance-based sports.
4. I believe that body fat percentage has a significant
impact on my agility.
5. My body type affects my speed and sprinting ability.
6. Athletic performance improvements are directly related
to my muscle mass and body composition.
7. My current body composition helps me excel in my
primary sport.
8. I adjust my training based on my body composition to
enhance performance.
9. My diet is tailored to support my specific body
composition and improve my athletic performance.
10. I feel that my coach takes my body type into account
when designing my training program.
11. My body composition has influenced my decision to
pursue certain sports over others.
12. I believe that athletes with a body type similar to mine
are generally more successful in my sport.
13. Body composition impacts my ability to perform well
in competitions.
14. I think that body composition plays a minor role
compared to other factors like skill and technique in my
performance.
15. My current training regimen is effective in
maintaining my ideal body composition for peak
performance.
16. I feel that the current training facilities adequately
support the needs related to different body compositions.
17. My body composition profile has influenced my
approach to both training and competition strategy.