A comparison of bone mass and body composition according to playing positions and playing roles in male adolescent basketball players

BACKGROUND: Limited research has quantified bone mass and body composition relative to playing position and playing role in male adolescent basketball players. The aim of this study was to determine whether bone mass and body composition differ according to playing position and playing role in male adolescent basketball players. METHODS: A between-subject, cross-sectional design was adopted. Thirty-four male, adolescent basketball players (age: 13-15 years) were grouped according to playing position (backcourt [guards] vs. frontcourt [forwards/centers]) and playing role (starters vs. bench). Bone mass (of the calcaneus and forearm) was measured using a peripheral dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scanner, while body composition was determined using a multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer. RESULTS: Body height (eta(2)(p) =0.23, large), total mass (eta(2)(p)=0.24, large), lean body mass (eta(2)(p) =0.22, large), and absolute muscle mass (eta(2)(p) =0.23, large) were significantly (P=0.01) higher in frontcourt players compared to backcourt players. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of the left calcaneus (BMD: P=0.04, eta(2)(p) =0.13, moderate; BMC: P=0.04, eta(2)(p) =0.14, moderate) and right calcaneus (BMD: P=0.03, eta(2)(p) =0.16, large; BMC: P=0.03, eta(2)(p) =0.16, large) were significantly higher in starting players compared to bench players. Relative muscle mass (P=0.01, eta(2)(p) =0.21, large) was significantly higher in starting than bench players, while body fat percentage (P=0.02, eta(2)(p) =0.18, large) was significantly higher in bench players compared to starting players. CONCLUSIONS: Frontcourt players possessed higher body height, total mass, lean mass, and absolute muscle mass compared to backcourt players. Starters possessed superior bone mass of the calcaneus, relative muscle mass and lower body fat proportion compared to bench players.