signifi cantly to athletic performance, such as muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular endurance, and skill level within the sport. T ese variables can be improved and maximized through an appropriate training regimen; daily performance (in training or competition) can be maximized through appropriate nutritional fueling and hydration status. T ere are published values that depict common body composition ranges for a variety of sports.32-35
What
is clear from these numbers is that there is quite a range between sexes and across sports. Keep in mind that these are averages; they do not dictate guidelines that need to be enforced within a sport. Encouraging an athlete to meet a specifi c level of percent fat that is not realistic for the athlete’s physiological makeup is counterproductive, particularly if performance has been good. As discussed previously, the use of body composition is quite helpful for tracking both fat and muscle
composition within an athlete and for identifying someone who may be at risk for health or performance concerns. T e use of body composition measurements is best used to assist athletes in maximizing perfor- mance across a season.
ANTHROPOMETRIC SKILLS
Historically, didactic programs in dietetics have included very little, if any, hands-on anthropometric train- ing. As a result, many current practicing RDNs lack these skills. More recently, many of these programs have created nutrition assessment courses that go beyond discussing anthropometrics to include hands-on training. Several options are available for RDNs who were never trained in anthropometrics. Many of the manufacturers of body composition equipment off er training by a representative. If an RDN works with a degreed exercise physiologist, the physiologist who has received training in anthropometrics may be willing to train the RDN. Nutrition and dietetics practitioners can also complete certifi cation programs that include anthropometrics, such as those off ered by the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Lastly, the highly regarded International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry trains and accredits people throughout the world in anthropometry. T ere are four levels of training, and they require reaccreditation every 4 years. (See the society's website for more information: www.isakonline.com/home.)
CHAPTER 9: ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS AND BODY COMPOSITION