Body composition of male and female elite Polish sumo wrestlers in different weight category

Abstract

Excessive content of adipose tissue is directly associated with the incidence of such civilization-related diseases as coronary heart disease, hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension, diabetes, pulmonary disorders, and osteoarthritis [1]. As an overweight-associated rise in mortality rates has been observed [2], community awareness of the positive consequences of maintaining proper values of Body Mass Index (BMI) and fat mass (FM) has been increasingly promoted. In most individuals, BMI constitutes a reliable indicator of overweight and obesity. The only exception pertains to sportspersons, particularly those practicing disciplines that require weight training, in whom frequently higher BMI results from higher muscle mass rather than higher content of adipose tissue [3]. However, for all persons physical activity is the recommended way of maintaining the normal body mass [1,2,4]. In sumo, one wrestler attempts to force the opponent out of a circular ring or knock him down to the ground with an aid of specific throws, shoves, and body hits [5,6]. Strength and dynamics of undertaken activities and the necessity of maintaining body balance are vital during sumo bouts [7]. Achiev ing a high level of strength abilities requires building muscle mass as well as attaining a sufficient area of transverse cross-sections of skeletal muscles [8-12]. Higher body mass additionally increases athlete’s inertia, impeding the efforts to force him out of the ring. Therefore, athletes with higher body mass are more effective during the match and are harder to