title: BODY COMPOSITION AND SOMATOTYPE OF PROFESSIONAL AND U23 HAND BASQUE PELOTA PLAYERS.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  there is hardly any reference in scientific literature regarding anthropometric characteristics, body composition and somatotype of hand Basque pelota players (pelotaris).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  the aim of this research was to analyze and compare the anthropometry features and body composition of professional pelotaris and under-23 (U23) pelotaris, to create an anthropometric profile of this sport.
  
  
  METHODS
  the participants were ten U23 pelotaris, and eight professional pelotaris. Anthropometric measurements were taken following the International Society of Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) protocol. Fat mass (FM) was calculated using the Yushasz equation modified by Carter and muscle mass (MM) using Lee equation. For the somatotype components, the Carter y Heath equation was applied. The hydration level (kg of body water) of the players was measured with a four-pole kind bioelectrical impedance (BIA) analyzer. Spss was used for the statistical analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  professional pelotaris have significantly lower FM (p < 0.05) and lower sum of 4, 6 and 8 skinfolds (p = 0.001), higher MM (p = 0.015), and a less endomorphic somatotype (p < 0.001) than U23 pelotaris. Professionals have a greater amount of body water (p = 0.001) and a larger bistyloid diameter (p = 0.014). Professional pelotaris have a morphotype characterized by a low FM 8.9 ± 1.1% and medium MM 47 ± 1.7%, height of 183.0 ± 7.1 cm and BM of 85.9 ± 7.6 kg.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The main results of the present study show that non-modifiable anthropometric features by training (e.g. height, arm span and wrist breadth) are important to become a professional pelotaris. Moreover, training and diet related features have been showed to be better in professional pelotaris (low FM, higher MM and high body water amount) than U23 pelotaris.
authors.affiliation: ElikaEsport®. Nutrition, Innovation & Sport. University of Deusto. Faculty of Psychology and Education, Spain. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Isabel I. www.ui1.es, Spain.. juankaya@msn.com.
authors.forename: Aritz
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Urdampilleta
authors.affiliation: Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Isabel I. www.ui1.es, Spain. ImFine Research Group. Department of Health and Human Performance. Technical University of Madrid, Spain.. juankaya@msn.com.
authors.forename: Juan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mielgo-Ayuso
authors.affiliation: ImFine Research Group. Department of Health and Human Performance. Technical University of Madrid, Spain.. juankaya@msn.com.
authors.forename: Jara
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Valtueña
authors.affiliation: Nutritionist of Club Atletico River Plate, Argentina.. juankaya@msn.com.
authors.forename: Francis
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Holway
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Valladolid (Soria), Spain.. juankaya@msn.com.
authors.forename: Alfredo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cordova
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D056352:Athletes / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology*; D001834:Body Water; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012885:Skinfold Thickness; D013008:Somatotypes / Q000502:physiology*; D013030:Spain; D013177:Sports; D055815:Young Adult