RT info:eu-repo/semantics/article
T1 Seasonal Body Composition Changes in Elite Rugby Players: DXA and Anthropometry-Based Comparison of Backs and Forwards
A1 Couce, Blanca
A1 Recarey-Rodríguez, Anel E
AD 
A1 Baos, Selene
A1 Pareja-Galeano, Helios
A1 Martínez Ferrán, María
K1 Teamsports
K1 Adiposity
K1 Fat-free mass
K1 Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry
K1 Somatotype
K1 Condición física-Evaluación
K1 Physical fitness-Testing
AB Background: Body composition analysis in rugby is necessary for profiling athletes for ideal positioning, the establishment of standards and the development of nutritional and training strategies for improvement. This study aimed to assess the body composition of elite rugby players and examine seasonal variations between backs and forwards using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and anthropometry. Methods: Thirty-two rugby players (25.97 ± 4.51 years; 93.00 ± 15.39 kg; 181.77 ± 6.27 cm) from First Spanish National league team had their body composition assessed using DXA and anthropometry before and afterthe season. Results: The main findings indicated that backs exhibited significant increases in total mass, lean mass and fat-free mass, whereas forwards showed and increased only in bone mass. In terms of somatotype, significant changes were observed only in backs, who demonstrated increased mesomorphy and ectomorphy. Within the forwards, frontrow players experienced greater increases in LM and FFM compared to other forwards. Conclusions: Rugby players show differences in body composition based on the physical demands of their playing position. These positional differences in body composition are influenced by both training adaptations and genetic predispositions, which ultimately determine the suitability of players for specific roles on the field.
PB MDPI
SN 2411-5142
YR 2025
FD 2025-09
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10259/11901
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10259/11901
LA eng
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Burgos
RD 11-jul-2026