Anthropometric and body composition profile of athletes from the Peruvian Paralympic boccia team

Trillo-Matos G.L.; Saldaña-Arqueros C.L.; Kong-Lozano L.Á. · Revista Espanola de Nutricion Humana y Dietetica (2026) · DOI: 10.14306/renhyd.30.1.2663

Resumen

Introduction: Body composition assessment in Paralympic athletes is a challenge, as Body Mass Index (BMI) may be an inadequate indicator in populations with motor disabilities. In boccia, a precision sport for athletes with severe disabilities, this assessment is crucial, yet the literature is markedly scarce. The objective of this study was to describe the anthropometric and body composition profile of the Peruvian boccia team. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, and observational study was conducted on six athletes (n=6; 4 men, 2 women) from the Peruvian national boccia team. Weight, estimated height (via knee height), skinfolds, and BMI were evaluated. Body fat percentage (%BF) was estimated using the Durnin/Womersley and Siri equations, and the Fat Mass Index (FMI) was calculated. Descriptive analysis was performed. Results: The total sample (n=6) presented a mean age of 42.0 ± 6.4 years. The global BMI was 21.4 ± 4.5 kg/m2, the Fat Mass Index (FMI) was 6.8 ± 1.5 kg/m2, and the global body fat percentage was 31.6 ± 2.4%. A marked discrepancy was observed: 50% of the sample was classified as “normal weight” (BMI 18.5–24.9), whereas 67% of the sample presented a %BF greater than 30%. Conclusions: In the exploratory group studied, findings suggest that BMI may be an inadequate indicator to characterize adiposity, which was numerically high according to body composition indicators (%BF and FMI). Descriptive data suggest a trend where excess adiposity coexists with a BMI in normal weight ranges. Obra bajo Licencia Creative Commons Reconocimiento-NoComercial-CompartirIgual 4.0 Internacional. Más información: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/

Instituciones: Universidad Científica del Sur; Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola