Association of body mass index and body fat with agility and power: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Body composition is a key determinant of athletic performance, particularly in soccer, where it influences strength, agility, and overall physical capacity. Body composition can be assessed through body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, and muscle mass.
Objective: This study aimed to examine the association of BMI and body fat percentage with agility and lower-limb explosive power in university soccer players.
Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study employed purposive sampling and was conducted in March 2024 at the Hasanuddin University Soccer Student Activity Unit. BMI and body fat percentage were assessed using the Karada Scan, agility was measured with the Illinois Agility Test, and lower-limb explosive power was evaluated using the Vertical Jump Test.
Results: A total of 45 respondents participated in the study. The mean BMI was 20.65 kg/m² (within the normal range), mean body fat percentage was 12.70% (normal), mean agility score was 18.24 seconds (moderate), and mean vertical jump height was 50.20 cm (fair). Correlation analysis using Somers’ D revealed no statistically significant associations between BMI and body fat percentage with either agility or lower-limb explosive power (p = 0.412).
Conclusion: No significant associations were found between BMI and body fat percentage with agility or lower-limb explosive power in university soccer players. These findings suggest that factors beyond body composition may play a greater role in determining agility and explosive performance in soccer athletes.