The Relationship between Body Composition and Aerobic Capacity among Sub-Elite Badminton Athletes

This study aimed to compare body composition and aerobic capacity across sex and competitive levels, and to examine the relationships between body composition (BMI and fat percentage) and aerobic capacity (VO₂ max) among sub-elite youth badminton athletes. This research utilized a cross-sectional design, sampling on state-level athletes with (males n=22; females n=15); aged (10–16 years). The athletes underwent anthropometric measurements for the BMI, fat percentage and aerobic testing (VO2 max estimated via 2.4 km Cooper Run). The results revealed a significant gender disparity with males exhibiting higher VO2 max (52.37 vs 48.12 ml/kg/min) and lower fat percentages (11.73% vs. 22.50%) compared to females. A moderate positive correlation between BMI and VO2 max was observed in males (r = 0.412, p = 0.029), but no significant associations emerged for fat percentage or among females. The competitive levels (Podium, Elite, Trial) did not show any significant associations with body composition in relation to VO2 max, with podium athletes displaying the highest aerobic capacity (52.56 ml/kg/min) despite marginally higher BMI and fat percentage. These findings suggest that while sex and competitive level influence aerobic performance, body composition variables play showed a limited association with aerobic capacity among youth badminton athletes. In conclusion, the study highlighted the Sport-specific training adaptations and physiological factors may exert a stronger influence on aerobic fitness than anthropometric characteristics alone.