Overview of Body Metric Analysis for Junior Athletes using Ultrasonography and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Technology

Changes in body composition parameters can be used as a mean of tracking an athlete’s health. Athletic performance relative to fat mass should be evaluated as an increase may be detrimental to physical activities by increasing energy demands and decreasing performance. Body composition, is an important indicator of nutritional status, water homeostasis and the specific adaptations to different physical training regimens. Similarly, assessment of the thigh muscles can provide adequate information on functionality and injury vulnerability. Knowledge garnered from biometric analysis using ultrasound and bio-impedance analysis technology, may be used to gauge the health status of future elite athletes. Assessing the body composition and muscle characteristics of young athletes, allow for early detection of weak areas that may negatively affect the performance of these athletes in the future. In addition, knowledge of how these parameters vary with performance provides an athlete with data that may be used to optimize performance.