Body Composition and Agility as Determinants of Kabaddi Performance: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Kabaddi is a team sport that requires physical strength, agility, endurance, and offensive and defensive skills. Body composition, such as muscle mass, fat-free mass, and fat mass, is believed to influence performance. This study analyzes the relationship between body composition, agility, and the performance of kabaddi athletes, as well as the contribution of each variable to the performance of kabaddi athletes. This correlational study with a cross-sectional approach involved 32 active kabaddi athletes from East Java. Data collection was carried out by measuring waist circumference with a measuring tape, while muscle mass, fat-free mass (FFM), and fat mass were measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) with the InBody 270; agility was assessed with the T-agility test, and kabaddi performance was evaluated by experts based on raiding, catching, and teamwork skills. The results showed that muscle mass had the strongest correlation with kabaddi performance (r=0.957, p=0.001), followed by fat-free mass (r=0.937, p=0.001) and waist circumference (r=0.749, p=0.001), while fat mass showed a lower significant correlation (r=0.512, p=0.010). Agility showed a significant negative correlation (r=-0.775, p=0.001), where faster agility test times were associated with better performance. The regression model explained 95.3% of the variability in kabaddi performance. In conclusion, muscle mass, fat-free mass, and agility are the main predictors of kabaddi athlete performance, while fat mass and waist circumference had minimal impact. © 2025, Pan-European University Apeiron. All rights reserved.