The Effects of a Baseball Season on Various Body Composition Measurements in NCAA Division I Baseball Players

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the body composition fluctuation pattern, in baseball players thus generating insights that may contribute to optimization of the diet/training regimes for maximal performance and optimal health.
Methods: Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans performed at the start and end of five different seasons (2015-2019) were analyzed and compared. Groups were stratified to examine differences in players’ positions (Pitchers vs. Position Players) and first-year status effects (Freshman/Transfer vs. Sophomore/Junior/Seniors). Results: Body weight and lean body mass, significantly decreased from the beginning to end of season for the overall team (p ≤ 0.05). Position Players exhibited a statistically significant decline in body weight, body fat percentage, and fat mass (p ≤ 0.05) during the season while pitchers did not demonstrate significant changes in these measures. First-year players exhibited a statistically significant increase in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass over the season while Sophomore/Junior/Seniors demonstrated a significant decrease in body weight and fat mass (p ≤ 0.05).
Conclusion: Baseball players’ body composition changes over the season, therefore, the study results may be helpful for collegiate baseball programs, and potentially athletes in similar sports, to improve the performance, development, and health of young student athletes.