Factorial analysis of body composition in female ice hockey players

Aim. The paper aims to perform factorial analysis of body composition in female ice hockey players. Materials and methods. The study involved female ice hockey players of the national team (n = 25, mean age - 22.4 ± 3.6 years). Anthropometric measurements involved measuring the distance from the so-called anthropometric point to the floor, measuring body circumferences and skinfold thickness. Body composition was measured by biolelectrical impedance. The results obtained allowed to identify body proportions, somatotype and body composition values that were typical of female ice hockey players. Results. Factorial analysis showed eight factors that explained 89.4% of dispersion. Lean and fat mass (kg), body length (cm), body area (m2), BMI, endomorphy (ENDO) or ectomorphy (ECTO), body proportions, soft tissue mineral mass (%TM), mineral mass (%TM) were considered as significant factors. Variability and dispersion of these indicators can be used for the assessment of body composition in female ice hockey players. Conclusion. Our analysis demonstrated reliability of eight factors (89.4%) that could be used for body composition measurements in female ice hockey players.