ASSOCIATION OF BODY MASS INDEX WITH POWER, STRENGTH AND FLEXIBILITY OF ELITE KABADDI PLAYERS

BACKGROUND OF STUDY: Kabaddi is a well known game usually played in every corners of India as well as in some other countries. We studied the correlation between selected fitness parameters (power, strength. flexibility) and body mass index of elite kabaddi players. METHODOLOGY: Total 47 Kabaddi players aged 18-25 were selected for the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria from Sports Authority of India Stadia, Delhi NCR, India. Every individual’s height, weight, BMI, power, strength and flexibility were assessed. Data analysis was done by using Pearson’s correlation coefficient test. RESULTS: There was a varying level of correlation seen in normal and high BMI groups. Normal BMI group shows positive correlation with lower limb power, no correlation with hand grip strength and low back and hamstring flexibility, whereas, high BMI group shows negative correlation with power, low back and hamstring flexibility and positive correlation with hand grip strength. CONCLUSION: We concluded that lower limb power positively correlates with normal BMI.  Lower back and hamstring flexibility and lower limb power negatively correlates whereas grip strength positively correlates with high BMI.