Vol. 2, Issue 1, Part L (2016)

Abstract
The present study was undertaken to assess nutritional status of male players of four team games (Volleyball, Handball, Hockey and Basketball) and to evaluate their body composition and some related physiological parameters. The total sample consisted of forty players selected from different colleges of University of Delhi. A questionnaire was designed to elicit general information and anthropometric measurements taken included measurement of body weight, height, waist circumference, hip circumference and BMI & WHR were calculated. Body Composition was measured using Bioelectrical Impedance Body Composition analyzer. Among physiological variables resting pulse rate, blood pressure, hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels were assessed. Nutrient intake analysis was done using 3-day's dietary record method (two working days and one holiday). Standard descriptive statistics (mean ± standard deviation), and Pearson’s correlation coefficients (r) were applied and level of probability used to indicate statistical significance was p<0.05. It was evident from the analysis of physical characteristics of players that their mean body weight was 67.45±9.78 kg and mean height was 174.45±6.02 cm with mean BMI value of 22.11±2.67 which according to BMI classification was normal, however, distribution according to BMI classification showed 27.5% in overweight category. Nutrient analysis revealed mean energy intake as 2905.74±743.65 kcal and mean protein intake as 88.09±25.66 gm/d. Fat intake was 105.82±32.05 gm/d and was contributing to almost 33% of the total calories. The calcium, iron and folic acid intake were adequate in the diet of these players. Body composition data showed mean Fat Free Mass (FFM) as 53.97±6.16 kg and mean Body Fat Percent (BF%) as 19.85±4.28, which was much higher than the desired BF% for team game players (6-12%). Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) 127.17±11.71 mmHg which was slightly higher than the normal for this age group, however, mean diastolic blood pressures (DBP) of these players was normal at 80.85±8.30 mmHg. It was found that a majority (65%) of the players had high SBP and 45% of players with higher DBP. The SBP and DBP of male team game players were found to be positively and significantly correlated with weight, body mass index and total body fat.