Abstract

Background: Anthropometric variables are highly related to physical performance, being used for the control and monitoring of athletes in different sports. However, whether anthropometric characteristics of female and male athletes bear a different effect on fitness must be determined. Objectives: To relate anthropometric characteristics and fitness of female in comparison with male athletes. Methods: College athletes (n = 189, 112 males) were assessed in weight, height, body mass index, lower and upper body power, agility, and endurance. Results: Males had greater weight and height than female athletes (17 kg and 17 cm, respectively), as well as fitness performance in all tests. In both males and females upper body power was positively correlated with body mass and height (P < 0.05). In addition, agility was negatively correlated (P < 0.05) with height in males and body mass in females. Aerobic fitness show a negative correlation (P < 0.05) with body mass in males. Conclusions: Anthropometric characteristics of female and male athletes bear a different effect on fitness.