The purpose of this study was to compare the characteristics of starters and nonstarters with respect to the anthropometric and physical fitness in a Japanese university rugby team. Our sample pool consisted of 54 players of the K University rugby team, who were registered for the official games (all 7 games/year) in 2018 and 2019. The starter group (26 players) comprised of players with more than 3 games/year while the non-starter group (28 players) comprised of players that registered for official games but played less than 3 games. Anthropometric parameters, such as height, body mass, skinfold (8 items), girth (5 items), body composition, muscular strength, intermittent endurance, and sprint time, were assessed. We found that the starter group for forwards had lower skinfold (Biceps, Iliac crest, Supraspinale, Abdominal, Front thigh, and Medial calf) and percentage body fat than in the non-starter group. The starter group for backs had muscle strength of narrow chinning is higher than in the non-starter group. Finally, our study helped to clarify the physical factors that influence the difference in athletic performance between starters and non-starters in university rugby team. The forward starters had lower percentage body fat and better body composition and backs starters had better narrow chinning. The findings provide information to university rugby players who want to become starters, as well as help the coaching staff understand the factors that need to be strengthened in the players.

While female long-distance runners are considered to have strong body dissatisfaction and body concerns, body-image research that incorporates detailed anthropometric and body composition parameters is still limited. The present study therefore investigates the physical characteristics and body image of Japanese female long-distance runners and explores the factors that influence their body image. Detailed anthropometric and body composition assessment using a dual-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (DFBIA) was conducted on 30 Japanese female university long-distance runners. In addition, a questionnaire that included the Body Satisfaction Scale (BSS) and the Ben-Tovim Walker Body Attitudes Questionnaire (BAQ) was administered. On average, the participants had relatively low body mass index (BMI) and percentage body fat (%BF) (BMI: 18.3 ± 1.6 kg/m2; %BF: 19.7 ± 4.4%), but about 50–60% of them perceived themselves as being fat or having an excessive level of %BF. Their BSS scores were not associated with their measured physique. However, the anthropometric variables of the limbs were associated with the BAQ and its subscales. There was no single source that the majority referred to obtain information on their body, and performance was the only reason for their increased body concern. In order to better understand the factors that influence their body dissatisfaction and the effects of providing accurate information on behaviour modification, further investigation is warranted.

Aim: To understand the anthropometry, metabolism, and menstrual status of Japanese collegiate female long-distance runners. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 29 Japanese college female long-distance runners divided into three menstruation status groups: 1) Regular; 2) Irregular; and 3) Amenorrhea. The amenorrhea group was further divided into participants who consulted a gynecologist and those who did not. Metabolism was measured using resting metabolic rate, total energy expenditure, and physical activity level. Energy was measured using energy intake, exercise energy expenditure, and energy availability (EA). Anthropometric measurements were performed following standardized techniques from the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry. Results: Of the 29 runners, 68% had menstrual dysfunction. The amenorrhea group who had consulted a gynecologist had lower body mass index (BMI) and lower skinfolds than the other groups. All groups had more than 30 kcal/kg fat free mass/day for EA with no difference between the groups. Conclusions: There was high prevalence of menstrual dysfunction in the female Japanese college long-distance runners. Runners with amenorrhea had lower BMI and lower skinfolds than the other groups, despite having consulted a gynecologist for medical support. All the runners had an energy deficiency higher than the published threshold; therefore, this threshold did not differentiate the amenorrhea or irregular menstruating athletes from regular menstruating athletes. Longitudinal tracking of athletes should include measurement of height, body mass, and skinfolds to enable evaluation of BMI, the sum of eight skinfold sites, and leanness ratio score as possible indicators over time for menstrual dysfunction.

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