Anthropometric, Physiological, and Physical Profile of Elite Snowboarding Athletes

Abstract

A successful snowboarding performance is a multifactorial accomplishment resulting from a complex interaction of the major fitness components. This review aimed to examine the anthropometric, physiological, and physical profiles of elite snowboarding athletes. A database search was performed in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, PubMed, SPORT Discus, and Web of Science. The findings indicate that (a) elite speed-based and skill-based athletes generally had low body fat percentages. The height and body mass of men speed-based athletes are slightly larger than those of skill-based athletes. (b) The energy system predominantly engaged in is anaerobic metabolism. Muscle oxidative metabolism could help to promote recovery in the repeated high-intensity runs. (c) Top levels of lower-body strength, especially the eccentric force production and explosive concentric power production of athletes, have a determinant role in rapid riding and turning, jump amplitude, trick difficulty, and successful landing. The take-off velocity of skill-based snowboarding and the starting and turning speed of speed-based snowboarding also have a major effect on success in competitions. Further research is warranted to investigate the anthropometry, the relative energy system contributions from aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, and the effect of physical training on performance while considering the possible differentiated effects of different snowboarding disciplines.