Anthropometric Profile, Sports Nutrition Knowledge and Its Association Among Karate Athletes in Kuantan, Pahang

Abstract

Background: Karate is a growing combat sport in Malaysia with increasing international success. Anthropometric profile such as somatotype, body mass index (BMI), and body fat percentage influence combat performance, while sports nutrition knowledge (SNK) may further affect these factors. Therefore this study aimed to assess the anthropometric profiles, SNK level, and its associations among karate athletes in Kuantan, Pahang. Methods: A total of 26 male and female karate athletes aged 14–21 years from Majlis Sukan Pahang participated in the study. BMI was calculated from height and weight, body fat percentage was estimated using two-site skinfold measurements and the Slaughter et al. equation, and somatotype was determined using the Carter and Heath method. SNK was assessed using the Nutrition Knowledge for Young Athletes (NUKYA) questionnaire. Spearman’s rank-order correlation was employed to analyze associations between anthropometric profile and SNK. Results: Male athletes had a mean BMI of 21.3 ± 2.95 kg/m², body fat percentage of 21%, and predominantly mesomorphic somatotype. Female athletes recorded a mean BMI of 21.6 ± 0.34 kg/m², body fat percentage of 24.2 ± 3.43%, and predominantly endomorphic characteristics. Overall, athletes demonstrated low SNK, with only 11.5% scoring above 60%. No significant association was found between somatotype and SNK in either gender. However, a significant negative correlation was observed between BMI and SNK among females (r = –0.845, p < 0.0001), while a significant positive correlation was found between body fat percentage and SNK among males (r = 0.427, p = 0.007). Conclusion: Malaysian karate athletes in this study exhibited generally low levels of sports nutrition knowledge. While SNK showed associations with BMI and body fat percentage, no significant relationship was observed with somatotype. These findings suggest that nutrition knowledge may not strongly influence inherent body type but underscores the importance of targeted nutrition education programs to improve dietary practices and athletic performance. Further research involving larger and more diverse athlete populations is recommended to validate and expand upon these findings