Body composition profiles and physical readiness among paragliding trainees: A cross-sectional study

Authors

• Nanang Indardi, Department of Sports Science, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Semarang State University, Sekaran Gunung Pati Campus, Semarang, IndonesiaFollow
• Anies Setiowati, Department of Sports Science, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Semarang State University, Sekaran Gunung Pati Campus, Semarang, IndonesiaFollow
• Fajar Syamsudin, Department of Sports Science, Faculty of Sports Sciences, Semarang State University, Sekaran Gunung Pati Campus, Semarang, IndonesiaFollow
• Didik Cahyono, Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Teaching and Education, Universitas Mulawarman, Jl. Muara Pahu, Samarinda City, East Kalimantan Province, IndonesiaFollow
• Johnlenon Aliser, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, PhilippinesFollow
• Sangheon Park, Korea Institute of Sport Science, Seoul, Korea, Republic ofFollow

Abstract

Background: Physical readiness is essential for performance and safety in paragliding. Body composition has been recognized as an important factor associated with physical performance; however, evidence regarding its collective influence on physical readiness among paragliding trainees remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to examine the role of body composition as an integrated correlate of physical readiness among paragliding trainees using a multiple regression analysis. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted involving 24 paragliding trainees selected through purposive sampling. Body composition variables, including body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (PBF), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), and basal metabolic rate (BMR), were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Physical readiness was evaluated using a composite fitness score. Result: Descriptive analysis revealed moderate body composition profiles with substantial inter-individual variability. Multiple regression analysis showed that body composition variables collectively demonstrate a substantial association with physical readiness (R² = 0.557, Adjusted R² = 0.464, F = 5.969, p = 0.003). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that body composition is significantly associated with physical readiness among paragliding trainees. From a practical perspective, optimizing body composition, particularly reducing excess body fat and enhancing skeletal muscle mass, may be considered in training programs. This study contributes to the limited literature on aerial sports by providing evidence-based insights for individualized training strategies to improve both performance and safety in paragliding.

Recommended Citation

Indardi, N., Setiowati, A., Syamsudin, F., Cahyono, D., Aliser, J., & Park, S. (2026). Body composition profiles and physical readiness among paragliding trainees: A cross-sectional study. Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health, 4(1).
Available at: https://citeus.um.ac.id/ijrpesh/vol4/iss1/14