Urine creatinine and anthropometric indices of sportsmen and women

Background: Interpretation of the different aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, training, and anthropometric indices of sportspersons from different sports discipline can aid in improving sports performance. This study sought to evaluate the association between urine creatinine concentration (UCR) and percentage body fat (%BF), body mass index (BMI), and duration of training (DOT) among University of Ghana sportspersons. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. Information on background characteristics, body weight, height, %BF, and sporting activity profiles were gathered on a convenient sample of 101 University of Ghana sportsmen and women across all levels of study. BMI and %BF were determined using the Omron Fat Loss Monitor™. Creatinine concentration in 24-h urine samples was analyzed using Jaffe's reaction, and absorbance read spectrophotometrically at 530 nm. Results: Mean age was 22 ± 3 years. Thirty-one percent (31%) of the participants played football, whereas 69% took part in other sports (handball, volleyball, rugby, and baseball). Average daily DOT of 113.6 ± 44 min (males) and 95.1 ± 54 min (females) was reported by the participants. Mean BMI and %BF were 23.1 ± 3.7 Kg/m 2 and 23.2 ± 9.0%, respectively. The mean BMI was within normal range as per the WHO standards, whereas %BF exceeded required limits for each sports discipline. UCR was higher for males (1.2 ± 0.5 g/d) as compared to females (0.8 ± 0.5 g/d). There was a weak positive correlation between UCR and BMI ( r = 0.123; P = 0.22) and between UCR and DOT ( r = 0.074; P = 0.46). %BF and UCR were inversely related ( r = −0.114, P = 0.26). There was no association between UCR and type of sports ( P = 0.24). There was a significant association between the type of sports and BMI ( P = 0.002). Conclusion: There was a weak positive correlation between creatinine and BMI as well as training duration. Type of sports played is a significant predictor of sportspersons' BMI.