Training for the NFL Combine: Body Composition Changes

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of a 6-week training/preparation program on body composition in college football players vying for the NFL Combine.

Methods: Thirty-five collegiate football players (mean ± SD – age: 22.4 ± 0.9, height cm: 186.4 ± 8.4) participated in a 6-week training preparation program. Body composition was assessed via the Bod Pod. Total body water was assessed via bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS). Pre vs post values were analyzed via paired samples t-tests.

Results: There was a significant increase in lean body mass (p=0.0014) (Pre 86.1 ± 10.1 vs Post 87.7 ± 9.9 kg), a significant decrease in fat mass (p=0.0327) (Pre 16.8 ± 8.6 vs Post 15.8 ± 8.2 kg), and a significant decrease in % body fat (p=0.0194) (Pre 15.7 ± 5.5 vs Post 14.8 ± 5.4 percent). There were no significant changes in body mass (Pre 102.9 ± 16.5 vs Post 103.6 ± 15.6) or total body water (Pre 64.5 ± 8.1 vs Post 64.5 ± 7.6 liters).

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that 6 weeks of training in preparation for the NFL Combine can produce significant and beneficial alterations in body composition vis a vis an increase in lean body mass with a concomitant decrease in fat mass and body fat percentage.