Introduction: This study aimed to review the literature on the role of body composition as a
risk factor for injury in an athletic population.
Materials and Methods: We searched articles in English in Google Scholar Science direct,
PubMed, WOS, Scopus, ProQuest, and Cochrane Library databases without time limit until
2020 using keywords related to "body composition" and "sports injury".
Results: Considering criteria including inclusion and exclusion, 10 papers out of 1322 studies
were comprehensively reviewed. It was found that body composition components are related
to musculoskeletal injuries in the athletic population. Body mass index, weight and bone
density are known as risk factors in the development of sports injuries.
Conclusion: This systematic review provides preliminary evidence of the relationship
between body composition and prediction of injury in athletes. Defects in various aspects of
body composition were recognized as potential risk factors for lower extremity injuries.
Likewise, body composition should be considered when screening athletes.