Determination of the Body Segmental Muscle Mass Asymmetry among Boxers in Manipur: A Cross-Sectional Study

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Background: Boxing is a combat sport which requires repetitive bilateral upper-limb activity, with the lead and rear limbs performing distinct functional roles. These sport-specific demands may contribute to segmental muscle asymmetry, yet data among Indian boxers remain limited. Objective: To determine the body segmental muscle mass asymmetry among boxers in Manipur. Study Design: Cross-Sectional Study. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 47 elite boxers aged 18?35 years training at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Training Centre, Imphal. Segmental skeletal muscle mass was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Upper- and lower-limb muscle asymmetry as well as upper-to-lower body asymmetry were determined. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and independent t-test. Results: Upper-limb muscle asymmetry was observed in 44.7% of participants, followed by upper-to-lower body asymmetry (29.8%) and lower-limb asymmetry (19.1%). The mean upper- and lower-limb muscle asymmetry percentages were 6.1 ± 2.4% and 3.2 ± 1.6%, respectively. No significant associations were found between upper-limb muscle asymmetry and gender (p = 0.502) or dominant punching hand (p = 0.088). Conclusion: Upper-limb muscle asymmetry was the predominant pattern among elite boxers. These findings provide baseline reference data for elite Indian boxers and support the use of segmental BIA for routine athlete monitoring and individualized training.