Linear Discriminant Analysis of Various Physiological and Psychological Parameters among Indian Elite Male Athletes of Different Types of Sports

The aim of this study was to categorize various physical, physiological, and psychological variables that discriminated among Indian elite male athletes participating in endurance sports (Group A, n=34, age=16.88±2.44 years), combat sports (Group B, n=35, age=17.40±1.37 years) and skill sports (Group C, n=34, age= 8.91±2.24 years) and non-athletic control group (Group D, N=33, years=18.48±2.03 years). Physical parameters included height, body weight, body fat percentage, lean body mass, muscle content, and total water content. Physiological parameters included heart rate variability and maximal aerobic power (VO2 max) measured using the Astrand protocol. Various psychological parameters were evaluated using Big Five Inventory and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaires. Discriminant analysis revealed three significant functions (P<0.05) contributing 65.7%, 25.8%, and 8.5% respectively to the model. After cross-validation, the resulting equation correctly classified 72.8% of endurance, combat, skill athletes, and control group. Total thirteen variables significantly (P<0.05) contributed to the discriminant analysis. The interpretation of the acquired discriminant functions was also based on the examination of the structure coefficients greater than 0.30. The athletes and control were discriminated mainly on VO2 max (structure coefficient, SC=0.741) in Function 1, body weight (SC=0.424), Lean body mass (SC=0.430), and muscle content (SC=0.574). This model substantiates the fact that elite male athletes show physical and physiological differences because of the different training regimens in their respective sports that conditioned them differently. In conclusion, these discriminant models could help in athlete’s induction, talent identification process and improving training programs.