The 1983 C.H. McCloy Research Lecture Appetite and Body Composition Consequent to Physical Activity

Abstract

Body composition has become a major field of interest for many exercise and sport scientists as well as clinicians who specialize in the prevention of and rehabilitation from hypokinetic diseases. This review article discusses the state of the art within selected areas of body composition, including the following: exercise in appetite regulation, the use of body density to estimate relative body fat in selected populations, the use of anthropometric equations to estimate body composition, and alterations in body composition with exercise training. It was concluded that acute bouts of exercise may have short term anorexigenic effects, but that alterations in appetite with extended periods of training are less clearly defined. Exercise training does result in modest decreases in total and fat weight and in relative body fat, and small increases in lean body weight. However, these alterations are not substantial. Finally, major research efforts are needed to improve methodology in body composition assessment.     

Intraseason changes in the body composition of collegiate female gymnasts

Body composition measures were collected pre‐, mid‐ and post‐season on a team of eight national‐calibre collegiate women gymnasts to examine intraseason changes. Also analysed were interseason changes using pre‐ and post‐season data on five of the eight subjects during the current and previous year, according to a 2 x 2 (years x tests) analysis of variance repeated‐measures design. Skinfold, circumference and diameter measures were collected with percentage body fat, lean body mass and body density determined by regression equations developed specifically for collegiate female gymnasts.

Intraseason body weight decreased significantly from pre‐ to mid‐season (x = 55.0 and 53.6 kg respectively); but the difference between mid‐ and post‐season (53.9 kg) values was not significant (P>0.05). The majority of the 1.4 kg weight loss occurred during intense pre‐season conditioning and not during the actual season. Percentage body fat, on the other hand, decreased significantly from pre‐to mid‐season and mid‐ to post‐season (x = 21.4%, 17.4% and 13.45% respectively; P<0.0005). Body density increased significantly from pre‐ to mid‐season and mid‐ to post‐season (x = 1.0476, 1.0584 and 1.0681 respectively; P<0.0005). Of the circumference and skinfold values used in calculating percentage body fat and body density, only the skinfold values displayed significant decreases throughout the season.

Interseason analyses revealed no significant changes in any of the dependent measures between seasons, despite consistent trends. There were no significant years x tests interactions and all intraseason changes for two seasons (n = 5) were the same as those found in more detailed analysis of a single season (n = 8) except in the case of weight loss, which was marginally significant (P < 0.046) in the single‐season and not in the dual‐season analysis (P>0.05).

Body composition of these gymnasts changed in many ways within competitive seasons. The most pronounced changes observed were decreases in subcutaneous fat and increases in body density. This study reinforces the need for administrators, coaches and athletes to be concerned with percentage body fat and skinfold measures rather than weight alone when determining if a person is ‘fat’.     

Intraseason changes in the body composition of collegiate female gymnasts

Body composition measures were collected pre-, mid- and post-season on a team of eight national-calibre collegiate women gymnasts to examine intraseason changes. Also analysed were interseason changes using pre- and post-season data on five of the eight subjects during the current and previous year, according to a 2 x 2 (years x tests) analysis of variance repeated-measures design. Skinfold, circumference and diameter measures were collected with percentage body fat, lean body mass and body density determined by regression equations developed specifically for collegiate female gymnasts. Intraseason body weight decreased significantly from pre- to mid-season (means = 55.0 and 53.6 kg respectively); but the difference between mid- and post-season (53.9 kg) values was not significant (P greater than 0.05). The majority of the 1.4 kg weight loss occurred during intense pre-season conditioning and not during the actual season. Percentage body fat, on the other hand, decreased significantly from pre- to mid-season and mid- to post-season (means = 21.4%, 17.4% and 13.45% respectively; P less than 0.0005). Body density increased significantly from pre- to mid-season and mid- to post-season (means = 1.0476, 1.0584 and 1.0681 respectively; P greater than 0.0005). Of the circumference and skinfold values used in calculating percentage body fat and body density, only the skinfold values displayed significant decreases throughout the season. Interseason analyses revealed no significant changes in any of the dependent measures between seasons, despite consistent trends. There were no significant years x tests interactions and all intraseason changes for two seasons (n = 5) were the same as those found in more detailed analysis of a single season (n = 8) except in the case of weight loss, which was marginally significant (P less than 0.046) in the single-season and not in the dual-season analysis (P greater than 0.05). Body composition of these gymnasts changed in many ways within competitive seasons. The most pronounced changes observed were decreases in subcutaneous fat and increases in body density. This study reinforces the need for administrators, coaches and athletes to be concerned with percentage body fat and skinfold measures rather than weight alone when determining if a person is 'fat'.     

Body composition and hydration status changes in male and female open-water swimmers during an ultra-endurance event

Body mass changes during ultra-endurance performances have been described for running, cycling and for swimming in a heated pool. The present field study of 20 male and 11 female open-water swimmers investigated the changes in body composition and hydration status during an ultra-endurance event. Body mass, both estimated fat mass and skeletal muscle mass, haematocrit, plasma sodium concentration ([Na+]) and urine specific gravity were determined. Energy intake, energy expenditure and fluid intake were estimated. Males experienced significant reductions in body mass (-0.5 %) and skeletal muscle mass (-1.1 %) (P < 0.05) during the race compared to females who showed no significant changes with regard to these variables (P > 0.05). Changes in percent body fat, fat mass, and fat-free mass were heterogeneous and did not reach statistical significance (P > 0.05) between gender groups. Fluid intake relative to plasma volume was higher in females than in males during the ultra-endurance event. Compared to males, females' average increase in haematocrit was 3.3 percentage points (pp) higher, urine specific gravity decrease 0.1 pp smaller, and plasma [Na+] 1.3 pp higher. The observed patterns of fluid intake, changes in plasma volume, urine specific gravity, and plasma [Na+] suggest that, particularly in females, a combination of fluid shift from blood vessels to interstitial tissue, facilitated by skeletal muscle damage, as well as exercise-associated hyponatremia had occurred. To summarise, changes in body composition and hydration status are different in male compared to female open-water ultra-endurance swimmers.     

Influence of training and match intensity on injuries in rugby league

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of perceived intensity, duration and load of matches and training on the incidence of injury in rugby league players. The incidence of injury was prospectively studied in 79 semi-professional rugby league players during the 2001 season. All injuries sustained during matches and training sessions were recorded. Training sessions were conducted from December to September, with matches played from February to September. The intensity of individual training sessions and matches was estimated using a modified rating of perceived exertion scale. Training load was calculated by multiplying the training intensity by the duration of the training session. The match load was calculated by multiplying the match intensity by the time each player participated in the match. Training load increased from December (278.3 [95% confidence interval, CI 262.2 to 294.5] units) to February (385.5 [95% CI 362.4 to 408.5] units), followed by a decline until September (98.4 [95% CI 76.5 to 120.4] units). Match load increased from February (204.0 [95% CI 186.2 to 221.8] units) to September (356.8 [95% CI 302.5 to 411.1] units). More training injuries were sustained in the first half of the season (first vs second: 69.2% vs 30.8%, P < 0.001), whereas match injuries occurred more frequently in the latter stages of the season (53.6% vs 46.4%, P < 0.001). A significant relationship (P < 0.05) was observed between changes in training injury incidence and changes in training intensity (r = 0.83), training duration (r = 0.79) and training load (r = 0.86). In addition, changes in the incidence of match injuries were significantly correlated (P < 0.05) with changes in match intensity (r = 0.74), match duration (r = 0.86) and match load (r = 0.86). These findings suggest that as the intensity, duration and load of rugby league training sessions and matches is increased, the incidence of injury is also increased.     

Comparison of body composition and somatotype of trained female triathletes

The body composition and somatotype of 16 trained female triathletes aged 18.8-32.8 years were measured. All of the subjects were engaged in a competitive training programme and participated in the same triathlon. Anthropometric variables included height, mass, selected diameters, girths and skinfolds, and a Heath-Carter anthropometric somatotype. Body composition was determined by hydrostatic weighing procedures and skinfold patterns. Comparisons were made with Olympic swimmers and runners. The triathletes had a mean body mass of 55.2 kg and a mean height of 162.1 cm. When compared to swimmers, the triathletes were somewhat shorter and significantly (P less than 0.005) older. On most other measures, including a balanced mesomorph somatotype of 3.1-4.3-2.6, they were similar to swimmers. This group of triathletes were generally heavier, less lean, more mesomorphic and less ectomorphic than elite runners. Reported body densities from other studies indicated little difference between the triathletes and other groups. Skinfold patterns were similar in shape for all groups, but the runners had smaller values, at all sites, than either swimmers or triathletes. Because of lack of information on cyclists, adequate comparisons were not possible. Regression analysis indicated that training parameters were more important than anthropometric measures in the prediction of performance. It was concluded that this group of triathletes were closer, with respect to both body composition and somatotype, to swimmers than to runners.     

Influence of training and match intensity on injuries in rugby league

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of perceived intensity, duration and load of matches and training on the incidence of injury in rugby league players. The incidence of injury was prospectively studied in 79 semi-professional rugby league players during the 2001 season. All injuries sustained during matches and training sessions were recorded. Training sessions were conducted from December to September, with matches played from February to September. The intensity of individual training sessions and matches was estimated using a modified rating of perceived exertion scale. Training load was calculated by multiplying the training intensity by the duration of the training session. The match load was calculated by multiplying the match intensity by the time each player participated in the match. Training load increased from December (278.3 [95% confidence interval, CI 262.2 to 294.5] units) to February (385.5 [95% CI 362.4 to 408.5] units), followed by a decline until September (98.4 [95% CI 76.5 to 120.4] units). Match load increased from February (204.0 [95% CI 186.2 to 221.8] units) to September (356.8 [95% CI 302.5 to 411.1] units). More training injuries were sustained in the first half of the season (first vs second: 69.2% vs 30.8%, P?<0.001), whereas match injuries occurred more frequently in the latter stages of the season (53.6% vs 46.4%, P?<0.001). A significant relationship (P?<0.05) was observed between changes in training injury incidence and changes in training intensity (r?=?0.83), training duration (r?=?0.79) and training load (r?=?0.86). In addition, changes in the incidence of match injuries were significantly correlated (P?<0.05) with changes in match intensity (r?=?0.74), match duration (r?=?0.86) and match load (r?=?0.86). These findings suggest that as the intensity, duration and load of rugby league training sessions and matches is increased, the incidence of injury is also increased.     

Body dissatisfaction in women’s artistic gymnastics: A longitudinal study of psychosocial indicators

Body dissatisfaction is prevalent in women’s artistic gymnastics (WAG). Cross-sectional research points to social and individual risk factors, however it does not account for potential changes in body dissatisfaction during an athletic season. This study aimed to determine how gymnasts’ body dissatisfaction, risk factors for eating disorders, media internalisation, perfectionism and mood state change during pre-competition, competition and post-competition seasons and to identify how these psychosocial indicators impact on body dissatisfaction during the athletic year. The sample consisted of 20 Brazilian elite women’s artistic gymnasts aged 10–16 years. Data were obtained from a 9-month study using: Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ); Eating Attitude Test-26; Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-3 (SATAQ-3); Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS); Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) and triceps and subscapular skinfolds. Body dissatisfaction was higher during the competition season and disordered eating, perfectionism and vigour values were higher in the pre-competition season. Disordered eating has been found as the strongest predictor of body dissatisfaction during all seasons, and mood state partly contributed to body dissatisfaction in the competitive season. Stakeholders should understand that body dissatisfaction and the prevalence of disordered eating may change over time.     

Relationships between Changes in Health and Fitness and the Perception of Exercise

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine how weight training affected the physical fitness of football, basketball, and track and field squads when it was used as a supplement to normal training during different halves of the season. In each sport the athletes were divided into two matched groups: one did weight training during the first half of the season only, and the other group during the second half only. In general, the resulting statistics show that weight training adds significantly to the physical fitness produced by normal training.     

比赛前后优秀女子赛艇运动员体成分与AT4功率的变化特点及其相关性研究

以优秀女子赛艇W8＋运动员为研究对象,探讨优秀女子公开级赛艇运动员在赛前训练和赛后停训及恢复训练阶段体成分和AT4功率的变化情况和相关性特点。结果：瘦体重和骨骼肌质量在赛前训练和赛后停训阶段呈显著下降,恢复训练5周后较赛前训练后期显著升高,但仍显著低于赛前训练初期水平;体脂%在赛前训练和停训及恢复训练阶段均呈连续显著升高趋势;AT4功率在赛前和恢复训练6周后变化不显著,仅与体脂%呈中度负相关（P〈0.01）。结论：AT4功率和体成分各指标在赛前训练和停训阶段易出现不良变化,且较难改善,较高的体脂%可能是限制运动水平提高的重要因素之一。     

The influence of` preseason training phase and training load on body composition and its relationship with physical qualities in professional junior rugby league players

ABSTRACT

This study investigated changes in body composition in relation to training load determined using RPE and duration (sRPE), and its relationship with physical qualities over a preseason period. Sixteen professional academy players (age = 17.2 ± 0.7 years; stature = 179.9 ± 4.9 cm; body mass = 88.5 ± 10.1 kg) participated in the study. Body composition was assessed before and after each training phase and physical qualities assessed at the start and end of preseason. Across the whole preseason period, skinfold thickness, body fat percentage and fat mass were most likely lower (ES = ?0.73 to ?1.00), and fat free mass and lean mass were likely to most likely higher (ES = 0.31 to 0.40). Results indicated that the magnitude of change appeared phase-dependent (ES = ?0.05 to ?0.85) and demonstrated large individual variability. Changes in physical qualities ranged from unclear to most likely (ES = ?0.50 to 0.64). Small to moderate correlations were observed between changes in body composition, and TL with changes in physical qualities. This study suggests training phase and TL can influence a player’s body composition; that large inter-participant variability exists; and that body composition and TL are related to the change in physical qualities.     

Sport-specific nutrition: practical strategies for team sports

Implementation of a nutrition programme for team sports involves application of scientific research together with the social skills necessary to work with a sports medicine and coaching staff. Both field and court team sports are characterized by intermittent activity requiring a heavy reliance on dietary carbohydrate sources to maintain and replenish glycogen. Energy and substrate demands are high during pre-season training and matches, and moderate during training in the competitive season. Dietary planning must include enough carbohydrate on a moderate energy budget, while also meeting protein needs. Strength and power team sports require muscle-building programmes that must be accompanied by adequate nutrition, and simple anthropometric measurements can help the nutrition practitioner monitor and assess body composition periodically. Use of a body mass scale and a urine specific gravity refractometer can help identify athletes prone to dehydration. Sports beverages and caffeine are the most common supplements, while opinion on the practical effectiveness of creatine is divided. Late-maturing adolescent athletes become concerned about gaining size and muscle, and assessment of maturity status can be carried out with anthropometric procedures. An overriding consideration is that an individual approach is needed to meet each athlete's nutritional needs.     

Body Composition of Olympic Speed Skating Candidates

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to quantify the body composition of speed skaters who were candidates for the 1980 United States Olympic Team. Subjects were 19 males between 16 and 27 years of age. Most subjects had just completed three months of intensive dry-land training. Seven skinfold fat, 11 circumference, and seven diameter sites were measured. Body density was determined by underwater weighing. Study of the speed skaters (mean ± standard deviation) gave the following results: height, 176 ± 8 cm; body weight, 69.6 ± 7.0 kg; body density, 1.081 ± 0.006 g/ml; and relative fat, 7.6 ± 2.6%. The eight speed skaters who were selected for the Olympic Team were significantly older, taller, and heavier in total body weight and fat free weight (FFW) than the non-Olympians. Thus, years of training and greater FFW may help differentiate international caliber male speed skaters. Data on Olympic speed skating candidates from 1968 showed them to be of similar age (20.1 yr) and height (176 cm), but greater in body weight (73.9 kg). Relative fat was not determined but the body mass index (Wt/ht²) showed that the present speed skaters may be leaner (24.0 vs 22.2). These differences in body composition were thought to be, in part, a result of the more rigorous training program currently used by speed skaters. The body composition of the speed skaters was also compared to that of other athletic groups.     

Analysis of the body composition of Paralympic athletes: Comparison of two methods

Body composition is a physiological variable associated with physical activity and, in some cases, is related to athletic performance. Our objectives were to describe the body composition of participants in three distinct Paralympic sports and to compare the values of body density and estimated body fat obtained from the Paralympic athletes on the National Team by air-displacement plethysmography (ADP) and by the anthropometric method (skinfolds (SFs)). The sample consisted of 70 volunteers of both genders. The body composition of the volunteers was evaluated using the ADP in a Bod Pod^® and seven SFs. There were no significant differences between the values obtained by ADP and SF for body fat percentage (p?=?.58) and body density (p?=?.49). Analysis by Bland–Altman plots showed mean differences of 0.56?±?4.94 (?9.12–10.23) and ?0.0017?±?0.0113 (?0.024–0.020) for body fat percentage and body density, respectively. In conclusion, body composition analyses of Paralympic athletes by the ADP and SF methods show similar results, and ADP should be used as the first option when available. When the use of ADP is not possible, estimating body density and fat percentage by SF is a viable alternative for Paralympic athletes when future comparisons will use the same analysis method.     

Estimation of body density based on hydrostatic weighing without head submersion in young Japanese adults

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a soccer-training season on the anthropometric and performance characteristics of elite youth soccer players.

Two groups (age: 14.4 years) participated in this study: 1) 24 soccer players training 8 to 10 hours per week and 2) 26 non-athletic boys used as controls. Anthropometric measurements, aerobic (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test level 1) and anaerobic (counter-movement-jump (CMJ), squat-jump (SqJ), five-jump-test (5JT), and speed (T5m, 10 m, 30 m)) performances were assessed twice during 8 months (T0: October; T1: May) of the competitive season.

Data showed significant differences in height and weight at T0 between the two groups (P < 0.05), while no difference in the percentage of body fat (%BF) was observed. However, the soccer players were significantly taller and had lower %BF than age-matched controls at T1.

Compared to the controls, the soccer players attained better results in the physical fitness test (P < 0.05) at T0 and T1 except in (T5m) sprinting speed. Hence, significant improvements (P < 0.05) in physical parameters were observed between T0 and T1 only in soccer players.

The results demonstrate that soccer-training season was able to provide maturation free improvement in anthropometric and performance characteristics in young soccer players during the training season.     

Effects of a 15-week accumulated brisk walking programme on the body composition of primary school children

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish whether an accumulated brisk walking programme, performed during the school day, is effective in changing body composition in primary school children aged 5–11 years. Altogether, 152 participants (79 boys and 73 girls) took part in this repeated-measures intervention study, divided into groups of walkers and controls. The walkers took part in the intervention during school time, which involved brisk walking around the school grounds for 15 min in the morning and afternoon, at least three times a week for 15 weeks. This represented an additional 90 min of moderate physical activity per week. The controls undertook their usual school day activities. Pre- and post-intervention anthropometric and body composition measures were taken. Body fat (?1.95 ± 2.6%) and fat mass (?0.49 ± 1.0 kg) were significantly reduced in the walkers after the intervention, whereas the controls showed no significant changes in these measures. Our results show that regular accumulated bouts of brisk walking during the school day can positively affect body composition in primary school children.     

The role of anthropometric characteristics in modern pentathlon performance in female athletes

In order to determine the role of body build characteristics in modern pentathletes, 65 female participants at the IXth World Modern Pentathlon Championships, 1989 (Wiener Neustadt, Austria) were investigated. Of these, 54 participated in the competition; the other 11 were reserves. Their mean ( + S.D.) age was 22.34 ± 3.97 years (range 16.08–32.58 years). Anthropometric characteristics (body mass, lengths, breadths, girths and skinfolds), somatotype and body composition estimates were determined. Compared with other female athletes (e.g. swimmers, runners, fencers), the elite modern pentathletes were rather tall (x = 168.1 cm) and, as indicated by the body mass index (x = 21.6), they had a high mass relative to their stature. Based on skinfolds, body fat was estimated as 16%, and anthropometrically determined somatotype was on average 2.5–3.9–2.8. The relationship between the athletes’ anthropometric characteristics and modern pentathlon performance was investigated by means of Pearson zero‐order correlations between the physical traits and the competitive performance scores. Significant correlations were found mainly for the ‘fat’ variables, such as skinfolds, percent fat and the endomorphy component, r varying from –0.34 to –0.58, which indicated an inverse relationship between the amount of fatness and modern pentathlon performance. To investigate this relationship further, Pearson zero‐order correlations were calculated between the respective factor scores, derived from a rotated factor pattern (Varimax) carried out on selected somatic variables, and the performance scores. The results demonstrated that, in relation to anthropometric characteristics, modern pentathlon performance in females is mainly associated with the ‘fat development’ factor, and to a lesser degree with the ‘bone‐muscle development’ factor. Variables representing linearity of physique seem to be unrelated to modern pentathlon performance. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that 42.4% of the variance in modern pentathlon performance can be explained by the following anthropometric variables: sum of 10 skinfolds, biacromial breadth and humerus diameter. To obtain a high level of modern pentathlon performance, it would seem that a female athlete must above all have a low level of body fatness and, to a lesser degree, a relatively high level of lean body mass.     

Erythrocyte Changes during Training in High School Women Cross-Country Runners

Abstract

Indices of red blood cell (RBC) status were assessed in eight high school women cross-country runners (experimental group) six times during a competitive season (Weeks 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8) and three times (Weeks 0, 1, and 3) in 11 high school women who were not runners (comparison group). The only significant preseason hematological difference between the groups was a higher RBC fragility for the runners. All blood indices for both groups were within normal ranges throughout the study. During the competitive season (Weeks 0–8), the runners had a significant increase in [Vdot]O₂ max (ml/kg · min^?1) of 7.6% and a significant decrease in post step-test heart rate (13.4%) but showed no changes in body weight, height, or percent body fat. At Week 3, the comparison group showed an increase (0.9%) in body weight, but no changes were observed in the other anthropometric variables or post step-test heart rate. During the competitive season, the runners had significant changes in all blood variables except reticulocyte count; these changes were most marked during the first week of the season when there were significant decreases in hemoglobin (Hb) concentration (8.0%), hematocrit (Hct) (7.7%), RBC count (6.8%), and osmotic fragility (21.5% and 42.0% in 5.95 and 6.80 mM NaCl solutions, respectively) and a significant increase in mean RBC volume (1.8%). In contrast, the only significant change in blood indices of the comparison group was a decrease (1.9%) in mean RBC volume at the end of Week 1. Changes in blood variables of the runners appeared to be transient, in that values at Week 8 were comparable to those at preseason except for mean RBC volume. Although blood volume changes could be responsible for some of the blood variable changes in the runners, the results support increased RBC destruction rather than hemodilution as a cause of the RBC changes in the runners, and suggest a possible stress on body iron reserves for increased erythropoiesis during recovery from those changes.     

运动员身体成份与运动能力

身体成份是一项了解人体体质健康常见指标,无论是普通人群还是专业运动员都需要把身体成份控制在一定的适宜范围一本文将着重于运动员的角度,从身体成份基本定义、身体成份与运动能力、身体成份与运动成绩、理想身体成份的确立、不同项目优秀运动员身体成份特点等;方面对近年来的研究进行全面的综述,以期为运动员选才,提高运动训练水平及指导不同的运动训练项目提供一定的参考。     

Monitoring seasonal and long-term changes in test performance in elite swimmers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to characterize changes and variability in test performance of swimmers within and between seasons over their elite competitive career. Forty elite swimmers (24 male, 16 female) performed a 7×200-m incremental swimming step test several times each 6-month season (10±5 tests, spanning 0.5–6.0?y). Mixed linear modeling provided estimates of percent change in the mean and individual responses (within-athlete variation as a coefficient of variation) for measures based on submaximal performance (fixed 4-mM lactate), maximal performance (the seventh step) and lean mass (from skinfolds and body mass). Submaximal and maximal swim speed increased within each season from pre to taper phase by ～2.2% for females and ～1.5% for males (95% confidence limits ±1.0%), with variable contributions from stroke rate and stroke length. Most of the gains in speed were lost in the off-season, leaving a net average annual improvement of ～1.0% for females and ～0.6% for males (±1.0%). For submaximal and maximal speed, individual variation between phases was ±2.2% and the typical measurement error was ±0.80%. Step test and anthropometric measures can be used to confidently monitor progressions in swimmers in an elite training program within and between seasons.