Moderate Association of Anthropometry,But Not Training Volume,With Race Performance in Male Ultraendurance Cyclists

In 28 male Caucasian nonprofessional ultracyclists, we investigated whether anthropometry or training volume had an influence on race speed in the 600 km at the Swiss Cycling Marathon 2007. Anthropometric parameters (age, body mass, body height, skin-fold thicknesses) were determined before the race to calculate body mass index and percent body fat. In addition, participants, using a training diary, recorded their training volume in hours and kilometers in the 3 months before the race. The influence of anthropometry and training volume on speed in the race as the dependent variable was investigated in a multiple linear regression model. Anthropometry showed a moderate association with speed in the race (r² = .178, p < .05), whereas training volume showed no association (r² = .000, p > .05). We concluded that anthropometry had a greater influence on race performance than training volume in recreational ultraendurance cyclists.     

Similarities and differences in anthropometry and training between recreational male 100-km ultra-marathoners and marathoners

Abstract Several recent investigations showed that the best marathon time of an individual athlete is also a strong predictor variable for the race time in a 100-km ultra-marathon. We investigated similarities and differences in anthropometry and training characteristics between 166 100-km ultra-marathoners and 126 marathoners in recreational male athletes. The association of anthropometric variables and training characteristics with race time was assessed by using bi- and multi-variate analysis. Regarding anthropometry, the marathoners had a significantly lower calf circumference (P?相似文献   

What is associated with race performance in male 100-km ultra-marathoners--anthropometry, training or marathon best time?

We investigated the associations of anthropometry, training, and pre-race experience with race time in 93 recreational male ultra-marathoners (mean age 44.6 years, s = 10.0; body mass 74.0 kg, s = 9.0; height 1.77 m, s = 0.06; body mass index 23.4 kg · m(-2), s = 2.0) in a 100-km ultra-marathon using bivariate and multivariate analysis. In the bivariate analysis, body mass index (r = 0.24), the sum of eight skinfolds (r = 0.55), percent body fat (r = 0.57), weekly running hours (r = -0.29), weekly running kilometres (r = -0.49), running speed during training (r = -0.50), and personal best time in a marathon (r = 0.72) were associated with race time. Results of the multiple regression analysis revealed an independent and negative association of weekly running kilometres and average speed in training with race time, as well as a significant positive association between the sum of eight skinfold thicknesses and race time. There was a significant positive association between 100-km race time and personal best time in a marathon. We conclude that both training and anthropometry were independently associated with race performance. These characteristics remained relevant even when controlling for personal best time in a marathon.     

The Estimation of [Vdot]O2max from Maximal and Sub-Maximal Measurements in Males,Age 10–39

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between physiological and anthropometrical variables and 15-km time trial (TT) cycling performance time. Twenty-two competitive cyclists averaged 59.7 ml · kg^–1 · min^–1 for maximal oxygen consumption ([Vdot]O_2max), 42.8 ml · kg^–1 · min^–1 for anaerobic threshold (AT), and 23.5 min for the 15 km TT race. The relationship between [Vdot]O_2max and cycling performance time was r = – 0.68, (p < .01) while the correlation between AT and performance time was r = – 0.93, (p <.01). Applying stepwise multiple regression analysis, the two-variable model of the AT and the body circumference ratio, thigh+calf:arm+chest, was found to correlate highly with cycling performance time (r =0.966). It was concluded that the successful cyclists are characterized by the ability to consume large amounts of oxygen prior to ventilatory changes associated with the anaerobic threshold as well as a larger lower to upper body circumference ratio which may favorably decrease wind resistance while cycling.     

A comparison of anthropometric and training characteristics of Ironman triathletes and Triple Iron ultra-triathletes

We examined differences in anthropometry and training between 64 Triple Iron ultra-triathletes competing over 11.4 km swimming, 540 km cycling, and 126.6 km running, and 71 Ironman triathletes competing over 3.8 km swimming, 180 km cycling, and 42.2 km running. The association of anthropometry and training with race time was investigated using multiple linear regression analysis. The Triple Iron ultra-triathletes were smaller (P < 0.05), had shorter limbs (P < 0.05), a higher body mass index (P < 0.05), and larger limb circumferences (P < 0.01) than the Ironman triathletes. The Triple Iron ultra-triathletes trained for more hours (P < 0.01) and covered more kilometres (P < 0.01), but speed in running during training was slower compared with the Ironman triathletes (P < 0.01). For Triple Iron ultra-triathletes, percent body fat (P = 0.022), training volume per week (P < 0.0001), and weekly kilometres in both cycling (P < 0.0001) and running (P < 0.0001) were related to race time. For Ironman triathletes, percent body fat (P < 0.0001), circumference of upper arm (P = 0.006), and speed in cycling training (P = 0.012) were associated with total race time. We conclude that both Triple Iron ultra-triathletes and Ironman triathletes appeared to profit from low body fat. Triple Iron ultra-triathletes relied more on training volume in cycling and running, whereas speed in cycling training was related to race time in Ironman triathletes.     

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.     

Anthropological status of international calibre speed skaters

The purpose of the study was to determine the anthropological status of elite male and female speed skaters, who were members of the 1985–7 Canadian national teams. The data were compared to those for a control group of University students. The subjects were 8 males and 6 females between 19 and 27 years of age. Nine breadth, 14 girth, 16 length and 15 skinfold measurements were used to compute parameters of body build and the composition; corrected diameters, masses, volumes and fat‐free volumes of the upper arm, forearm, thigh and calf. The speed skaters were found to be similar in body height and mass (males: 178 ± 7.6 cm and 75.5 ± 5.5 kg, females: 165.8 ± 3.8 cm and 62.3 ± 5.8 kg) to the student controls, but they had relatively and absolutely shorter legs and longer trunks. The speed skaters had a lower amount of body fat and higher FFM than their respective student controls and significantly greater relative (P ≤ 0.01) and absolute (P ≤ 0.05) total muscle mass. Analysis of composition within segments indicated that the additional muscle mass is located entirely in the lower extremity. The volume and mass of the thigh was greater (P ≤ 0.01 for the males) than that of the respective controls while the estimated volume of fat was lower. The female speed skaters were found to have more fat on their thigh than either the male speed skaters or male controls. The corrected diameter and mass of the thigh were greater (with respect to the sex) than those reported for 400 m sprinters, marathon runners, cross‐country skiers and figure skaters. The results of the initial assessment were compared to the two consecutive tests of the men's team (conducted 8 and 12 months later) and to one repeated test of the women's team (3 months later). Changes were recorded in skinfold measurements and the muscle component of the thigh.     

Anthropological status of international calibre speed skaters

The purpose of the study was to determine the anthropological status of elite male and female speed skaters, who were members of the 1985-7 Canadian national teams. The data were compared to those for a control group of University students. The subjects were 8 males and 6 females between 19 and 27 years of age. Nine breadth, 14 girth, 16 length and 15 skinfold measurements were used to compute parameters of body build and the composition; corrected diameters, masses, volumes and fat-free volumes of the upper arm, forearm, thigh and calf. The speed skaters were found to be similar in body height and mass (males: 178 +/- 7.6 cm and 75.5 +/- 5.5 kg, females: 165.8 +/- 3.8 cm and 62.3 +/- 5.8 kg) to the student controls, but they had relatively and absolutely shorter legs and longer trunks. The speed skaters had a lower amount of body fat and higher FFM than their respective student controls and significantly greater relative (P less than or equal to 0.01) and absolute (P less than or equal to 0.05) total muscle mass. Analysis of composition within segments indicated that the additional muscle mass is located entirely in the lower extremity. The volume and mass of the thigh was greater (P less than or equal to 0.01 for the males) than that of the respective controls while the estimated volume of fat was lower. The female speed skaters were found to have more fat on their thigh than either the male speed skaters or male controls. The corrected diameter and mass of the thigh were greater (with respect to the sex) than those reported for 400 m sprinters, marathon runners, cross-country skiers and figure skaters. The results of the initial assessment were compared to the two consecutive tests of the men's team (conducted 8 and 12 months later) and to one repeated test of the women's team (3 months later). Changes were recorded in skinfold measurements and the muscle component of the thigh.     

Development and Validation of Body Composition: Prediction Equations for the Elderly

The purpose of this study was to develop and cross-validate anthropometric body composition equations for the elderly (i.e., ≥ 65 years old). This was undertaken due to a lack of accurate and reliable body composition equations for the elderly. One-hundred fifty male (n = 75) and female (n = 75; mean age = 70 years, SD = 3.71 years) elderly were randomly assigned to either an equation development sample (n = 50) or an equation validation sample (n = 25), respectively. The male and female development and validation sample groups, respectively, were joined to make combined development (n = 100) and validation (n = 50) samples. Hydrodensitometry was used to determine participant body density, percent fat, fat-free mass, and fat weight for use as the criterion variables by which prediction equations could be developed and validated. The equations presented are for the prediction of body density [body density = 1.0554 + .0142 (gender) + .0267 (height) - .00022 (midaxillary) - .00086 (hip circumference)], percent fat [% fat = .1688 (body mass index) + .542 (hip circumference) -.1639 (weight) -5.7033 (gender) -7.9498], fat-free mass [fat-free mass = 30.3769 + 8.0108 (height) + .824 (weight) - .1355 (suprailiac) - .5419 (hip circumference)], and fat weight [fat weight = .2449 (weight) + .5218 (hip circumference) - .076 (thigh circumference) - 4.0299 (gender) - 37.8619]. The equations provided estimates that were not statistically different from the hydrostatically determined criterion variables but were statisfically different from estimates derived from other published "elderly" body composition equations.     

低强度激光结合有氧运动对肥胖女大学生的减肥作用

探讨低强度激光照射结合有氧运动的人体减肥效果。将24名肥胖女大学生随机分为3个组,每组6人,即单纯运动组、单纯激光组、激光结合运动组。采用跑台上坡走(5°,4.5 km/h,30 min)方式进行运动,以810 nm半导体激光在神阙、天枢(双)、承扶和伏兔穴进行照射(1 592mW/cm2,每穴4 min)。各组减肥干预每周3次,共6周,试验前后检测体重、体重指数(BMI)、体脂百分比、腰围、大腿围、血清甘油三脂和总胆固醇。结果发现,各组的体重、BMI、体脂百分比、腰围和大腿围度试验后均显著下降,激光结合运动组和单纯激光组的血清总胆固醇也显著下降,在3个组中,激光结合运动组的体重、BMI、体脂百分比和腰围的降幅最大。结果表明,低强度激光照射结合有氧运动能够明显减少体脂、降低体重,其减肥效果显著优于单纯低强度激光照射和单纯有氧运动。     

Body Mass and Circumference of Upper Arm Are Associated With Race Performance in Ultraendurance Runners in a Multistage Race—The Isarrun 2006

In the present study, we investigated the association of anthropometric parameters with race performance in ultraendurance runners in a multistage ultraendurance run, in which athletes had to run 338 km within 5 consecutive days. In 17 male successful finishers, calculations of body mass, body height, skinfold thicknesses, extremity circumference, skeletal muscle mass (SM), and percentage body fat (%BF) were performed before the race to correlate anthropometric parameters with race performance. A positive association was shown between total running time and both body mass (r² = .29, p < .05) and upper arm circumference (r² = .23, p < .05). In contrast, body height, skinfold thicknesses, extremity circumference, SM, and %BF showed no association with race performance (p > .05). We concluded that in a multistage ultraendurance run, body mass and upper arm circumference were negatively associated with race performance in well experienced ultraendurance runners. In contrast, body height, skinfold thicknesses, circumferences of the other extremities, SM, and %BF showed no association with race performance.     

Physiological profile and incidence of injuries among elite figure skaters.

The physiological responses to skating and the incidence of injuries were recorded in young, Danish elite figure skaters (n = 8) over a 1-year period. The skaters' maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) ranged from 54.7 to 68.8 ml kg-1 min-1, and work intensity during simulated competitive figure skating corresponded to 89% VO2 max. Before the onset of competitive skating, but after a warm-up, blood lactate (BLa) concentration was measured as 2.0 +/- 0.05 mM (means +/- S.E.). After a 4-min run, BLa increased to 8.0 +/- 0.6 mM. The subjects' resting heart rates were measured each morning over a 1-year period and corresponded to 53 +/- 2 and 58 +/- 3 beats min-1 for the males and females respectively, with no systematic season-related variations. The skaters trained for 15-41 h per week, 60-95 min of this time being spent on warm-up activities. The injury incidence rate during competitive skating was recorded as 1.4 injuries per 1000 h of training, 56% of these being acute and 44% chronic injuries. Of those injuries registered, 83% were recalled by the skaters when a retrospective questionnaire was given to them at the end of the observation period. This study indicates that ice figure skating is associated with high aerobic power. Furthermore, Danish skaters spend large amounts of time on training, including warm-up and stretching. Despite the amount of training and the intensity of ice-skating programmes, injury rates are low compared with other sporting events.     

Comparison of anthropometry to dual energy X-ray absorptiometry: a new prediction equation for women

The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of three recommended anthropometric equations for women and then develop an updated prediction equation using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The percentage of body fat (%BF) by anthropometry was significantly correlated (r = .896-.929; p < .01) with DXA, but each equation underestimated %BF (3.2-5.6 %BF; p < .01). The following DXA criterion (DC) equation was created: %BF= -6.40665 + 0.41946(S3SF) - 0.00126(S3SF)2 + 0.12515(hip) + 0.06473 (age); (S3SF = sum of triceps, suprailiac, thigh; hip = circumference in cm; age = years). The predicted residual sum of squares (PRESS) R2 was high (0.86), and the PRESS standard error of estimate (SEE) was low (2.5 %BF) for our sample of 150 women. The DC equation was further crosschecked on a separate sample of women (n = 25) and again showed excellent agreement. The DC equation appears to be a more accurate estimation of %BF in women.     

A comparison of anthropometric and training characteristics of Ironman triathletes and Triple Iron ultra-triathletes

Abstract

We examined differences in anthropometry and training between 64 Triple Iron ultra-triathletes competing over 11.4 km swimming, 540 km cycling, and 126.6 km running, and 71 Ironman triathletes competing over 3.8 km swimming, 180 km cycling, and 42.2 km running. The association of anthropometry and training with race time was investigated using multiple linear regression analysis. The Triple Iron ultra-triathletes were smaller (P < 0.05), had shorter limbs (P < 0.05), a higher body mass index (P < 0.05), and larger limb circumferences (P < 0.01) than the Ironman triathletes. The Triple Iron ultra-triathletes trained for more hours (P < 0.01) and covered more kilometres (P < 0.01), but speed in running during training was slower compared with the Ironman triathletes (P < 0.01). For Triple Iron ultra-triathletes, percent body fat (P = 0.022), training volume per week (P < 0.0001), and weekly kilometres in both cycling (P < 0.0001) and running (P < 0.0001) were related to race time. For Ironman triathletes, percent body fat (P < 0.0001), circumference of upper arm (P = 0.006), and speed in cycling training (P = 0.012) were associated with total race time. We conclude that both Triple Iron ultra-triathletes and Ironman triathletes appeared to profit from low body fat. Triple Iron ultra-triathletes relied more on training volume in cycling and running, whereas speed in cycling training was related to race time in Ironman triathletes.     

Circles on pommel horse with a suspended aid: Spatio-temporal characteristics

Abstract

We investigated the associations of anthropometry, training, and pre-race experience with race time in 93 recreational male ultra-marathoners (mean age 44.6 years, s = 10.0; body mass 74.0 kg, s = 9.0; height 1.77 m, s = 0.06; body mass index 23.4 kg · m^?2, s = 2.0) in a 100-km ultra-marathon using bivariate and multivariate analysis. In the bivariate analysis, body mass index (r = 0.24), the sum of eight skinfolds (r = 0.55), percent body fat (r = 0.57), weekly running hours (r = ?0.29), weekly running kilometres (r = ?0.49), running speed during training (r = ?0.50), and personal best time in a marathon (r = 0.72) were associated with race time. Results of the multiple regression analysis revealed an independent and negative association of weekly running kilometres and average speed in training with race time, as well as a significant positive association between the sum of eight skinfold thicknesses and race time. There was a significant positive association between 100-km race time and personal best time in a marathon. We conclude that both training and anthropometry were independently associated with race performance. These characteristics remained relevant even when controlling for personal best time in a marathon.     

Skinfold thicknesses associated with distance running performance in highly trained runners

It has been postulated that additional adiposity has a negative effect on performance in heterogeneous groups of runners. Previous studies have not tested this hypothesis in homogeneous groups of elite runners. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the sum of skinfold thicknesses and specific single skinfold sites were related to competitive running performance in homogeneous groups of male and female elite athletes. In total, 184 top-class runners (130 males and 54 females) volunteered to participate in the study. Skinfolds were measured at the following sites: biceps, triceps, subscapular, pectoral, iliac crest, abdominal, front thigh and medial calf. Runners were classified into groups in accordance with their best performance times. Correlation analysis and partial correlation coefficients that controlled for age and weight were applied to each single skinfold, the sum of six skinfolds (excluding biceps) and the extremity (sum of triceps, front thigh, medial calf) to trunk (sum of subscapular, iliac crest, abdominal) ratio and performance. Performance was rated by the scoring procedures of the International Amateur Athletics Federation. In male runners, the pectoral, iliac crest, abdominal, biceps, triceps, subscapular skinfolds and the sum of six skinfolds were not associated with performance score for any of the distances. High correlations were found between the front thigh (r = 0.78, P = 0.000) and medial calf (r = 0.55, P = 0.018) skinfolds and 1500 m run time, and between the front thigh (r = 0.59, P = 0.014) and medial calf (r = 0.57, P = 0.017) skinfolds and 10,000 m run time. In female runners, the front thigh and medial calf skinfolds were highly correlated with 400 m run time (r = 0.71, P = 0.022 and r = 0.81, P = 0.005, respectively). The results of this study indicate that skinfold thicknesses in the lower limb are positively associated with running time over several distances, and may be a useful predictor of athletic performance.     

Physiological correlates to off-road cycling performance

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between maximal and submaximal tests for aerobic fitness and performance in an off-road cross-country circuit race. Thirteen competitive off-road male cyclists participated in the study. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), peak power output, and lactate thresholds corresponding to 1 mmol x l(-1) above baseline (lactate threshold) and to 4 mmol x l(-1) (onset of blood lactate accumulation) were measured during an incremental cycling test. Race time and final ranking within the same group of cyclists were determined during a cross-country off-road competition. All correlations between the measured parameters of aerobic fitness and off-road cycling performance were significant, particularly between race time and physiological parameters scaled to body mass0.79 (r = -0.68 to -0.94; P < 0.05) and between final ranking and physiological parameters expressed relative to body mass0.79 (r = -0.81 to - 0.96; P < 0.001). Moreover, there was a large difference (effect sizes = 1.12-1.70) in all measured parameters of aerobic fitness between the group of six cyclists with a race time above the median and the group of six cyclists with a race time below the median (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the results of this study provide empirical support to the widespread use of these maximal (VO2peak, peak power output) and submaximal (lactate thresholds) parameters of aerobic fitness in the physiological assessments of off-road cyclists. Furthermore, our results suggest body size should be taken into account when evaluating such athletes.     

Heat production and storage are positively correlated with measures of body size/composition and heart rate drift during vigorous running

The purposes of this study were to determine the relationships between: (a) measures of body size/composition and heat production/storage, and (b) heat production/storage and heart rate (HR) drift during running at 95% of the velocity that elicited lactate threshold, which was determined for 20 healthy recreational male runners. Subsequently, changes in skin and tympanic temperatures associated with a vigorous 20-min run, HR, and VO2 data were recorded. It was found that heat production was significantly correlated with body mass (r = .687), lean mass (r = .749), and body surface area (BSA, r = .699). Heat storage was significantly correlated with body mass (r = .519), fat mass (r = .464), and BSA (r = .498). The percentage of produced heat stored was significantly correlated with body mass (r = .427), fat mass (r = .455), and BSA (r = .414). Regression analysis showed that the sum of body mass, percentage of body fat, BSA, lean mass, and fat mass accounted for 30% of the variability in heat storage. It was also found that HR drift was significantly correlated with heat storage (r = .383), percentage of produced heat stored (r = .433), and core temperature change (r = .450). It was concluded that heavier runners experienced greater heat production, heat storage, and core temperature increases than lighter runners during vigorous running.     

Taekwondo training and fitness in female adolescents

In this study, we determined the specificity of a low frequency taekwondo training programme on physical fitness levels in adolescent females who receive limited physical education instruction (i.e. 2 days per week). Major components of physical fitness assessed were: skeletal muscle fitness (hand grip strength, bent arm hang, standing long jump, and isokinetic strength), flexibility (sit-and-reach test), speed and agility (10 × 5-m shuttle run), and cardiovascular fitness (VO(2max) and 20-m shuttle run). Changes in body composition were also assessed (dual X-ray absorptiometry, DXA). Participants were divided into two groups, a taekwondo training group (n = 21), which trained 50 min a day, 2 days per week for 12 weeks, and a control group (n = 10). Taekwondo training improved isokinetic strength, standing long jump, and sit-and-reach performance. Body fat mass and percent body fat were reduced. No changes in grip strength, bent arm hang time, speed and agility, or cardiorespiratory fitness were observed. Results indicate that low frequency taekwondo training in adolescent females produces beneficial changes in skeletal muscle fitness, flexibility, and body composition in a relatively short period of time. Consequently, this specific type of training can be useful to female adolescents in structured school environments where physical education classes are limited and there is little free time for physical activity.     

ATriple Iron triathlon leads to a decrease in total body mass but not to dehydration

A loss in total body mass during an ultraendurance performance is usually attributed to dehydration. We identified the changes in total body mass, fat mass, skeletal muscle mass, and selected markers of hydration status in 31 male nonprofessional ultratriathletes participating in a Triple Iron triathlon involving 11.4 km swimming, 540 km cycling and 126.6 km running. Measurements were taken prior to starting the race and after arrival at the finish line. Total body mass decreased by 1.66 kg (SD = 1.92; -5.3 kg to +1.2 kg; p < .001), skeletal muscle mass by 1.00 kg (SD = 0.90; -2.54 kg to +2.07 kg; p < .001), and fat mass by 0.58 kg (SD = 0.78; -1.74 kg to +0.87 kg; p < .001). The decrease in total body mass was associated with the decrease in skeletal muscle mass (r = .44; p < .05) and fat mass (r = .51; p < .05). Total body water and urinary specific gravity did not significantly change. Plasma urea increased significantly (p < .001); the decrease in skeletal muscle mass and the increase in plasma urea were associated (r = .39; p < .05). We conclude that completing a Triple Iron triathlon leads to decreased total body mass due to reduced fat mass and skeletal muscle mass but not to dehydration. The association of decrease in skeletal muscle mass and increased plasma urea suggests a loss in skeletal muscle mass.