Identifying Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors in Division 1 and Division 3 Football Players

Abstract

Retired NFL football players are at an increased risk for Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). Cross sectional studies in high school and college football players suggest an increased risk even at this level. It is not clear when MetS risk factors (RF) develop and if certain markers can be used to assess risk for early intervention. PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot study was to identify MetS risk factors using the NCEP ATP III standards and measures of abdominal obesity in freshmen football players from a Division 1-FCS and a Division 3 team. Additionally, this study sought to identify if risk differed by player position and/or by college division. METHODS: Fifty freshmen (Division 1, n = 18, Division 3, n = 32) football players volunteered to be tested before the start of the competitive season. Testing for MetS risk factors included fasting Triglyceride (TG), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), blood glucose (BG), blood pressure (BP), and waist circumference (WC). Additional measures included percent body fat (%BF) and subcutaneous (SCAT) and visceral fat (VAT) depth. Descriptive statistics and comparison between schools related to MetS RF were analyzed. A Pearson Correlation was used to determine the relationship between the clinical markers. RESULTS: Ten players (20%) met the criteria for MetS (n = 2 with 3 RF, n = 6 with 4 RF, and n = 2 with 5 RF). Division 1 had a higher percentage of players (n = 5, 27.8%, 3 offensive linemen) meeting the criteria for MetS compared to the Division 3 players (n = 5, 15.6%, 1 offensive lineman). All NCEP ATP III risk factors except BG were positively correlated with meeting the criteria for MetS, with the WC being the highest (r = 0.766, p = 0.000). Using non NCEP ATP III risk factors positive correlations were found between the %BF (r = 0.645, p = 0.000), SCAT (r = 0.352, p = 0.013), and VAT (r = 0.489, p = 0.000). Lineman meeting the criteria for MetS had a %BF > 21. CONCLUSIONS: This data suggests that freshmen football players have a high incidence of MetS RF. Waist Circumference and %BF should be included in pre-season evaluation with follow up for early intervention as necessary.