Skinfold Thickness As A Predictor Of 5k Performance For Trained, Female Runners

Abstract

Greater levels of adipocity have traditionally been linked to a decrease in distance running performance, as excess amounts of body fat have been seen to increase energy expenditure necessary to perform weight bearing movements. PURPOSE: The purpose of the current investigation was to determine the predictive power of specific skinfold sites, including thigh, suprailiac and triceps on both 5k performance and Vo2max levels for trained, female distance runners. METHODS: Thirty-five trained female subjects volunteered to participate in the study. All subjects were required to have a 5k performance of 22:00 or less within the past 12 months. Body composition was estimated using skinfold calipers at the thigh, suprailiac and triceps. Subjects completed an incremental treadmill test to exhaustion to determine Vo2max. Each subject reported their fastest three 5k race times completed within the last 12 months. The median of these three times was recorded as 5k performance. RESULTS: Thigh skinfold and suprailiac skinfold were significantly (p < .05) correlated with 5k performance (r = -.49, r = -.43, respectively) while triceps skinfold was not significantly (p > .05) correlated with 5k performance (r = -.10). Thigh skinfold and suprailiac skinfold were used to create a multiple regression equation. The overall regression model was statistically significant F(2, 31) = 5.43, p < .05. The regression equation revealed 25.9% of the variance in 5k performance could be predicted by thigh skinfold and suprailiac skinfold (p < .05). There was no significant relationship between thigh skinfold, suprailiac skinfold, and triceps skinfold with Vo2max (r = -.22, r = -.26, r = .06, respectively, p > .05). CONCLUSION: Skinfold thickness in the thigh, suprailiac and triceps was not correlated with Vo2max, however thigh and suprailiac skinfold thickness were significantly correlated with 5k performance. Adiposity may not directly affect maximal oxygen uptake, but may effect biomechanical efficiency of movement, hence directly effecting the velocity at which a 5k race may be completed. Skinfold thickness in the thigh and thoracic region may be a useful predictor of 5k performance for female distance runners, while adiposity in the triceps is not an important factor in determining endurance performance.