Body Composition In Female Athletes Research Articles

The female athlete—reliability of body composition analyses during the female menstrual cycle in young women without hormonal contraception

Abstract Background The menstrual cycle (MC) is characterized by rapid changes of female sexual hormone concentrations with consecutive water retention alterations, which in turn might affect underlying parameters of body composition (BC) analyses in terms of air-displacement plethysmography (ADP) or bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate BC and the assessment’s reproducibility and reliability during the MC. Methods In a repeated measures design with four time points (t1–t4) and a double testing within 10 min at t1 (t1.1–t1.2) covering a complete MC (t1.1: start of menstruation [t1.2: double testing], t2: late follicular, t3: ovulation, t4: mid-luteal), 17 eumenorrheic women without hormonal contraception (age: 24.8 [18.5–33.1] years, body mass index [BMI]: 23.3 [18.0–27.8] kg/m2) were examined by means of ADP (BODPOD GS‑X, Cosmed, Rome, Italy) and BIA (mBCA 515/514, Seca, Hamburg, Germany) in order to determine reliability (intraclass correlation [ICC2.1]) and within-subjects variability (standard error of the measurement [SEM], minimal detectable change [MDC], coefficient of variation [CV%]) covering the complete MC (t1–t4). Results The CV% showed small variations ranging between 0.8 and 2.7%, except for the BIA reactance (4.2%). Reliability was excellent (ICC2.1 > 0.9) for all BC parameters and all intervals (t1.1 vs. t1.2, t2, t3, and t4, respectively), except for the reactance (0.7 > ICC2.1 > 0.55). Conclusion Reproducibility and reliability of BC analyses were not influenced by the MC. Thus, BC of female athletes may be determined irrespective of the phase of their MC. Future research might cover more than one MC or consider women with hormonal contraception or males serving as controls.

Association between Variation in Body Fat Mass Magnitude and Intake of Nutrients, including Carbohydrates, Fat, and B Vitamins, in a Cohort of Highly Trained Female Athletes.

The most common sports nutrition strategies were constructed not only for maximizing musculoskeletal adaptations to exercise, but also to minimize health risks in athletes. Given the lack of research highlighting the potential effects of the intake of carbohydrates, fats, and B vitamins on body fat percentage in a population of female athletes, this study aimed to elucidate whether the intake of macronutrients and B vitamins could be associated with the variation in body fat percentage in a cohort of professional female athletes. This cross-sectional study was weighted to represent Lithuanian elite female athletes (n = 89). The dietary assessment of the female athletes was carried out using a 3-day dietary recall method. Their body composition was assessed using the bioelectrical impedance analysis method. For females, the reported average intakes of energy, carbohydrates, protein, and fat were 2475 kcal/day, 5.1 g/kg/day, 1.5 g/kg/day, and 36.7%, respectively. Excess B vitamin intake was revealed, ranging within plus 1-2 standard deviations (SDs) around the mean requirements. As a consequence, excessive body fat percentage was potentially factored as a negative outcome in maintaining optimal body composition in female athletes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of a sample of female athletes revealed that, despite a slightly positive energy balance (∆ 95 kcal/day), the carbohydrate-deficient diet (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.1; 0.7), along with higher intakes of vitamin B1 (aOR 2.9, 95% CI 2.6; 7.8), vitamin B2 (aOR 6.7, 95% CI 1.1; 8.3), and vitamin B3 (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4; 7.8) from food, was associated with a lower percentage of body fat. Therefore, more attention should be given to the intake of B vitamins in professional athletes with a range of body fat mass percentages for the purpose of achieving long-term goals of maintaining body composition and fitness.

BODY COMPOSITION AMONG UNIVERSITY FEMALE ATHLETES OF TEAM SPORTS

ABSTRACT Introduction: The assessment of body composition in female athletes of different sports is important for health monitoring. Objective: To compare body composition in university athletes of different team sports (indoor soccer, flag football and volleyball). Methods: A cross-sectional study carried out with 45 female athletes, aged 18 to 35 years (22.8 ± 3.55). The dependent variables were body fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) measured by air displacement plethysmography. Bone mineral content, adjusted for height (BMC/height) and bone mineral density (BMD), were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The independent variable was sport [flag football (n = 12); indoor soccer (n = 20); volleyball (n = 13)] and the covariates were age (complete years), training volume (minutes per week) and length of time playing the sport (complete years). Analysis of covariance was used. Results: Adjusting the model for covariates, volleyball athletes (19.27 kg ± 2.20) presented higher FM values compared to the flag football (16.00 kg ± 1.70) and indoor soccer players (12.20 kg ± 1.30). There was no significant difference in FFM, BMC/height and total BMD between sports, even after adjusting for covariates. Conclusion: Volleyball athletes presented higher FM compared to flag football and indoor soccer athletes. There were no differences in FFM, BMC/height and BMD among the players of the different team sports. This study can help coaches and other sports professionals to prevent injuries to athletes in sports such as higher FM (volleyball), or to prevent diseases such as menstrual irregularities, which are common in athletes who may have low levels of body fat (indoor soccer players), this being one of the risk factors for the female athlete triad (eating disorders, menstrual irregularities and low BMD). Level of evidence III; Retrospective comparative study .

Anthropometric prediction of DXA-measured body composition in female team handball players.

BackgroundThe relevance of body composition (BC) to performance in sport has long been appreciated with special concern on the total and regional proportion of fat and muscle. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is able to accurately measure BC, but it may not be easily available in practice; anthropometry has long been used as a simple and inexpensive field method to objectively assess BC. The aim of this study was twofold: first, to develop and validate a sport-specific anthropometric predictive equation for total body fat mass (FM) and lean mass components in female handball players to be used in the sport setting; second, to cross-validate in female team handball players several independently developed, predictive equations for BC in female athletes.MethodsA total of 85 female team handball players (30 wings, 31 backs, 14 pivots, 10 goalkeepers) of different competitive levels underwent anthropometry and a whole-body DXA scan. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to develop predictive equations in a derivation sample (n = 60) of randomly selected players using demographic and anthropometric variables. The developed equations were used to predict DXA outcomes in an independent validation sample (n = 25).ResultsStatistically significant (P < 0.001) models were developed for total body FM (adjusted R2 = 0.943, standard error of the estimate, SEE = 1,379 g), percentage FM (adjusted R2 = 0.877, SEE = 2.00%), fat-free soft tissue mass (FFSTM) (adjusted R2 = 0.834, SEE = 2,412 g), fat-free mass (FFSTM + bone mineral content; adjusted R2 = 0.829, SEE = 2,579 g). All models were robust to collinearity. Each developed equation was successfully validated in the remaining 25 players using correlation analysis, mean signed difference, t-test, and Bland–Altman plot. The whole dataset of team handball players (n = 85) was used to cross-validate several predictive equations independently developed by others in female athletes. Equations significantly (P < 0.001 for all; t-test) over- or underestimated the corresponding DXA measurements.DiscussionIt is concluded that in team female handball players the anthropometric equations presented herein are able to estimate body fat and FFSTM with accuracy. Several BC predictive anthropometric equations developed in different female athletic populations revealed inaccurate when tested in team handball players. These results should be of use for coaches, physical trainers, and nutritionists when evaluating the physical status of female team handball players.

Characteristics and Challenges of Open-Water Swimming Performance: A Review.

Although the popularity of open-water swimming (OWS) events has significantly increased in the last decades, specific studies regarding performance of elite or age-group athletes in these events are scarce. To analyze the existing literature on OWS. Relevant literature was located via computer-generated citations. During August 2016, online computer searches on PubMed and Scopus databases were conducted to locate published research. The number of participants in ultraendurance swimming events has substantially increased in the last 10 y. In elite athletes there is a higher overall competitive level of women than ofmen. The body composition of female athletes (different percentage and distribution of fat tissue) shows several advantages (more buoyancy and less drag) in aquatic conditions that determine the small difference between males and females. The main physiological characteristics of open-water swimmers (OW swimmers) are the ability to swim at high percentage of [Formula: see text](80-90%) for many hours. Furthermore, to sustain high velocity for many hours, endurance swimmers need a high propelling efficiency and a low energy cost. Open-water races may be characterized by extreme environmental conditions (water temperature, tides, currents, and waves) that have an overall impact on performance, influencing tactics and pacing. Future studies are needed to study OWS in both training and competition.

Analysis of Dietary Intake and Body Composition of Female Athletes over a Competitive Season

Analysis of Dietary Intake and Body Composition of Female Athletes over a Competitive Season

Properties of body composition of female representatives of the Polish national fencing team – the sabre event

Fencing is a combat sport whose form of direct confrontation involves hitting the opponent with a weapon. The purpose of the study was to determine the properties of body composition of female representatives of the Polish national fencing team. The study involved 11 female athletes of the Polish national fencing team. Their age was 16-22 years (19±2.32), body weight 52-78 kg (59.7±7.4), body height 158-183 cm (167.46±6.10) and the training experience 7.64±3.47 years. The reference group consisted of 153 students of Warsaw University of Technology (Poland). Twenty basic somatic characteristics were measured. The following indices were calculated: slenderness, Rohrer’s, BMI, Manouvrier’s, and pelvic-shoulder indices. Density of the body, total body fat, active tissue, the overall profile of body composition and internal proportions of the body were determined. Analysis of internal proportions of factors of the athletes’ body composition revealed significant differences in particular groups of features. The total size of the athletes’ bodies is due to less-than-average magnitude of the length and stoutness characteristics and a high magnitude of adiposity (M = 0.63) in the Polish female national team of fencers (sabre) calculated from the normalized values for the control group. The proportions of features within the analysed factors revealed a significant advantage of the length of the upper extremity over the lower one and a distinct advantage of forearm musculature. The specific profile of body composition of female athletes practising sabre fencing is most likely due to long-term effects of training as well as the system of selection of persons with specific somatic prerequisites developed in the course of many years of training practice.

Comparison Of Pre- And Post-season Body Composition Measures In Female Collegiate Athletes

Body composition plays a crucial role in athletic performance among collegiate athletes over the course of a season. Decreases in lean mass or increases in fat mass across a season could lead to decrements in performance. PURPOSE: To investigate pre- and post-season changes in body composition among female Division I collegiate athletes across five sports. METHODS: Body composition of female athletes from gymnastics (GYM n=10), swimming (SW n=19), track (TR n=16), volleyball (VB n=10), and basketball (BB n=12) was assessed pre- and post-season using air displacement plethysmography via BodPod. Paired samples t-tests were used to compare pre- and post-season differences in body fat percentage (BF%), fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM) and total body mass (TBM); one-way ANOVA was used to compare pre- and post-season differences in body composition between sports. A Bonferroni correction was utilized. RESULTS: Based on paired samples t-tests, there were significant decreases in BF% and FM for all athletes (n=67), while FFM significantly increased. When examined by sport, a significant decrease in BF% and increase in FFM were noted for SW (23.9±5.5 to 20.1±5.0%; 50.9±3.6 to 52.5±3.9 kg) and VB (22.0±5.1 to 19.3±3.6%; 58.5±8.7 to 59.6±8.8 kg, p<0.05 for all), while TBM did not change. TR athletes demonstrated an increase in BF% (16.1±5.2 to 17.7±5.2%) and TBM (61.9±5.0 to 62.8±5.6 kg, p<0.05 for both) with no change in FFM. No changes across the season were noted for GYM or BB. Based on one-way ANOVA, significant differences were observed between groups in TBM. Post hoc analysis revealed that these differences were explained by an increase in FFM for SW with a concomitant loss in BF% for both SW and VB. CONCLUSIONS: While female collegiate SW and VB athletes experienced desirable changes in body composition (i.e., less fat and more lean mass) across the season, TR athletes gained fat. Importantly, none of the athletes lost FFM across the competitive season. However, additional focus on ways to optimize body composition in female collegiate TR athletes may be necessary.

Comparing Dietary Intake and Body Composition in Female Athletes During In- and Off-season

Comparing Dietary Intake and Body Composition in Female Athletes During In- and Off-season

EVALUATION OF AIR DISPLACEMENT PLETHYSMOGRAPHY FOR ASSESSING BODY DENSITY AND BODY COMPOSITION IN FEMALE ATHLETES

Body composition measures are important to female athletes and team personnel to assess training effectiveness and to monitor for adverse physiological changes. The use of multi-compartment models, which often require a measure of total body density (Db), are necessary to provide a more accurate measure of body composition in female athletes due to possible alterations in the densities and proportions of the fat-free masses. Traditionally, Db has been determined by hydrostatic weighing (HW). Recently, air displacement plethysmography (AP; Bod Pod; Life Measurement Instruments, Inc) has been proposed as an alternative technique for Db determination. PURPOSE: To compare AP measures of body volume (VbAP) and body density (DbAP) with HW measures of body volume (VbHW) and body density (DbHW), and to compare resulting 4-compartment model %Fat (4-Comp %Fat) measures when DbAP was substituted for DbHW in a group of female athletes. METHODS: Twenty-five female intercollegiate athletes completed AP, HW with residual volume measures, and additional body composition measures during a single testing session. Paired t-test were used to compare VbAP to VbHW, DbAP to DbHW, and 4-Comp %Fat measures. Regression analyses and total errors (TE) were used to assess the strengths of these relationships. RESULTS: Group mean comparisons (mean ± SE) showed that VbAP (62.09 ± 1.40 L) and DbAP (1.0455 ± 0.0023 g/cc) were significantly different (p < 0.01) from VbHW (61.37 ± 1.36 L) and DbHW (1.0584 ± 0.0021g/cc). Significant correlations were found for the Vb (r = 1.00) and Db (r = 0.84) measures. TE for Vb and Db were 0.83 L and 0.0143 g/cc, respectively. Further analysis revealed that 4-Comp %Fat (mean ± SE) using DbAP (24.8 ± 1.2%) was significantly (p < 0.01) greater than 4-Comp %Fat using DbHW (21.7 ± 1.2%). The correlation and TE between 4-Comp %Fat measures was r = 0.96 and 3.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION: These data show that AP systematically underestimated Db, and overestimated Vb and 4-Comp %Fat compared to HW measures in this group of female athletes.

Relationship of upper arm anthropometry to body composition in female athletes

Arm muscle area (AMA) and triceps skinfold (TSF) are simple techniques which are widely used in nutritional assessment. The value of AMA as a measure of lean mass and TSF as a measure of fat mass in female athletes was examined in this study. Subjects were 12 female NCAA Division III soccer and cross country athletes. Body fat percentage was determined by hydrostatic weighing (with residual volume estimated from age, height, and weight). Dietary intake (by six day diet record), hemoglobin and menstruation status were also assessed. The athletes were apparently in good nutritional status, although their intake of iron, calcium, folate and dietary fiber was somewhat low. TSF was significantly correlated with fat mass (r=.60, p=.04) and body fat percentage (r=.59, p=.04); but not with body weight (r=.33, p=.29). AMA was not significantly correlated with lean mass (r=.47, p=.12) or percent lean body mass (r=−.12, p=.72); but was more closely related to body weight (r=.56, p=.06). Both TSF (r=.58, p=.05) and AMA (r=.67, p=.02) were significantly correlated with body mass index. The results suggest that TSF may be useful for assessing fat mass in female athletes; while AMA tends to be more closely related to body weight than to lean mass.