Seasonal Changes in Fitness Parameters in a World Champion Rowing Crew

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 189-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pavle Mikulic

Purpose:To examine variations in physical, physiological, and performance parameters over an annual training cycle in a world champion rowing crew.Methods:Four world-class rowers, all of them members of the men’s heavyweight quadruple sculls squad who are current world rowing champions, were assessed 3 times at regular 4-mo intervals during the 2011 season (November 2010, March 2011, and July 2011). Physical assessments included stature, body mass, body composition, whereas physiological and performance assessments obtained during an incremental rowing ergometer test to exhaustion included maximum oxygen uptake and anaerobic gas-exchange threshold with corresponding power output values.Results:Body mass (∼95 kg) and body composition (∼12% body fat) remained stable over the annual training cycle. Power output at anaerobic gas-exchange threshold increased +16% from November to July, whereas the corresponding oxygen uptake, expressed as a percentage of maximum oxygen uptake, increased from 83% to 90%. Maximum oxygen uptake decreased from 6.68 L/min in November to 6.10 L/min in March before rising to 6.51 L/min in July. The corresponding power output increased steadily from 450 W to 481 W.Conclusion:Seasonal variation in body mass and body composition of 4 examined world-class rowers was minimal. Oxygen uptake and power output corresponding to anaerobic threshold continuously increased from off-season to peak competition season. Seasonal variation in maximum oxygen uptake reached ∼10%; however, it remained above 6 L/min, that is, the value consistently observed in top caliber heavyweight rowers regardless of the time of the assessment.

Author(s):  
Geertje E. van der Steeg ◽  
Tim Takken

Abstract Background The maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is considered the best measure of cardiorespiratory fitness. Aim To provide up-to-date reference values for the VO2max per kilogram of body mass (VO2max/kg) obtained by CPET in the Netherlands and Flanders. Methods The Lowlands Fitness Registry contains data from health checks among different professions and was used for this study. Data from 4612 apparently healthy subjects, 3671 males and 941 females, who performed maximum effort during cycle ergometry were analysed. Reference values for the VO2max/kg and corresponding centile curves were created according to the LMS method. Results Age had a negative significant effect (p < .001) and males had higher values of VO2max/kg with an overall difference of 18.0% compared to females. Formulas for reference values were developed: Males: VO2max/kg = − 0.0049 × age2 + 0.0884 × age + 48.263 (R2 = 0.9859; SEE = 1.4364) Females: VO2max/kg = − 0.0021 × age2 − 0.1407 × age + 43.066 (R2 = 0.9989; SEE = 0.5775). Cross-validation showed no relevant statistical mean difference between measured and predicted values for males and a small but significant mean difference for females. We found remarkable higher VO2max/kg values compared to previously published studies. Conclusions This is the first study to provide reference values for the VO2max/kg based on a Dutch/Flemish cohort. Our reference values can be used for a more accurate interpretation of the VO2max in the West-European population.


Author(s):  
Alejandro Martínez-Rodríguez ◽  
María Martínez-Olcina ◽  
María Hernández-García ◽  
Jacobo Á. Rubio-Arias ◽  
Javier Sánchez-Sánchez ◽  
...  

Background: Beach handball (BH) is a sport in which sporting performance is influenced, together with team interaction, by individual performance in terms of strength. Body composition is one of the main factors for sports performance and eating habits can condition this variable. The Mediterranean diet (MD) can significantly reduce the risk of mortality or cardiovascular disease. In addition, the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment carries out different campaigns to promote it among young athletes, establishing it as a suitable diet for sports. Objectives: The main aims of the study are to assess body composition, physical activity and adherence to the MD of beach handball players. It also aims to evaluate age group differences in male and female players, as well as studying the possible relationship between MD, body composition and performance variables. Methods: A total of 59 Spanish BH players were recruited in the national championship of BH in the province of Alicante. Thirty-eight male (14 junior; 17.0 ± 0.1 years and 24 seniors; 25.5 ± 4.7 years) and twenty-one female (7 junior; 16.1 ± 1.46 years and 14 seniors; 23.2 ± 2.0 years) BH players participated in this study. The questionnaire to evaluate eating habits was Mediterranean diet adherence (KIDMED). Body composition was measured with electrical bioimpedance. Strength was evaluated by means of a maximum isometric handgrip test of the dominant hand with handgrip and height of jump by counter-jump on contact platform. In the statistical analysis, descriptions and correlations between the study variables were made. Results: In females, when the adherence to the MD is lower, the weight is higher, the lean body mass is lower and worse results are observed in performance tests. As for males, there are differences in weight and lean body mass according to category. Conclusions: Adequate eating habits are related to the weight of beach handball athletes. In addition, specifically with junior players, it has been observed that adherence to the MD correlates with weight.


1990 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 198-206
Author(s):  
YASUAKI TAHARA ◽  
NORIAKI TSUNAWAKE ◽  
SHO NISHIZAWA ◽  
KOICHI YUKAWA ◽  
SHUNSUKE MORI ◽  
...  

1999 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 146-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael H. Stone ◽  
Kimberly Sanborn ◽  
Lucille L. Smith ◽  
Harold S. O'Bryant ◽  
Tommy Hoke ◽  
...  

The purpose of this investigation was to study the efficacy of two dietary supplements on measures of body mass, body composition, and performance in 42 American football players. Group CM (n = 9) received creatine monohy-drate, Group P (n = 11) received calcium pyruvate. Group COM (n = 11) received a combination of calcium pyruvate (60%) and creatine (40%), and Group PL received a placebo. Tests were performed before (Tl) and after (T2) the 5-week supplementation period, during which the subjects continued their normal training schedules. Compared to P and PL. CM and COM showed significantly greater increases for body mass, lean body mass, 1 repetition maximum (RM) bench press, combined 1 RM squat and bench press, and static vertical jump (SVJ) power output. Peak rate of force development for SVJ was significantly greater for CM compared to P and PL. Creatine and the combination supplement enhanced training adaptations associated with body mass/composition, maximum strength, and SVJ; however, pyruvate supplementation alone was ineffective.


2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 397-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iñigo Mujika

Age-related fitness declines in athletes can be due to both aging and detraining. Very little is known about the physiological and performance decline of professional cyclists after retirement from competition. To gain some insight into the aging and detraining process of elite cyclists, 5-time Tour de France winner and Olympic Champion Miguel Indurain performed a progressive cycle-ergometer test to exhaustion 14 y after retirement from professional cycling (age 46 y, body mass 92.2 kg). His maximal values were oxygen uptake 5.29 L/min (57.4 mL · kg−1 · min−1), aerobic power output 450 W (4.88 W/kg), heart rate 191 beats/min, blood lactate 11.2 mM. Values at the individual lactate threshold (ILT): 4.28 L/min (46.4 mL · kg−1 · min−1), 329 W (3.57 W/kg), 159 beats/min, 2.4 mM. Values at the 4-mM onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA): 4.68 L/min (50.8 mL · kg−1 · min−1), 369 W (4.00 W/kg), 170 beats/min. Average cycling gross efficiency between 100 and 350 W was 20.1%, with a peak value of 22.3% at 350 W. Delta efficiency was 27.04%. Absolute maximal oxygen uptake and aerobic power output declined by 12.4% and 15.2% per decade, whereas power output at ILT and OBLA declined by 19.8% and 19.2%. Larger declines in maximal and submaximal values relative to body mass (19.4–26.1%) indicate that body composition changed more than aerobic characteristics. Nevertheless, Indurain’s absolute maximal and submaximal oxygen uptake and power output still compare favorably with those exhibited by active professional cyclists.


2008 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 295-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Yeung Shan Wong ◽  
Frank Wan Kin Chan ◽  
Chi Kei Lee ◽  
Martin Li ◽  
Fai Yeung ◽  
...  

Retos ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 ◽  
pp. 649-658
Author(s):  
Cristiana Mercê ◽  
Marco Branco ◽  
Mário Rodrigues-Ferreira ◽  
António VencesBrito ◽  
David Catela ◽  
...  

Systematic sport practice at younger ages positively influences body composition and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max). On the other hand, its influence on maturation is still not consensual, and some studies claim a negative effect. Few studies have approached the differences in this influence according to different sport practices. The present study aims to analyse and compare the influence of karate and swimming practices, and the non-practice of sports, on body composition, VO2max and maturation in children and youth. Data were collected in 126 youth, 54 karate athletes, 36 swimming athletes and 36 participants with no sport practice (M=11.56±2.06 years). The type of sport practice had a different influence on body composition and VO2max, no negative influence was verified on maturation. In general, the sport practices revealed a positive influence in children and youth’s body composition. The karate practice provided significant lower body fat mass and higher lean mass in males. Swimming athletes revealed a significant higher VO2max compared to all other groups, while karate didn´t differed from no-practice group. The different influence of sport practices verified highlighted the importance of a multilateral development of children and youth by practising several sports.  Resumen: La práctica deportiva sistemática a edades más tempranas influye positivamente en la composición corporal y la absorción máxima de oxígeno (VO2max). Por otro lado, su influencia en la maduración aún no es consensuada, y algunos estudios afirman un efecto negativo. Pocos estudios se han acercado a las diferencias en esta influencia según las distintas prácticas deportivas. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo analizar y comparar la influencia de las prácticas de kárate y natación, y la no práctica de deportes, sobre la composición corporal, el VO2máx y la maduración en niños y jóvenes. Los datos fueron recolectados en 126 jóvenes, 54 atletas de kárate, 36 atletas de natación y 36 participantes sin práctica deportiva (M = 11.56 ± 2.06 años). El tipo de práctica deportiva influyó de manera diferente en la composición corporal y el VO2max, no se verificó influencia negativa en la maduración. En general, las prácticas deportivas revelaron una influencia positiva en la composición corporal de niños y jóvenes. La práctica del karate proporcionó una masa grasa corporal significativamente más baja y una masa magra más alta en los hombres. Los atletas de natación revelaron un VO2max significativamente más alto en comparación con todos los demás grupos, mientras que el karate no difirió del grupo sin práctica. La diferente influencia de las prácticas deportivas verificada resaltó la importancia de un desarrollo multilateral de la niñez y la juventud a través de la práctica de varios deportes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Agata Mroczek ◽  
Magdalena Chawałek

Background: Physical activity is an excellent form of prevention of modern diseases. The most popular form of physical activity chosen by women is group fitness activities. Women are most likely to focus on exercises for the lower parts of the body (thighs, buttocks, abdomen). In recent years, dance classes (e.g. Zumba) or exercises on mini trampolines have become very popular. Regular fitness training contributes to positive changes in the proportions and body composition. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to assess the proportions and body composition of a woman via a 3-month group fitness training program. Case report: The study involved a woman aged 26, participating in fitness classes three times a week for a period of three months. The woman participated in the following training cycle: twice a week (Monday and Wednesday) in the Jumping Frog interval training on a trampoline; twice a week (Monday and Friday) in ZUMBA® classes; and once a week (Wednesday) in ABT classes (abdomen, buttocks, thighs). Her height and weight, waist and hips circumference, and the thickness of three skinfolds (subscapular, triceps, abdominal) were measured. Body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were calculated and body composition analysis (% of body fat, lean body mass) was performed. Two measurements were made: the first at the beginning of the training cycle, the second on completion. After three months of training, there were a decrease in body weight (2.2 kg), BMI (0.77 kg/m2), waist circumference (4 cm), hip circumference (2 cm), WHR (0.03), subscapular, abdominal and triceps skinfold (1 mm, 3 mm, 3 mm), body fat (2.6%) and perimeters, and an increase in lean body mass (1 kg). Conclusions: This study shows a positive effect of fitness training on body proportions and body composition.


1974 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 96-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
KAORU KITAGAWA ◽  
KOMEI IKUTA ◽  
YUKO HARA ◽  
KOICHI HIIRTA

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