Body composition among long distance runners

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE The current study aimed to examine the body composition of adult male ultra-trail runners (UTR) according to their level of participation (regional UTR-R, vs. national UTR-N). METHODS The sample was composed of 44 adult male UTR (aged 36.5±7.2 years; UTR-R: n=25; UTR-N: n=19). Body composition was assessed by air displacement plethysmography, bioelectrical impedance, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. In addition, the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was applied. A comparison between the groups was performed using independent samples t-test. RESULTS Significant differences between groups contrasting in the competitive level were found for chronological age (in years; UTR-R: 38.8±8.2 vs. UTR-N: 33.5±4.1); body density (in L.kg-1; UTR-R: 1.062±0.015 vs. UTR-N: 1.074±0.009); and fat mass (in kg; UTR-R: 12.7±6.8 vs. UTR-N: 7.6±2.7). CONCLUSION UTR-N were younger, presented higher values for body density, and had less fat mass, although no significant differences were found for fat-free mass. The current study evidenced the profile of long-distance runners and the need for weight management programs to regulate body composition.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Rosado,Joana, Duarte,João P., Sousa-e-Silva,Paulo, Costa,Daniela C., Martinho,Diogo V., Valente-dos-Santos,João, Rama,Luís M., Tavares,Óscar M., Conde,Jorge, Castanheira,Joaquim, Soles-Gonçalves,Rui, Courteix,Daniel, Coelho-e-Silva,Manuel J.
Format:	Digital revista
Language:	English
Published:	Associação Médica Brasileira 2020
Online Access:	http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0104-42302020000200180
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