Body fat mass predicts maximal aerobic capacity in young regional athletes

초록

BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper was to identify components of body composition associated with physical fitness and cardiorespiratory function in young regional athletes. METHODS: Sixty-nine middle-school athletes were enrolled from May to August, 2012. Body composition (weight, body fat mass, and skeletal muscle mass) was measured using an Inbody 520 analyzer (Biospace®, Seoul, Korea). Height and waist circumference were measured and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Basic physical fitness was examined by measuring isometric grip strength in the dominant hand, muscular endurance (sit-up test), explosive power (Sargent jump), and flexibility (sit and reach test). An exercise stress test and expired gas analysis were performed to test cardiorespiratory function. RESULTS: Body composition was significantly associated with physical fitness and cardiorespiratory capacity. Body weight and BMI were major determinants of maximal strength, and fat mass was a major determinant of maximal aerobic capacity. Unexpectedly, participants showed relatively low levels of flexibility. CONCLUSIONS: Body composition was significantly related to cardiorespiratory function and basic physical fitness in young regional athletes; however, flexibility was unexpectedly low. Therefore, the importance of body composition (including body fat, muscle mass and body weight) should not be ignored in young athletes. Also, a stretching exercise program is recommended to prevent musculoskeletal injury. © 2015 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA.

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