Body composition among long distance runners

Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2020 May 15;66(2):180-186. doi: 10.1590/1806-9282.66.2.180.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Absorptiometry, Photon
  • Adult
  • Anthropometry
  • Athletes
  • Athletic Performance / physiology
  • Body Composition / physiology*
  • Electric Impedance
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Plethysmography / methods
  • Reference Values
  • Running / physiology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Time Factors