Associations Between Body Composition and Performance in Elite Endurance Athletes
Study Details
This new study investigated whether athletes…
1️⃣ Periodise their body composition through the season
2️⃣ If body composition changes were associated with endurance performance
52 elite endurance athletes (23 skiers + 29 runners) were included in the study⛷️🏃♂️
Athletes body composition was assessed in preparation (T1) and specific preparation periods (T2) 🗓️
Here is what they found ⬇️
Key Findings
No changes in body mass or body composition were detected from T1 to T2 except for lean mass (LM) 💪
…which increased in only runners 🏃♂️
Decreased body fat mass and percentage were associated with increased…
⏱️ Peak running velocity (Vpeak)
🫁 Relative peak oxygen uptake
Changes in LM were positively associated with changes in Vpeak in female skiers 🎿
Elite endurance athletes did not systematically periodise their body mass ❌
Conclusion
Decreases in body fat mass and percentage may be beneficial for endurance performance ✅
Lean mass increases were associated with improved endurance performance in female athletes 💪
Therefore should be prioritised during any body weight manipulation‼️
Finally, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to body composition changes within elite athletes 📣
Reference
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40962298/
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