Abstract des Autors

Objective: To monitor the seasonal body composition alterations in 18 lightweight rowers (six females, 12 males) across a rowing season incorporating preseason, early competition, competition, and postseason. Methods: Subject age was 23.1(SD 4.5) years, height 170.8(5.6) cm (female), 23.5(3.5) years, 180.5(2.7 cm (male). Body weight, fat mass, and fat-free mass (FFM) were assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA-L Lunar) and skinfold techniques. Weight control techniques were documented before major regattas by a questionnaire. Results: Female body weight was reduced from 61.3(2.9) to 57.0(1.1) kg (5.9%), while male body weight was reduced from 75.6(3.1) to 69.8(1.6) kg (7.8%) preseason to competition season respectively. These body weight reductions were mirrored by a significant reduction in fat mass as indicated by the sum of skinfolds (female seven sites: 80.9(8.1) to 68.2(11.8) mm; male eight sites: 54.2(8.7) to 41.8(4.8) mm), percentage body fat (female 22.1(1.0) to 19.7(2.4)%; male 10.0(0.9) to 7.8(0.8)%), and total fat (female 12.5(5.2) to 10.9(1.4) kg; male 7.3(1.9) to 5.6(1.8) kg) (DXA). In contrast, no changes were observed in FFM despite a season of intensive rowing training. Seasonal body weight control was achieved through reduced total energy and dietary fat intakes. Acute body weight reductions were achieved by exercise in 73.3% of participants, food restriction in 71.4%, and fluid restrictions in 62.9%. Conclusions: Seasonal body weight alterations in lightweight rowers are in response to a significant reduction in fat mass. However, the weight restrictions appear to be limiting an increase in FFM which could be beneficial to rowing performance. Verf.-Referat