Body Composition of Master Swimmers before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study.

The long-term effect of physical activity on body composition in Master athletes is rarely presented in the literature. The aim of this study was to identify possible changes in body composition of Master swimmers over a period of 4 years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we wanted to discover if sarcopenia symptoms would occur in Master athletes during the analyzed period. The body compositions of one hundred and sixty-seven Master swimmers were assessed with the InBody 270 analyzer in 2018. In 2022, the measurements were repeated in forty-six men and fourteen women. The Muscle Mass Index and the Skeletal Muscle Index were calculated to identify sarcopenia-related changes in body composition. We surveyed participants to gather data on their training patterns and SARS-CoV-2 infection history. No significant changes in body composition parameters were noted in Master swimmers during the analysis period (p > 0.05). Sarcopenia risk was not identified in examined athletes, and sarcopenia indicators did not change markedly over the 4-year period (p > 0.05). Participants with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection did not differ from non-infected subjects in terms of body composition. Training cessation during the COVID-19 pandemic and SARS-CoV-2 infection did not induce long-term changes in body composition of Master swimmers. Life-long participation in swimming activities appears to delay negative changes in body composition, including sarcopenia symptoms.

The effect of summer holidays on body composition and respiratory muscle strength in pubescent swimmers / El efecto de las vacaciones de verano sobre la composición corporal y la fuerza muscular respiratoria en nadadores púberes

Changes in daily routine and decrease in physical activity during summer holidays period, often result in body weight gain in school-age children. However, the impact of summer break on body composition in athlete children has not been thoroughly investigated. The current study was aimed at identifying possible changes in body composition and respiratory muscle strength after an 8-week summer break in age-group swimmers. Eighteen girls and fifteen boys ages 10-13 years (mean 11.6±1.0) participated in the study. The measurements were taken in June and repeated in September the same year. Body composition was assessed with an InBody 720 analyzer, and respiratory muscle strength was assessed with a MicroRPM device. A fifty-meter front-crawl test was conducted to induce respiratory muscle fatigue. All analyzed body composition parameters; i.e., body mass, body mass index, tissue, and muscle components increased substantially after the summer break (p<0.05). No significant changes in maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) were detected in both boys and girls after the detraining period (p>0.05). It can be concluded that 8-week summer break had an effect on body composition parameters in juvenile swimmers, but no effect on their respiratory muscle strength was apparent. Studies involving a greater number of participants engaged in various sports activities are needed to better understand the effect of summer break on anthropomorphic and respiratory parameters in youth athletes. (AU)

Los cambios en la rutina diaria y la disminución de la actividad física durante el periodo de vacaciones de verano, suelen provocar un aumento de peso corporal en los niños en edad escolar. Sin embargo, no se ha investigado a fondo el impacto de las vacaciones de verano en la composición corporal de los niños deportistas. El presente estudio tenía como objetivo identificar los posibles cambios en la composición corporal y la fuerza muscular respiratoria tras unas vacaciones de verano de 8 semanas en nadadores jovenes. Dieciocho niñas y quince niños de 10 a 13 años (media de 11.6±1.0) participaron en el estudio . Las mediciones se realizaron en junio y se repitieron en septiembre del mismo año. Se evaluó la composición corporal con un analizador InBody 720 y la fuerza muscular respiratoria con un dispositivo MicroRPM. Se realizó una prueba de crol frontal de cincuenta metros para inducir la fatiga de los músculos respiratorios. Todos los parámetros de composición corporal analizados, es decir, la masa corporal, el índice de masa corporal, el tejido y los componentes musculares, aumentaron sustancialmente tras el descanso estival (p<0.05). No se detectaron cambios significativos en la presión inspiratoria máxima (MIP) ni en la presión espiratoria máxima (MEP) tanto en los chicos como en las chicas después del periodo de desentrenamiento (p>0.05). Se puede concluir que las vacaciones de verano de 8 semanas tuvieron un efecto sobre los parámetros de composición corporal en los nadadores juveniles, pero no se observó ningún efecto sobre su fuerza muscular respiratoria. Se necesitan estudios con un mayor número de participantes que practiquen diversas actividades deportivas para comprender mejor el efecto de las vacaciones de verano en los parámetros antropomórficos y respiratorios de los deportistas juveniles. (AU)

Effect of COVID-19 Lockdown on Cardiovascular Health in University Students.

BACKGROUND: A decrease in physical activity levels among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic is well-documented in the literature. However, the effect of lockdown restrictions on cardiovascular fitness has not been thoroughly investigated. METHODS: The aim of the study was to assess the possible changes in cardiovascular fitness among university students during a 14-week period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thirteen female and seven male tourism and recreation students participated in the study. Examinations were conducted in November 2020 and in February/March 2021. Students performed the PWC170 test on a cycling ergometer. Maximal oxygen consumption was calculated based on the PWC170 test results. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured at rest, as well as in the 1st and 5th minute of post-exercise recovery. RESULTS: No substantial changes were observed in maximal oxygen consumption level when comparing autumn and winter indices. Male students presented elevated blood pressure whereas female students presented normal blood pressure. Heart-rate and blood-pressure indices did not show substantial alternations in examined students during analyzed period. CONCLUSIONS: Fourteen weeks of lockdown had little effect on the cardiovascular health of tourism and recreation students.

Physical Activity Behaviors and Physical Work Capacity in University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objective. The COVID-19 pandemic led to restricted access to sports and recreation facilities, resulting in a general decrease in physical activity. Many studies present the results of on-line questionnaires conducted during the pandemic, but there are few reports of objectively measured indicators of physical condition. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the changes in physical work capacity, body composition, and physical activity behaviors in university students during 14 weeks of lockdown. Material and Methods. Twenty students of Tourism and Recreation (13 female and 7 male) participated in the study. The first examination was conducted in November 2020, and the second in March 2021. Body composition was assessed with a Tanita 418 MA device. The students performed the PWC 170 cycling test and completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short version) on-line. Results. Neither physical work capacity nor body composition parameters changed substantially during the analyzed period. In the female students, vigorous physical activity decreased significantly, but no substantial changes occurred in weekly metabolic equivalent of task. In male students, walking days and metabolic equivalent of task decreased, but the changes were not significant. Conclusions. Fourteen weeks of COVID-19 lockdown had little effect on the body composition, physical work capacity level, and physical activity habits of Tourism and Recreation students. Studies with larger groups of participants should verify the current conclusions, and care should be taken when extrapolating to other populations.

Changes in Body Composition and Anthropomorphic Measurements in Children Participating in Swimming and Non-Swimming Activities.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is a well-known means of obesity prevention, but the relationship between exercise frequency and body composition in children has not been thoroughly investigated. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the body composition of children aged 11-12 who regularly performed swimming and other sports as an organized extra-curricular physical activity for a 12-week period. METHODS: The study included 46 students who attended swimming classes and 42 students who participated in training activities in other sports, including, but not limited to, football, basketball and athletics. Body height and body composition were measured using a Tanita BC 418 MA analyzer. The students individually reported their rate of perceived exertion during training using the Pictorial Children's Effort Rating Table PCERT scale. RESULTS: The weekly volume of training was substantially higher in the group of swimmers than in that playing other sports (12.3 h/week vs. 5.2 h/week, p < 0.01). After 12 weeks of training, body height and weight significantly increased in both groups (p < 0.001). However, the BMI value and adipose tissue content only increased in the group of non-swimmers. Swimmers perceived greater exertion during training than non-swimmers (7.1 vs. 5.8 on the PCERT scale, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In early pubescent children, engaging in vigorous exercise such as swimming for at least 10 h a week may restrain the growth of adipose tissue. However, the variety of exercises that are typical of team sports, if performed for no more than 5 h a week, may be insufficient to restrain adipose tissue growth.

[Nutritional habits of 11-12-year-old swimmers against non-athlete peers - a pilot study]. / Nawyki zywieniowe 11 ­ 12-letnich uczniów sportowych klas plywackich na tle nietrenujacych rówiesników ­ badanie pilotazowe.

INTRODUCTION: Quality and quantity of food, consumed by a child have a great influence on his biological development. Dietary habits of children often do not meet criteria suggested by health institutions and schools. Nutrition of a child, involved in competitive sport should be rationally planned and obeyed. AIM: Comparison of dietary habits among two groups children: practicing swimming and non-athletes. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Research group consisted of 11-12-year-old children attending the same public primary school. Forty six students engaged in swimming training and forty two non-athletes were examined. The following anthropometrics variables had been measured: body height, body mass, percent body fat and body mass index. Dietary habits of the children were assessed by the survey, created on the basis of a tools available in literature. RESULTS: Children of both groups differed essentially in terms of percent body fat. Anyway, their body proportions meet the referred standards. A few differences were discovered in nutritional patterns among swimmers and non-athletes. Young swimmers more often consumed dinners at school. Moreover, swimming pupils ate dairy products more often than their peers, but ate fish less often. Non-athletes declared consumption of sweets more often when compared to the swimmers. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study revealed insufficient number of consumed meal portions in both groups. There is a need of permanent nutritional education, provided by parents, teachers at school and sports coaches.

The influence of Aqua Power aerobics on body mass reduction in middle-aged, overweight women.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effects of Aqua Power exercises on the body composition and cardiovascular response in middle- aged, overweight women after a six-month intervention. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between November 2013 and May 2014, a total of 37 middle-aged, overweight women (mean age 42.6 years, range 36 to 57 years) participated in the Aqua Power aerobic sessions twice per week for six months. The body composition was evaluated using the near-infrared method. The heart rate was self-controlled by the participant during the exercise. RESULTS: The majority of the body composition elements decreased after six months of the Aqua Power aerobic training. The heart rate values decreased in the females after the intervention period. CONCLUSION: Aqua Power aerobics can be recommended for middle-aged females for the treatment of overweight and in the process of cardiopulmonary fitness improvement.

Maximal Power of the Lower Limbs of Youth Gymnasts and Biomechanical Indicators of the Forward Handspring Vault Versus the Sports Result.

The aim of the study was to define the relationship between maximal power of lower limbs, the biomechanics of the forward handspring vault and the score received during a gymnastics competition. The research involved 42 gymnasts aged 9-11 years competing in the Poland's Junior Championships. The study consisted of three stages: first -estimating the level of indicators of maximal power of lower limbs tested on a force plate during the countermovement jump; second - estimating the level of biomechanical indicators of the front handspring vault. For both mentioned groups of indicators and the score received by gymnasts during the vault, linear correlation analyses were made. The last stage consisted of conducting multiple regression analysis in order to predict the performance level of the front handspring vault. Results showed a positive correlation (0.401, p < 0.05) of lower limbs' maximal power (1400 ± 502 W) with the judges' score for the front handstand vault (13.38 ± 1.02 points). However, the highest significant (p < 0.001) correlation with the judges' score was revealed in the angle of the hip joint in the second phase of the flight (196.00 ± 16.64°) and the contact time of hands with the vault surface (0.264 ± 0.118 s), where correlation coefficients were: -0.671 and -0.634, respectively. In conclusion, the angles of the hip joint in the second phase of the flight and when the hands touched the vault surface proved to be the most important indicators for the received score.

Effectiveness of basic life support instruction in physical education students--a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: According to the literature, 40% of injuries affecting school-age children are sports related. The role of physical education students, as future teachers, seems to be of high importance in terms of protecting children's safety during sports classes. PURPOSES: The aim is to evaluate the level of basic life support (BLS) knowledge and skills in physical education students instructed with the use of different methods. METHODS: Second-year physical education students (n=104, M age=20±0.6 years) were randomly assigned to three groups: experimental 1 (E1), experimental 2 (E2), and control (C). Group E1 students participated in a 2-hour BLS course based on computer-assisted presentations. Group E2 trainees practiced BLS algorithm in pairs during a 2-hour course. No manikins were used in both intervention groups. Students of Group C were asked to learn BLS algorithm on their own. All groups fulfilled a 10-question multiple-choice test on BLS at the beginning and the end of the experiment. After completing the course participants performed BLS on a manikin. RESULTS: The results of knowledge test were not significant before an experiment but differed essentially among the groups afterward (analysis of variance contrast analysis, p<.05). Regardless of teaching method used, no significant differences were found among the students in preparatory BLS actions and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performance on a manikin. The level of CPR performance was very low in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Students of both intervention groups improved their BLS knowledge after the training. Teaching methods used in the current study seemed to be ineffective in terms of practical CPR skills. Access to greater number of modern manikins should improve the BLS training in physical education students. Moreover, permanent consultation on instructional methods with emergency medicine experts is recommended for university teachers.

Do swimming exercises induce anthropometric changes in adolescents?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of regular participation in school swimming lessons on anthropometric variables and postural defect occurrence in junior high school students. An intervention group (n = 116) and a control group (n = 114) of boys and girls aged 13.4 ± 0.3 years had an equal physical education obligatory course requirement at school, with the intervention group additionally participating in swimming class once a week for 2 years. Anthropometric variables were recorded in both groups 3 times between autumn 2006 and 2008, and a clinical examination was conducted twice during this same period of time. Students from the intervention group had lower body mass than their peers in the control group at the end of the course (ANOVA, P < 0.05). The differences in body height and body mass index between the groups were insignificant. In swimming students, the correction in scoliosis was more distinct than in the control group (P < 0.05 by chi-squared test). The groups did not differ significantly in occurrence of other postural defects. Regular participation in standard swimming education at school did not have much effect on postural defects in adolescents. A special program of corrective water exercises should be applied to the school physical education syllabus.