PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Samoilov A., Rilova N., Mustafina, L

Center of Sports Medicine FMBA of Russia, Moscow

Volga Region State Academy of Physical Culture, Sport and Tourism, Kazan

Kazan State Medical University, Kazan

Introduction

Human body has a multi-component structure and can be studied by bioelectrical impedance analyzers at the tissue and molecular level. Body composition can vary between individuals depending on various factors such as gender, age, nutritional state and pattern of physical activity (Heyward and Wagner, 2004). Currently, measurement of bioelectrical impedance is actively used in many countries (Fornetti et al., 1999). Bioelectrical impedance measures the level of resistance of electrical current through the body. Since water conducts electrical current well, those tissues with higher water levels (muscle) conduct electricity better than those with lower levels (fat) (Kushner, 1992). Athletes tend to have greater lean mass (composed of metabolically active tissues, such as muscles and organs), while unfit subjects have an excess of fat mass (composed of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue). The aim of the study was to analyze body composition in subjects with different pattern of physical activity.

Methods

One hundred and twenty two subjects were recruited for the study. Body composition parameters (percentage of fat and muscle mass, visceral fat, body water, metabolic age, etc.) were assessed by bioelectrical impedance analyzer “Tanita MC 980” (Japan). Physical activity pattern was determined by a questionnaire. Subjects were first divided into several groups depending on their physical activity. Next, two groups at opposing extremities of physical activity pattern (16 sedentary men (age 24.8 (2.2) yr, weight 76.8 (4.3) kg) reported no regular physical activity (S group); 17 physically active men (age 22.9 (3.6) yr, weight 77.8 (12.5) kg) regularly participated in high intensity physical activity of more than 12 hours per week (A group)) were compared.

Results

We found that the percentage of body fat (9.5 vs. 19.1%; p<0.01), visceral fat mass (1.5 (0,5) kg vs. 4.3 (1,1) kg; p<0.01) and metabolic age (13 (2.8) yr vs. 26.7 (3.1) yr; p<0.05) were significantly lower in A group compared with the S group. In contrast, subjects from A group had a higher muscle mass (66.6 (8.9) kg vs. 58.8 (1.8); p<0.02), total body water (65.1 (4.2)% vs. 58.4 (3.5)%; p<0.027) at the expense of intracellular water (33.7 (4.7) vs. 26.8 (1.3); p<0.03).

Conclusions

Thus, men with high physical activity had a reduced fat mass, a lower risk of obesity and an increased muscle mass than sedentary men. We have demonstrated that significant changes in morphological and metabolic characteristics are formed under the influence of regular physical activity.

References

Kushner RF. Bioelectrical impedance analysis: a review of principles and applications. Am Coll Nutr. 1992;11:199-209.

Heyward VH, Wagner D. Applied Body composition assessment. Human Kinetics, 2004; pp. 159-173.

Fornetti WC, Pivarnik JM, Foley JM, Fiechtner JJ. Reliability and validity of body composition measures in female athletes. J Appl Physiol. 1999;87(3):1114-1122.