Body composition and peak aerobic power in male international level Hungarian athletes

Abstract

Body size, physique, body composition and physiological performance of elite athletes are independent aspects, have aroused the interest of exercise scientists, but studies that combine these aspects in elite athletes are scarcely available. The aim of the present study was to describe the selected anthropometric and exercise physiological characteristics of some Hungarian top athletes. The investigated subjects were qualified Hungarian water polo players (n=25), paddlers (n=24) and modem pentathlonists (n=20), all of whom had been medalists at several continental and intercontinental competitions. The athletes' body composition was estimated by the Drinkwater-Ross (45) body mass fractionation technique. Peak physiological performance was estimated by graded exhausting spiroergometric treadmill exercise. Intergroup differences in mean height, body mass and body composition characteristics were significant at the 5% level of random error. By the results of spiroergometry, all the three groups compared could be qualified as physically excellently trained. The greatest oxygen uptake relative to body mass was found in the modern pentathlonists (73.22 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)) and the lowest one (59.79) in the water polo players. The authors do not disregard the favourable effects of regular and adequate trainings in the development of the studied characteristics, but in their opinion the process of proper selection has been the most important factor that explains the observed significant intergroup differences.

Comparison of anthropometric parameters among Iranian and Spanish water polo players

“…This measurement is an indication of a significant difference between the players of two teams in terms of the amount of subcutaneous fat. The fat percentage of Spanish players are similar and the same parameter value of Iranian are higher than previous published [20] however the fat percentage of Iranian players are similar with published [21][22][23]. Comparing these values suggests that Iranian players' total subcutaneous fat is higher than their international peers.…”

“…So the valued who reported in other published showed that the stature value of Iranian team are in line with the national Greek team [26]. As all fitness experts know, taller height and a more or less heavy body is the most important factors for athlete's performance [20]. Therefore, it can be concluded that despite of that two groups weight are equal and more subcutaneous fat is in Iranian players as well as higher stature of the Spanish, in contrast to the Iranians, the Spanish players have more muscular bodies, taller stature and lower fat percentage which is an advantage for them.…”

“…The Spanish players have an advantage over the Iranians since the water polo sport is played in water and most parts of the body are under water except passing, shooting and controlling the ball are all done by hand and therefore, having the longer hands is an important parameter for players. However, having longer hands and stature is an advantage for the players because it is considered to be a useful parameter in water polo [20]. Longer hands will help the players swim faster in speedy swimming and also perform faster shots.…”

Evaluation of physical and physiological parameters of the elite underwater rugby players

“…Tsekouras et al (2005) found VO 2max values of Greece water polo players as 57.9±7 ml/kg/min after 400 m swim, and heart rate after test as 174±6 beat/min. Frenkl et al (2001) determined VO 2max values of water polo players at elite level in their study in Hungary carried out with athletes of various branches with the treadmill as 59.7±4.9 ml/kg/min, and heart rate after test as 185.05±5.4 beat/min. Rodriguez (1997) found VO 2max values of swimmers and water polo players on bicycle ergo meter as 57.5 ml/kg/min, heart rate after test as 188.7 beat/min.…”

“…Having specific body size undoubtably gives great advantage in terms of skills (Svantesson et al 2008), Frenkl et al 2001). Around the world, in studies dealing with anthropometric features around the world, the most highly debated issues include which body profiles are more suitable for which branches and the importance degree of this feature in terms of aptitude eliminations for underwater sports (Svantesson et al 2008), Sogut et al 2004).…”