Assessment of Nutritional Status and Physical Fitness of Female Swimmers

The aim of the research study was to assess the nutritional status & physical fitness of 37 young female swimmers, aged 10-14 yrs. Only competitive swimmers engaged in regular practice were chosen. Three day's dietary recall method was used to calculate nutrient intake. Body Fat % (BF %) & Lean Body Mass (LBM) were estimated based on total of skinfold measurements at biceps, triceps, subscapular & suprailiac. Majority of the swimmers met standards of body weight for age & height. BF % of swimmers ranged from 10.72-35.53 % (3.71-20.03 kg). LBM increased with age (24.52±3.96, 28.20±3.52, 28.74±3.54, 30.99±5.38 & 36.64±7.65 kg for age groups 10+, 11+, 12+, 13+ & 14+ respectively). The results revealed higher mean intake of fat & protein but lower intake of energy as compared to recommended dietary allowances (RDAs). Intake of energy & three major nutrients showed positive correlation with weight indicating positive effect of food consumption on weight gain. Irrespective of age groups, mean intakes of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus & iron of swimmers were found to be more than RDAs. Cardio respiratory fitness showed negative correlation with energy intake (r=-0.12 to -0.38), strongly suggesting need for sufficient energy to carry out sports activities. Majority of swimmers rated above minimum standard of endurance for arm and shoulder & successfully passed flexibility test but showed poor abdominal strength.

並列關鍵字

Nutritional Status ； Physical Fitness ； Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) ； Endurance ； Cardio Respiratory Fitness ； Flexibility

國際替代計量

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