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ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF BODY COMPOSITION ON SKIING ERGOMETER PERFORMANCE IN COLLEGIATE FEMALES

Abstract

Andy Bosak1, Hannah Nelson2, Ruessell Lowell3, Branden Ziebell1. 1Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA. 2University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS. 3Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS.

BACKGROUND: The Concept2 SkiErg is utilized in fitness centers and is a popular and relatively inexpensive aerobic training mode that provides a low impact total body workout. Understanding the relationship between body composition and skiing ergometry performance may assist in the development of future VO2peak skiing ergometer protocols, yet only a few prior studies focused on the obtainment of VO2peak values during skiing ergometry and no study has evaluated the relationship between body fat percentage (BF), body mass index (BMI), height (HT), and weight (WT), on skiing ergometry VO2peak values. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the relationship between BF%, BMI, HT, and WT on VO2peak values in no less than averagely fit collegiate females during a skiing ergometer graded exercise test (GXT). METHODS: Twenty-two collegiate females had their BF%, BMI, HT, and WT assessed and age was recorded. Subjects then completed a skiing ergometer GXT protocol to the point of volitional exhaustion. Pearson Correlations were then performed between BF, BMI, HT, WT, and VO2peak with significance differences determined at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Mean values were 33.97 + 5.01 ml/kg/min (VO2peak), 24.47 + 6.14 (BF%), 165.39 + 6.50 cm (HT), 64.64 + 7.13 kg (WT), and 23.67 + 2.54 (BMI). A non-significant low negative correlation existed between VO2peak and 1) BF (r = -0.262, p = 0.239), 2) HT (r = -0.371, p = 0.089), and 3) WT (r = -0.281, p = 0.206). No relationship occurred between VO2peak and BMI (r = -0.021, p = 0.926). CONCLUSIONS: BF%, HT, and WT appear to have a low negative relationship with VO2peak values during a skiing ergometer GXT in collegiate females, while BMI had no relationship with skiing ergometry VO2peak values. Having a lower BF% may not necessarily predict higher aerobic performance in no less than above averagely fit collegiate females during skiing ergometry. Further research may be required to determine if gender, fitness level, or a different type of BF% measurement technique may play a factor when considering if BF%, BMI, HT, and WT have a relationship with skiing ergometer aerobic performance. Also, future studies may need to evaluate the potential relationship between body composition and skiing ergometer performance in cardiovascular athletes.

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