Abstract
AbstractIntroduction: Body composition is a key determinant of athletic performance, influencing both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. Understanding the relationship between body composition variables and physiological indicators such as aerobic capacity and heart rate responses is essential for optimizing training programs and improving athletic efficiency.Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body composition components—including body fat percentage (FATP), fat mass (FATM), fat-free mass (FFM), total body water (TBW), and predicted muscle mass (PPM)—and both aerobic capacity and heart rate responses in a sample of athletes.Methods: A descriptive-analytical research design was adopted. The purposive sample consisted of 10 male athletes aged 19–24 years, regularly engaged in physical activity. Anthropometric measurements were performed using a Body Composition Analyzer (TANITA), while aerobic capacity was assessed via the Sharkey test on a treadmill. Heart rate responses during exercise were monitored using a Polar H10 device. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was applied to determine the relationships between body composition variables, aerobic capacity, and heart rate, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05.Results: The results revealed very strong and statistically significant positive correlations between FFM (r = 0.990, p = 0.001), TBW (r = 0.991, p = 0.001), and PPM (r = 0.988, p = 0.002) with aerobic capacity. However, FATP and FATM showed positive but non-significant correlations. No significant relationships were found between any body composition variables and heart rate responses during exercise.
Description
The study explores how body composition affects athletic performance.