25th Annual Student Research Conference
Correlation between Body Composition and Swim Performance
Cassandra L. Rodden*, Beth A. Ryan, and Sarah E. Dieckgraefe
Dr. Jerry Mayhew and Ms. Jana Arabas, Faculty Mentors
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation between body composition and swim performance in college-age swimmers at three different ability levels. Non-Swimmers (NS, n = 9), intermediate swim class students (IS, n = 12), and varsity swimmers (VS, n = 9) were timed in a 75-yard swim (stroke not specified). Body composition was assessed using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) providing values for %fat, muscle mass, and bone density. Also, arm area was estimated for the forearm and hand. There were no significant differences among different training groups in any body composition measure. When groups were collapsed into a composite sample, there were no significant correlations between swim time and different body composition components. Factors other than body composition appear to affect swim time in swimmers of diverse ability. Further study might include the effect of swim stroke power and anaerobic ability on swim performance.
Keywords:
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 500-7
Location: Georgian Room - SUB
Time: 3:30