Reduction of fat-free mass in swimmers after training period

Abstract

An increase in fat-free mass (FFM) improves athletic performance. The aim of this study was to determine if a decrease in the FFM, expressed as the AKS index, is associated with physiological alterations after a training period in swimmers between 8-15 years old. Forty-two swimmers participated in this study, after 15 weeks of training the swimmers were divided into two groups, those who decreased (A) and those who increased FFM (B). In group A there was a decrease in both, body weight and muscle, mass while in group B there was an increase in body weight. We found that group A showed a reduction in lymphocytes count, in addition to an increase in serum urea, a decrease in VO2, and a decrease in their 1 min recovery. We showed here that a reduction in FFM is positively associated with physiological alterations that reduce athletic performance.