Authors : Neeta Bhawnani & Prajakta Nande
Page Nos : 322-333
Description :
The study deals with the assessment of nutritional status and physical fitness of male swimmers (n=41, aged 10+ to 14+ years). Only competitive swimmers engaged in regular practice were chosen. Body weight & height of subjects were measured. Based on skinfolds at biceps, triceps, subscapular & suprailiac, body density, body fat (BF) & lean body mass (LBM) were derived. Cardio respiratory endurance & arm & shoulder strength of swimmers was tested using Harvard step test & push ups. Irrespective of age, majority of swimmers were found to be taller and heavier than the standards for their age. With the age, increment in BF content and LBM was noticed in age groups 12+, 13+ & 14+ yrs. Body weight reflected high and significant correlation with BF and LBM in majority of swimmers. Age wise increment in BF content can be attributed to growth period of subjects whereas higher LBM is a positive effect of regular participation in the sports. Irrespective of age, mean daily energy intake of swimmers was found to be less than RDAs. Maximum % of swimmers showed good cardio respiratory fitness. Majority of swimmers from all age group scored „below 20‟ for arm and shoulder endurance.
