Skinfold Thickness Distribution in Recreational Marathon Runners

Abstract

The relationship of body fat (BF) percentage with performance of elite marathon runners has been well studied; however, less information is available about the variation of skinfold thickness by sex and performance in non-elite marathon runners. The aim of the present study was to examine the variation of skinfold thickness by sex and performance in recreational marathon runners. Participants included 32 female (age 40.1 ± 9.0 years, BF 19.6 ± 4.7%, and training volume 47.7 ± 22.6 km) and 134 male marathon runners (44.3 ± 8.8 years, 17.6 ± 4.0%, and 53.0 ± 21.2 km, respectively). The largest skinfold thickness was the abdomen in both sexes, whereas the smallest was biceps in men, and chins in women (p < 0.001). The largest sex difference in skinfold thickness was observed in triceps being the fattest in women (p < 0.001). The largest difference in skinfold thickness among men’s performance groups was observed in the iliac crest, and the smallest in the patella and proximal calf (p < 0.001). In summary, skinfold measurements indicated that women had more fat in both their upper and lower limbs, while men had more fat in their trunk. With regards to the role of performance level, the slowest runners presented relatively more fat in the upper limbs and trunk anatomical sites, i.e., away from the active muscles of legs.

Running Performance Variability among Runners from Different Brazilian States: A Multilevel Approach

“…Behavioral and physiological changes, such as a reduction in daily physical activity and training habits, and a decline in cardiorespiratory fitness, may explain this fact. It is known that changes in biomechanical and muscular function should also lead to changes in performance, and these aspects tend to decline with increasing age [ 4 ], leading to a decrease in performance.…”

“…Sports performance is a multifactorial trait, determined by different predictors related to both the subject and the environment [ 1 ]. Previous studies have analyzed the influence of psychological and physiological aspects [ 2 , 3 ], body composition [ 4 ], anthropometric traits [ 5 ], and/or environmental characteristics [ 6 ], such as training structure [ 7 ], birthplace [ 8 ], family and coaching support [ 9 ], socio-economic, and cultural aspects [ 10 , 11 ], which may influence the level of sporting achievement.…”

“…Most of the studies conducted so far have primarily focused on understanding the role of individual characteristics on runners’ performance [ 4 , 28 , 29 , 30 ]. Therefore, since it is already known that performance is, in part, derived from the inter-relationship between individual and environmental characteristics/contexts, this study aimed to establish whether runners’ performance varies between different Brazilian states, as well as to identify potential factors associated with this performance difference, based on a multilevel modelling approach.…”

Is there any difference between “amateur” and “recreational” runners? A latent class analysis

“…Thus, it is possible to propose an explanatory model ( Figure 2), where the motivation for the practice seems to act as the "flagship" for runners' practice/commitment since those who run for improving "performance" are more prone to get involved in higher training volume/frequency. This can be reflected in their body composition, leading them to present a better relationship between their body weight and height, which, in turn, can reflect in lower energy expenditure to cover the same distance as their heaviest peers 29,30 .…”

Where Are the Best European Road Runners and What Are the Country Variables Related to It?

“…Sports performance is a multifactorial trait influenced by several variables related to athletes and the environment [1]. Previous studies investigated the role of individual characteristics, such as physiological indicators [2], training commitment [3][4][5], psychological traits [6], body composition and anthropometric characteristics [7]. Furthermore, variables derived from the environments where athletes originate [8,9], namely aspects such as training structure [10], birthplace [11], family and coach support [12], and country economic indicators [13,14], have emerged as relevant predictors of athletic performance.…”