A comparison of body composition in the adult population including persons aged 60+ who participate in a swimming training program

Abstract

Introduction: The article presents the results of a study analyzing body composition in different age groups, including 60+ seniors who regularly participate in swimming training. Study aim: The aim of this study was to compare the body composition of adults divided into different age groups. The research hypothesis postulating that Masters swimmers are characterized by age-dependent differences in body composition was tested. Materials and Methods: A total of 86 adults, including 32 women and 54 men, participated in the study. Body composition was determined by bioelectrical impedance with the InBody 270 analyzer. Eight body composition parameters were evaluated in Masters swimmers. Results: The results revealed minor age-related changes in the body composition of female participants. The analyzed parameters were similar in the compared groups of females. In contrast, significant differences in percent body fat (PBF) values, rightarm fat free mass% (FFM%) values, left-arm FFM% values, left-arm body fat mass% (BFM%) values, left-arm BFM values and visceral fat level were observed among the surveyed males. Conclusions: In men, the differences in Percent Body Fat and the anatomic distribution of adipose tissue measured with the relevant indicators increased with age. In male participants, considerable disproportions were observed

Keywords

• body composition
• the elderly
• swimming
• masters