EFFECTS OF FAT FREE MASS LOSS ON SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE IN DIVISION 1 COLLEGIATE ATHLETES

BACKGROUND: In relation to blood pressure (BP), moderate to vigorous load intensity resistance training has been shown to maintain or increase Fat Free Mass (FFM) and decrease BP. In addition, some research suggests an inverse relationship between FFM and BP. Recent research suggests that athletes may fail to reach their recommended daily calorie intake could contribute to FFM loss. However, it is less understood how FFM loss affects systolic blood pressure and hypertension risk within the African American (AAm) collegiate football players . Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between FFM loss and systolic BP in AAm Division 1 football players. METHODS: Seventy male football players were tested: Age: 20.3±1.5yrs, HT: 184.1±8.7cm, BM:104.3±1.5kg, BF%:18.3±1.1%, FFM:84.6±0.4kg). Height was measured using a standing stadiometer while resting BP was assessed following a ≥5 minute resting period using an automated sphygmomanometer cuff. High BP was defined as (\u3e120 - \u3c130 mmHg Systolic BP and \u3c80 mmHg Diastolic BP) according to AHA guidelines, prior to weight and body composition assessment. Statistical analysis included spearman’s correlations and paired sample t tests were used to determine the relationship between FFM loss and SBP over the preparatory period. RESULTS: Our analysis indicated a significant difference in FFM (-1.9±3.6kg,p \u3c 0.01 ) over the time period, and a difference of (0.6± 4.1kg, p \u3c 0.01 ) of body mass was lost during the same time period. During preparatory, a moderate relationship (r=0.45, p\u3c0.0) was observed between SBP and FFM loss. 27/57 (47%) athletes were hypertensive in preparatory whereas 30/57 (53%) were hypertensive in the competitive season despite no significance (p \u3e 0.05). During the competitive season, a nonsignificant, weak, positive correlation (p = 0.09, r = 0.24) existed between FFM and Systolic BP. 19/57 (33%) athletes experienced BP increase after preseason. CONCLUSION: Despite the negative weak relationship between FFM loss and high SBP observed (r=-0.05, p=0.75) between the two time points, there was a 6% increase in athletes with hypertension. Although there was a weak correlation between high BP and FFM loss over the two testing periods, there were still multiple athletes who were affected by weight fluctuations and high BP

FAT FREE MASS CHANGES IN DIVISION I COLLEGIATE ATHLETES

BACKGROUND: The pre-season preparatory phase of collegiate football athletics is marked by increased skill and strength training to develop appropriate body size and body composition for enhanced performance. While specific body composition recommendations are dependent on the position and skill of the athlete, all players’ performances may benefit from maintaining their fat-free mass (FFM). The loss of FFM can be attributed to various causes including low energy availability (LEA). LEA occurs when caloric intake does not match the energy expended causing an inadequate amount of energy left to maintain physiological functioning. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of FFM changes in preparation of the competitive season among Division I collegiate football athletes. METHODS: Seventy Division 1 football players were tested at the end of the spring season (age: 20.3+1.5yrs, height: 184.1+8.7cm, body mass 104.3+1.5kg, fat-free mass 84.6+0.4kg, body fat percent: 18.3+1.1% and again during the competitive season. Height was measured using a standiometer while mass and body composition were measured using bioelectrical impedance for each player. A statistical analysis relied on paired t-tests, spearman correlation (R), and 95% confidence interval (mean+SD). RESULTS: Results indicate a significant difference in body mass and FFM difference (0.6+4.1kg p\u3c0.01; -1.9+3.6kg; p\u3c0.01) respectively from spring to competitive season. Of the seventy players, 59% had lost or maintained their body weight (\u3c2 kg of weight gain) over the 8-month period, whereas 39% lost or maintained (having less than a 2 kg gain) their FFM concentrations. There was no significant difference across time points (83.1 ± 10.6kg; 84.9 ± 11.1kg). CONCLUSIONS: At a time of significant training and purposeful gaining of mass/FFM, athletes lacked appropriate strategies to accomplish their goals. The loss of FFM is consistent with the symptoms of LEA, or low energy availability (lack of adequate calories). Undereating or not maintaining the proper diet while performing at an increased training volume or intensity can lead to a loss in body weight and/or FFM. LEA is also a precursor for various physiological, neuroendocrine, and psychological diminutions. Ensuring proper nutrition during the preparatory phase and in-season will decrease the risk of athletes experiencing low energy availability further allowing them to perform at their highest capability