Search

Body composition and physical dimensions were compared between 23 young, experienced wrestlers (mean age +/- SE = 11.0 +/- 0.21 yr) and 23 school children (11.2 +/- 0.24 yr). The wrestlers were among the best wrestlers from local wrestling clubs and averaged 2.7 (+/- 0.27) yr of experience. They had won 72% (+/- 1.8%) of the total 75 (+/- 9.1) matches. The comparison group consisted of volunteers from local elementary schools. Standard densitometric and anthropometric techniques were used to measure the body composition and physical dimensions of each group. The wrestlers were 4 kg lighter (P less than 0.05) and had a smaller percent fat than the comparison group (13.3 +/- 0.66% and 20.0 +/- 1.13%, respectively). The weight difference between groups was due to the larger fat weight of the comparison group since lean weight differed by only 0.8 kg. Fat differences were also reflected in the larger skinfolds and "fat" circumferences of the comparison group. No group differences were noted in diameters. It is concluded that compared to other children young experienced wrestlers have similar skeletal structures and lean body weights. The comparison group possessed more body fat.

The present study compared the physiological responses to exercise, the anaerobic fitness, and the body composition of high-ability prepubescent wrestlers and normally active boys. The wrestlers (N = 15, mean age +/- S.D. = 11.3 +/- 0.30 yr) were recruited to participate in a summer wrestling camp. Their wrestling experience averaged 3.0 +/- 1.63 yr, during which time they won 78 +/- 10.5% of the matches. The comparison boys (N = 13, 10.7 +/- 0.36 yr) were volunteers from a local Boy's Club. Each subject performed a graded treadmill exercise test (Bruce protocol) and an anaerobic cycle ergometer test. Additionally, body composition was assessed using densitometry and skinfolds. There were no differences (P greater than 0.05) between the wrestlers and the comparison subjects for age or height. The wrestlers exercised for 1.5 min longer on the treadmill and obtained a higher VO2max (54.0 +/- 1.15 ml X min-1 X kg-1, P less than 0.05) than the comparison subjects (45.6 +/- 2.10 ml X min-1 X kg-1). Also, the wrestlers had higher anaerobic test scores, greater body densities, and lower subcutaneous fat totals at all sites than the normally active boys. These data indicate that the favorable fitness and body composition scores found previously for more mature wrestlers are already present in prepubescent wrestlers.

The effects of 10 wk of exercise training at low (40% VO2max) or high (75% VO2max) intensity on serum lipids and lipoproteins were compared in prepubescent boys and adult men. The final sample size consisted of: 8 boys (mean +/- SE age = 8.5 +/- 1.96 yr) and 8 men (36.6 +/- 3.18 yr) in low; 12 boys (8.0 +/- 1.40 yr) and 12 men (36.6 +/- 4.09 yr) in high; and 10 boys (9.0 +/- 2.08 yr) and 10 men (36.7 +/- 4.82 yr) in control. Training involved walking/jogging/running 3 d X wk-1 at a distance which progressed from 2.4 km X d-1 in the first week to 4.8 km X d-1 from the fifth week. Fasting blood samples, collected on 2 d during both pre- and post-training, were assayed for triglycerides, total cholesterol (CHOL), and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Maximum aerobic power (VO2max) was determined from a treadmill test. Additionally, dietary intake was assessed from a 3-d dietary record and body composition from the sum of 6 skinfolds. The only statistically significant (P less than 0.05) changes occurred in HDL-C and CHOL for the high groups. HDL-C decreased following training. CHOL was lower for high than the other groups for the first day post-training only. There were no differences in the changes in HDL-C/CHOL ratio among the groups. VO2max only increased in the high groups. Dietary intake and body weight did not change. Further statistical adjustment in lipids for changes in sum of 6 skinfolds did not alter the results.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)