[Evolution in anthropometric variables related to training and nutritional parameters in ultra-endurance mountain...

Introduction: eating and training habits induce modifications in the anthropometric parameters. Objectives: to analyze the evolution of the anthropometric variables in the eleven previous weeks to the competition in recreational mountain runners and to identify the factors that could explain those changes. Methods: twenty-two recreational ultra-endurance mountain runners (mean age: 41.4 ± 4.1 years) took part in the study. Anthropometric variables were measured in the eleventh week before (pre-test) and in the previous days before (post-test) the main competition of the year. Runners registered their daily training during the study. Furthermore, they self-filled the "24-hour reminder" test about food intake, two week days and a weekend day, the first and last week of the study. Results: it was found a significant decrease in weight; body mass index; subscapular, supraspinal, abdominal and calf skinfolds; six and eight skinfold sums; corrected arm girth, arm transversal muscle area; fat weight and percentage; residual mass; and endomorphy. Bone and muscle mass, ponderal index and ectomorphy showed a significant increase. Correlation analysis and linear regression showed that changes are due to nutritional factors, as fat percentage intake in pre-test, kilocalorie intake in the post-test and/or the differences in the fat percentage and kilocalorie intake between both measurements. Conclusions: changes in anthropometric variables are influenced by nutritional habits instead of training factors in recreational mountain runners.