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Body Composition Changes in College Athletes during the COVID-19 Lockdown
Aston Dommel1, Jose R Fernandez1, R Drew Sayer1
1Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.
International Journal of Sports and Exercise Medicine
|February 7, 2024
Summary
COVID-19 lockdowns impacted collegiate athletes, causing significant sex-based differences in body composition. Males lost fat mass, while females gained it, highlighting the need for tailored strategies during training breaks.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Human Physiology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic led to abrupt cancellations of collegiate sports seasons and mandatory lockdowns in spring 2020.
- Athletes faced uncertainty regarding their return to campus and access to athletic facilities, raising concerns about performance and body composition.
- This study investigated changes in collegiate athletes' weight, muscle mass, and fat mass during a period of restricted access to on-campus facilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of COVID-19 related facility restrictions on body composition in collegiate athletes.
- To analyze changes in body weight, muscle mass, and fat mass during the lockdown period.
- To identify potential sex-specific differences in these body composition changes.
Main Methods:
- 77 collegiate athletes (43 male, 34 female) had body composition (weight, fat mass, muscle mass) measured via bioelectrical impedance analysis pre-lockdown (Jan 2020) and post-lockdown (Aug/Sept 2020).
- Eating behavior and physical activity were assessed through surveys.
- Data were analyzed using ANOVA and ANCOVA, with height-adjusted indices (BMI, FMI, MMI) used to account for body size differences.
Main Results:
- No significant sex differences were observed in Body Mass Index (BMI) or Muscle Mass Index (MMI) between pre- and post-lockdown measurements.
- Fat Mass Index (FMI) showed significant changes based on sex: males experienced a decrease, while females experienced an increase.
- These findings indicate potential sex-specific adaptations in body composition during the period of restricted athletic training.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights potential sex-specific alterations in fat mass among collegiate athletes when removed from structured training environments.
- Further research is recommended to explore the drivers of these body composition changes and their impact on athletic performance.
- Developing sex-specific strategies may be crucial for maintaining optimal body composition and performance during extended breaks from athletic training.
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