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Published on: May 20, 2011
Sport-specific adaptations in body composition and vascular function: a comparative study of swimmers, tennis
Qihong Fan1, Tianyu Sun1, Junhao Huang1
1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China.
Objective:
This study aimed to explore cross-sectional differences in body composition and vascular function across swimmers, tennis players, wrestlers and non-athletic controls, and to analyse correlations between sport discipline and physiological indicators.
Methods:
Fifty-seven participants were recruited, including 13 swimmers, 14 tennis players, 16 wrestlers, and 14 non-athlete controls. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody 370). Vascular function was evaluated via flow-mediated dilation (FMD), brachial-ankle and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (baPWV, cfPWV), ankle-brachial index (ABI), and central hemodynamic parameters (CSBP, CPP, AIx@75, SEVR) using ultrasonic endothelial analysis and pulse wave velocity systems.
Results:
Athletes exhibited significantly lower body fat mass and percentage compared to non-athletes (p < 0.01-0.001), with wrestlers showing the most pronounced fat reduction. Central pulse pressure (CPP) and heart rate-corrected augmentation index (AIx@75) were significantly lower, and subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR) significantly higher, in all athlete groups vs. controls (p < 0.05-0.001). Tennis players demonstrated significantly higher FMD (p < 0.001) and lower cfPWV (p < 0.01) than non-athletes, and outperformed swimmers and wrestlers in FMD (p < 0.01). CPP correlated positively with body fat mass, BMI, and body fat percentage (p < 0.05-0.001).
Conclusion:
Athletes participating in different sports display divergent body composition and vascular phenotypes. Wrestlers tend to present lower body fat, whereas tennis athletes show more favourable vascular elasticity and endothelial function. These cross-sectional association findings provide reference for personalized exercise prescription formulation.
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