An Ironman Triathlon Does Not Lead to a Change in Body Mass in Female Triathletes

Abstract

In 16 female nonprofessional Ironman triathletes, body mass, percent body fat, and skeletal muscle mass were determined before and after an Ironman race in order to detect changes. Selected hematological and urinary variables as well as percent total body water were measured in order to quantify a change in hydration status. Body mass, skeletal muscle mass, percent body fat, and percent body water did not change (p > 0.05). Plasma volume increased significantly by 8.1 (13.7) % (p < 0.05). The significant increase in plasma volume, plasma urea concentration, and urinary specific gravity after the race was associated with a significant fall in hematocrit and plasma sodium concentration (p < 0.05). In contrast to studies of male Ironman triathletes, we could not detect a decrease in body mass in female Ironman triathletes. The statistically insignificant loss of 0.6 kg in body mass was smaller than reported in studies of male athletes.

KEYWORDS:

• endurance performance
• gender
• skeletal muscle mass
• skinfold thickness
• body fat

We thank Evelyne Schaller, BK Sportpromotion AG, Schlieren, Switzerland, for her help in technical assistance. For their help in translation, we thank Matthias Knechtle, Lausanne, Switzerland, and Mary Miller from Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland in England, crew member of an ultraendurance support crew.