Changes in Body Composition and Athletic Performance in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Female Field Hockey Athletes Throughout a Competitive Season.

ABSTRACT: Summer, LC, Cheng, R, Moran, JT, Lee, M, Belanger, AJ, TaylorIV, WL, and Gardner, EC. Changes in body composition and athletic performance in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I female field hockey athletes throughout a competitive season. J Strength Cond Res 38(1): 146-152, 2024-The purposes of this study were (a) to analyze the changes in total and regional body composition measurements in a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I female field hockey team throughout a 17-game competitive season using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA); (b) to examine improvements, if any, in athletic performance measures after a season; and (c) to report on the relationship between these body composition changes and changes in athletic performance. Preseason and postseason dual-energy DXA and performance data from the 2019-2020 season were retrospectively identified for 20 field players (forwards, midfielders, and defenders). Body composition data included total and regional fat mass, lean mass, and body fat percentage, whereas athletic performance measures included the vertical jump, 10-yard dash, and pro-agility (5-10-5) shuttle run. All variables were quantitative and analyzed using paired t -tests or its nonparametric equivalent and an alpha level of p < 0.05 was used to determine significance. After a competitive season, athletes had significant decreases in fat mass and increases in lean mass in their arms, legs, trunks, gynoids, and total body measurements. Android fat mass and body fat percentage also decreased. Athletes performed significantly better on the pro-agility shuttle run at the end of the season, but no significant differences were observed in other performance metrics. Moderate correlations were observed between changes in body composition (total fat mass and total lean mass) and changes in athletic performance. Our study provides a novel, longitudinal assessment of body composition and athletic performance for elite female field hockey athletes that will help trainers and coaches better understand how these variables change throughout a season and allow them to better prepare their players for competitive success.

Describing the women of orthopaedic surgery.

Aims: The purpose of this survey study was to examine the demographic and lifestyle factors of women currently in orthopaedic surgery. Methods: An electronic survey was conducted of practising female orthopaedic surgeons based in the USA through both the Ruth Jackson Society and the online Facebook group "Women of Orthopaedics". Results: The majority of surveyed female orthopaedic surgeons reported being married (76.4%; 285/373) and having children (67.6%; 252/373). In all, 66.5% (247/373) were collegiate athletes; 82.0% (306/373) reported having no female orthopaedic surgeon mentors in undergraduate and medical school. Their mean height is 65.8 inches and average weight is 147.3 lbs. Conclusion: The majority of female orthopaedic surgeons did not have female mentorship during their training. Additionally, biometrically, their build is similar to that of the average American woman.