More than Body Composition: A Darwinian Theory of Somatotype Applied to a DII Track and Field Outdoor Season.

This study presents somatotype data on a team sport with chronic and diverse sporting demands. The aims were to (1) characterize a somatotype profile for Division II (DII) track and field athletes (n=54) by sex, class, and events; (2) determine if somatotype changed across the season; (3) determine if changes differed based on class or sex; and, (4) assess potential differences in somatotype between sexes. Methods: Anthropometrics (height, weight, body composition, somatotype) were evaluated after a competitive indoor season and immediately before the outdoor conference championships (41 days). Body measurements were assessed using a bioelectrical impedance analysis device, skinfold assessment, boney breadths, and limb girths. Descriptive statistics are provided as well as results from two-way ANOVAs which evaluate differences in actual and change scores across sex and class. Results: Our DII track and field athletes were primarily endomorphic (scores displayed as ENDO, MESO, ECTO, respectively). Males were found to be primarily ENDO-MESO somatotypes (4.7, 4.1, 3.0), while females were dominantly ENDO (7.7, 2.9, 2.9). Upperclass were more ENDO-MESO balanced compared with lowerclass (5.8, 3.8, 2.8 vs 6.0, 3.5, 3.0). When investigated based on sex, class level, and event, the groups were similar. There was no meaningful change to ECTO scores across the season for males or females. Female athletes improved ENDO scores (-0.89%) and males and females improved MESO scores (14.29% and 5.29%, respectively), indicating adaptations can be accomplished despite the chronic demands of a competitive season. Conclusion: Our research offers practitioners information about the potential changes they may expect across a competitive track and field season.

A Single, Multimodal Exercise Tolerance Test Can Assess Combat Readiness in Army-ROTC Cadets: A Brief Report.

The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is a multi-event assessment battery designed to determine the combat readiness of U.S. Army personnel. However, for Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs the logistical demands of collegiate life make repeated administration of the ACFT challenging. The present study sought to design and evaluate a single, multimodal exercise tolerance test (METT) capable of serving as a time-efficient proxy measure of combat readiness. METHODS: Using a formal instrument design process, we constructed the METT to mimic the demands of the ACFT and assessed its reliability, validity, and responsiveness. RESULTS: The METT demonstrates minimal measurement error (i.e., a 2% coefficient of variation), concurrent validity with the ACFT (R2 = 0.327, F = 10.67, p < 0.001), the ability to classify cadets who may be at-risk for failing the ACFT (X2 = 8.16, p = 0.017, sensitivity = 0.878, specificity = 0.667), and appropriate change following a training intervention (5.69 ± 8.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The METT has the potential to provide a means to monitor progress, identify areas for improvement, and guide informed decision-making regarding individualization of cadet combat training plans.

High-Intensity Functional Training Guided by Individualized Heart Rate Variability Results in Similar Health and Fitness Improvements as Predetermined Training with Less Effort.

Heart rate variability (HRV) may be useful for prescribing high-intensity functional training (HIFT) exercise programs. This study aimed to compare effects of HRV-guided and predetermined HIFT on cardiovascular function, body composition, and performance. METHODS: Recreationally-active adults (n = 55) were randomly assigned to predetermined HIFT (n = 29, age = 24.1 ± 4.1 years) or HRV-guided HIFT (n = 26, age = 23.7 ± 4.5) groups. Both groups completed 11 weeks of daily HRV recordings, 6 weeks of HIFT (5 d·week-1), and pre- and post-test body composition and fitness assessments. Meaningful changes in resting HRV were used to modulate (i.e., reduce) HRV-guided participants' exercise intensity. Linear mixed models were used with Bonferroni post hoc adjustment for analysis. RESULTS: All participants significantly improved resting heart rate, lean mass, fat mass, strength, and work capacity. However, no significant between-groups differences were observed for cardiovascular function, body composition, or fitness changes. The HRV-guided group spent significantly fewer training days at high intensity (mean difference = -13.56 ± 0.83 days; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: HRV-guided HIFT produced similar improvements in cardiovascular function, body composition, and fitness as predetermined HIFT, despite fewer days at high intensity. HRV shows promise for prescribing individualized exercise intensity during HIFT.

Change-Event Steals "Athlete" from "College Athlete": Perceived Impact and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress.

INTRODUCTION: This research sought to establish the impact of the change-event of COVID-19 on college athletes and members of other campus groups (eg, marching band, eSports, Reserve Officers Training Corps). The specific purpose was to assess the perceived impact and impact on mental health (eg, depression, anxiety, and stress). METHODS: The survey battery presented a total of 37 items. Demographic, sport or group-specific, and academic-related questions were included alongside the assessment of psychological well-being coming from the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. RESULTS: There were 249 participants completing some or all of the survey battery. It is notable that 172 participants (69.1%) indicated "a lot has changed". Common one-word responses to the experience surrounding this change-event were feeling disappointment, upset, frustrated, sadness, annoyance, and depression. Life events that conjured similar magnitude of emotion included significant injury, surgery, and losing a loved one. There were no differences by sport for the depression subscale, but 110 participants reported elevated scores and females had a higher mean depression subscale score compared with males. Differences between sports for the anxiety subscale were negated when evaluating Bonferroni correction for multiple tests, but 69 participants reported elevated scores and females had a higher mean anxiety subscale score compared with males. There was no difference by sport for the stress subscale, but 77 participants reported elevated scores and females had a higher mean stress subscale score compared with males. DISCUSSION: Authors urge the campus and athletics community to be diligent in monitoring the holistic wellness of college athletes and members of other campus groups. Mainly, we contend it is important to consider that COVID-19 is a significant and widespread change-event, and other change-events are known to have significant impact. We should consider that COVID-19 may be acutely and longitudinally impactful to the American college student.