The differences in physiological profiles and body composition of long distance runners and squash players : a comparison

Abstract

Sports Science identifies strengths and weaknesses of participants, aids in planning appropriate training programs and shows where emphasis should mostly be placed. Laboratory and Field Tests give information that can be used to predict future performance and development and how to achieve them. Exercise fitness tests measure the same kind of physical fitness. The evidence is that such tests do not correlate very highly and therefore it is necessary to select a fitness test that measures the kind of fitness the program or study is aiming to achieve. Thus one must aim at obtaining a laboratory-based test that correlates well with the sport being studied. In this study, a Cycle Ergometer test and the 20 metres Shuttle-Run Test, were utilised to measure the level of physiological fitness of six squash players and six long distance runners (each group included three elite and three non-elite athletes). Also, these athletes undertook a skinfold calliper test so that their body composition and girth measurements were taken. From the Cycle Ergometer Test, scientific data was obtained and used to compare various parameters such as Heart Rate, Maximum Alactate Power (MAP), V02Max, Aerobic and Anaerobic Threshold. From our pilot study, we concluded that the runners' physiology is Endurance based while the squash players' physiology is Anaerobic on an Aerobic base. Also, it resulted that the Total Fat% of Body Weight of the runners is quite low when compared with that of squash players, this reflects the type of training done by the runners and the nutritional program they follow, in order to have the lowest % of fat possible.