Published date: Nov 12 2017

Journal Title: Arab Journal of Nutrition and Exercise

Issue title: AJNE: Vol 1, No 3 (2016)

Pages: 142-154

DOI: 10.18502/ajne.v1i3.1231

Amita Attleeaattlee@sharjah.ac.aeDepartment of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE

Shaimaa S. Altunaiji

Mariam Muayyad

Zainab Ali

Mona Hashim

Reyad S. Obaid

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the body composition, endurance level and usual nutrient intakes in female players representing a Sports Club in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-six adult female players aged between 15-24 years were selected from three different teams (basketball=12, tennis=4, volleyball=10) using convenience sampling technique. All participants were assessed for body composition through bioelectrical impedance method, endurance level using step test and nutrient intakes using 24-hour recall method. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were determined among the three teams in relation to body composition, endurance levels and nutrient intakes.

Results: Body composition of players in three sports was significantly different in terms of body mass index, body fat mass, and percentage body fat and fitness scores. Tennis players had significantly higher body fat mass (28.5 ± 8.2 kg) and percent body fat (41 ± 7%) in contrast to that in basketball players (body fat mass: 19.2 ± 10.5 kg; percent body fat: 30.6 + 7.9%) and tennis players (body fat mass: 13 ± 4.2 kg; percent body fat: 26.5 ± 6.5%), respectively. On the other hand, volleyball players had significantly higher fitness score (72.2 ± 3.5) as compared to basketball players (71 ± 6.7), and tennis players (63 ± 8.2).

On an average, volleyball players scored “very good” endurance level in contrast to “good” scores in basketball and tennis team players. However, this difference was not statistically significant.

The average intakes of all nutrients including energy, protein, vitamins and minerals were below the recommended intakes among players of all sports teams.  

Conclusions: Body composition and endurance level differ with the type of sports. Volleyball team players had the lowest BMI, body fat mass as well as percent body fat and highest fitness score and endurance level. However, the overall nutrient intakes of the female players representing the three teams were less than the recommended allowances for highly active women and did not differ with the type of sports played.

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