© Copyright 2017 YLMSportScience. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.

This case-study features an Olympic-level female middle-distance runner implementing a science-based approach to body composition periodization. Data is emerging to suggest that it is not sustainable from a health and/or performance perspective to be at peak body composition year-round, so body composition needs to be strategically periodized. Anthropometric (n=44), hematological, other health measures and 1500m race performances (n=83) were periodically assessed throughout a 9-year career. General preparation phase (September to April) featured the athlete at ~2 to 4% over ideal competition phase body weight (BW) and body fat (%) with optimal energy availability being prioritized. The competition body composition optimization phase (May to August) included creating an individualized time-frame and caloric deficit with various feedback metrics (BW, performance, hunger) to guide the process. There were significant seasonal fluctuations in anthropometric outcomes between phases (47.3±0.8 vs. 48.3±0.9kg BW; 53.6±7.8 vs. 61.6±9.7mm ISAK sum of 8 skinfolds (So8); P<0.01), and a significant correlation of decreasing So8 during the peak competition period over her career (r=-0.838; p=0.018). The range of body composition during the competition period was: 46.0-48.0kg BW, and a So8 range of 42.0 to 55.9mm. There were also significant positive correlations between slower 1500m race times and increasing So8 (r=0.437; p<0.01), estimated fat mass (r=0.445; p<0.01) and BW (r=0.511; p<0.0001). The athlete only had 2 career injuries. This case-study demonstrates a body composition periodization approach that allowed for targeted peak yearly performances, which improved throughout her career, while maximizing training adaptation and long-term athlete health via optimal energy availability.
© Copyright 2017 International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. Human Kinetics. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.