State of Fitness and Somatometrical Parameters Changes Induced by Physical Endurance Training

Abstract.

The aim of this paper is to analyze the existence of a possible correlation between VO2max and somatometric parameters as a result of endurance training at a medium altitude of 1400 m.
Material and method: A group of 12 sportsmen, students of the Department of Physical Education and Sports,University of West Timişoara, who have undergone 30 days physical endurance training program (SEAL). All the subjects were tested for maximum effort both before and after the 30 days’ period of physical training. Somatometric parameters as well as parameters of aerobic fitness (VO2max) have been recorded. Results: Statistical analysis of data provided by the subjects included in the present study has shown an extremely significant increase of (VO2max) value (p < 0.001) after a month of physical endurance training. Somatometric parameters as well as abdominal circumference (p < 0.05), adipose tissue weight (p < 0.05), bodily weight (0.05), adipose tissue percentage (p < 0.01) have been modified; namely in all cases the values have decreased at the end of the final testing. All considered parameters have been correlated with (VO2max) and this correlation has been stronger after a month of physical training (p < 0.01).
Conclusion: As a result of physical endurance training at a medium altitude we have established that there is a direct relationship between the parameters of aerobic fitness and somatometric parameters.

Key words:

maximum oxygen consumption, aerobic fitness, physical endurance training, somatometric parameters, medium altitude.