Body composition and physical performance of mountain bike athletes

Abstract Body composition is a determining factor in the physical performance of cyclists, directly influencing efficiency and power during competitions. Understanding these aspects can help optimize training and maximize results. This study aimed to analyze the influence of body composition on phys...

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Main Authors: Rayane Carvalho de Moura, Crislane de Moura Costa, Cirley Pinheiro Ferreira, Bruna Lorena Soares Cavalcante Sousa, Leandra Caline dos Santos, Michelly da Silva Pinheiro, Sérgio Luís Galan Ribeiro, Sandro Soares Almeida, Joseline Lima e Silva Pinho, Naíza Monge Lages, Maria Flávia de Sousa, Iago Alves Costa, Glêbia Alexa Cardoso, Acácio Salvador Veras Silva, Alisson Alves Silva, Jefferson Cruz dos Santos Leite, Felipe Machado Brito, Lailson Henrique Oliveira dos Santos, Rubens Lima Rodrigues, Jairo da Costa Souza, Marcos Antonio Pereira dos Santos
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-01-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-88180-4
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Summary:Abstract Body composition is a determining factor in the physical performance of cyclists, directly influencing efficiency and power during competitions. Understanding these aspects can help optimize training and maximize results. This study aimed to analyze the influence of body composition on physical performance in mountain bike athletes. His cross-sectional study evaluated 83 mountain bike athletes (11 females, 39.60 ± 11.52 years). Body composition assessment was carried out using bioimpedance analysis. Participants performed the standing long jump and handgrip strength tests, to assess their strength of the lower and upper limbs, respectively. Finally, we measured the completion time of a Mountain Bike Marathon, with the distance of 75 km). Pearson’s correlation was analyzed to verify the influence of body composition on race time and physical performance tests. The race time was 168.14 ± 30.85 min. Standing long jump and handgrip strength tests were significantly correlated with all body composition parameters. Additionally, race time was significantly correlated with body fat percentage (r = 0.415, p = 0.000), skeletal muscle mass (r = − 0.427, p = 0.000), total body water (r = − 0.400, p = 0.000), intracellular water (r = − 0.420, p = 0.000), and extracellular water (r = − 0.370,p = 0.000). Body composition has a significant influence on the physical performance of mountain bike cyclists, with body water and muscle mass positively correlated with performance and body fat negatively correlated. A higher percentage of fat results in longer race times, while greater muscle mass and hydration result in shorter race times.
ISSN:2045-2322