Effect of training intensity distribution on body composition in amateur triathletes

Abstract

Objective: To compare how affect two models of different training intensity distribution (polarized model and pyramidal model) on body composition in amateur long-distance triathletes.

Method: After a general training period of six week, 14 male triathletes (age=29.5±6.4 years; weight=71.2±4.0 kg; height=173.6±4.4 cm VO_2max=56.92±5.78 ml/kg/min) were randomly divided into two groups: polarized and pyramidal. Each group followed a different training intensity distribution model. The duration of the specific training period was 11 weeks. Anthropometric measurements were taken before and after this period to compare the effects of the two models of training intensity distribution on body composition.

Results: Significant reduces were observed in polarized group in the total weight (p=0.046) and summatory of the 8 skinfolds (p=0.046). Pyramidal group significantly increased the corrected perimeter of the leg (p=0.017). In polarized group the somatotype component of ectomorphy was significantly increased (p=0.046) and the mesomorphy component was significantly increased in pyramidal (p=0.043).

Conclusions: Polarized distribution had a greater effect on weight loss and fat mass than pyramidal distribution.