A study of physiological responses during match play in Indian national kabaddi players.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the physical and physiological profile of kabaddi players and the physiological demands of playing a kabaddi match. METHODS: Maximum aerobic capacity (VO2max), maximum ventilation (VEmax), O2 pulse, respiratory equivalent (RE), maximum heart rate, and O2 debt were assessed on 16 players. The somatotype of the players was calculated by the Health and Carter method. Heart rate was monitored during a selection trial match on eight players who represented India in the Asian Games, 1994. From the playing heart rate, oxygen consumption (VO2) was computed through a heart rate v VO2 regression equation. Maximum lactate was evaluated from the blood samples collected at the end of the match. RESULTS: The average heart rate and oxygen consumption during the match were 146.5 (SD 9.25) beats min-1 and 2.25(0.59) litre min-1 respectively. During raiding the maximum heart rate attained varied from 162.4(11.3) to 177.4(4.2) beats min-1. Out of 40 min of match play a raider raided on average on 8.13(2.03) occasions. The average time per raid was 20.8(6.26) s. The match heart rate and oxygen consumption was 72.3-83.3% of the maximum heart rate, and 43.5-70.5% of VO2max respectively. Maximum lactate at the end of the match was 6.13(2.53) mmol litre-1. Kabaddi players had the somatotype of 2.68-4.71-1.83, with absolute back strength of 175.0 kg. VO2max and O2 debt were 3.59(0.36) litre min-1 [47.82(3.68) ml kg-1 min-1] and 5.3(1.85) litres (70 ml kg-1) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Kabaddi is an intermittent sport. The rest pause during the game is sufficient for recovery. During raiding the main source of energy is anaerobic.     

Physiological and anthropometric parameters that describe a rugby union team.

The purpose of this study was to describe the anthropometric and physiological parameters that apply to a USA amateur rugby union club team. Fifteen players who were members of the club's first team were evaluated for body composition, muscular strength, power and endurance, flexibility, anaerobic power, anaerobic capacity, and cardio-respiratory function shortly after completion of the regular season. Means for some of the variables measured include: age, 29 yr; height, 180 cm; weight, 84 kg; lean body weight, 74 kg; body fat, 12%, endurance sit-ups, 50/min; vertical jump height, 51 cm; anaerobic power output, 132 m.kg.s-1 (1.32 kw); anaerobic capacity, 2247 m.kp/40s (22.5 kJ); maximum heart rate, 186 beats/min; maximum ventilation, 175 l/min-1; maximum respiratory quotient 1.23; and maximum oxygen uptake, 56.6 ml.kg-1 min-1. In comparison with other rugby players studied these players had higher maximum oxygen uptake values, were similar in endurance sit-up and vertical jump ability, exhibited less upper body strength, and the forwards had lower body fat percentages. They were generally within the range of scores found to describe the aerobic and anaerobic fitness, and body composition of other élite amateur and professional intermittent sport athletes.     

Physiological profiles of elite judo athletes

To be successful in international competitions, judo athletes must achieve an excellent level of physical fitness and physical condition during training. This article reviews the physiological profiles of elite judo athletes from different sex, age and weight categories. Body fat is generally low for these athletes, except for the heavyweight competitors. In general, elite judo athletes presented higher upper body anaerobic power and capacity than non-elite athletes. Lower body dynamic strength seems to provide a distinction between elite and recreational judo players, but not high-level judo players competing for a spot on national teams. Even maximal isometric strength is not a discriminant variable among judo players. However, more studies focusing on isometric strength endurance are warranted. Although aerobic power and capacity are considered relevant to judo performance, the available data do not present differences among judo athletes from different competitive levels. Typical maximal oxygen uptake values are around 50-55?mL/kg/min for male and 40-45?mL/kg/min for female judo athletes. As for other variables, heavyweight competitors presented lower aerobic power values. The typical differences commonly observed between males and females in the general population are also seen in judo athletes when analysing anaerobic power and capacity, aerobic power, and maximal strength and power. However, further research is needed concerning the differences among the seven weight categories in which judo athletes compete.     

Anthropometric and physiological characteristics of junior elite volleyball players

Objectives

To investigate the anthropometric and physiological characteristics of junior elite volleyball players.

Method

Twenty five national level volleyball players (mean (SD) age 17.5 (0.5) years) were assessed on a number of physiological and anthropometric variables. Somatotype was assessed using the Heath‐Carter method, body composition (% body fat, % muscle mass) was assessed using surface anthropometry, leg strength was assessed using a leg and back dynamometer, low back and hamstring flexibility was assessed using the sit and reach test, and the vertical jump was used as a measure of lower body power. Maximal oxygen uptake was predicted using the 20 m multistage fitness test.

Results

Setters were more ectomorphic (p<0.05) and less mesomorphic (p<0.01) than centres. Mean (SD) of somatotype (endomorphy, mesomorphy, ectomorphy) for setters and centres was 2.6 (0.9), 1.9 (1.1), 5.3 (1.2) and 2.2 (0.8), 3.9 (1.1), 3.6 (0.7) respectively. Hitters had significantly greater low back and hamstring flexibility than opposites. Mean (SD) for sit and reach was 19.3 (8.3) cm for opposites and 37 (10.7) cm for hitters. There were no other significant differences in physiological and anthropometric variables across playing positions (all p>0.05).

Conclusion

Setters tend to be endomorphic ectomorphs, hitters and opposites tend to be balanced ectomorphs, whereas centres tend to be ectomorphic mesomorphs. These results indicate the need for sports scientists and conditioning professionals to take the body type of volleyball players into account when designing individualised position specific training programmes.     

Anthropometric, body composition and somatotype differences of Greek elite female basketball, volleyball and handball players

AIM: The aims of the present study were: a) to determine the anthropometric profile, body composition and somatotype of elite Greek female basketball (B), volleyball (V) and handball (H) players, b) to compare the mean scores among sports and c) to detect possible differences in relation to competition level. METHODS: A total of 518 female athletes, all members of the Greek first National League (A1 and A2 division) in B, V and H sport teams participated in the present study. Twelve anthropometric measures required for the calculation of body composition indexes and somatotype components were obtained according to the established literature. RESULTS: V athletes were the tallest (P<0.001) among the three groups of athletes, had the lowest values of body fat (P<0.001) and their somatotype was characterized as balanced endomorph (3.4-2.7-2.9). B athletes were taller (P<0.01) and leaner (P<0.001) than H players, with a somatotype characterized as mesomorph-endomorph (3.7-3.2-2.4). H athletes were the shortest of all (P<0.01), had the highest percentage of body fat (P<0.001) and their somatotype was mesomorph-endomorph (4.2-4.7-1.8). In comparison with their A2 counterparts the A1 division players were taller (P<0.001) and heavier (P<0.01), but at the same time leaner (P<0.001), and exhibited higher homogeneity in somatotype characteristics (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Anthropometric, body composition and somatotype variables of Greek female elite teamball players varied among sports; selection criteria, hours of training and sport-specific physiological demands during the game could explain the observed differences. More data are certainly needed to define the anthropometric profile of B, V and H female athletes internationally.     

Body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness indicators in prepubescent boys and girls.

Abstract.Relations between frequently used indicators of cardiorespiratory fitness, sex and body composition were studied in a birth-cohort based sample of young prepubescent children (age range: 6.8 - 8.2 years). The Bruce treadmill test was used to assess submaximal heart rate, endurance time (ET), calculated total work (W(total)) and maximal power output (P(max)) in 100 children (50 boys, 50 girls). Body composition was determined by skinfold measurements. In 17 children, maximal oxygen consumption was measured. Percent body fat was negatively associated with ET and relative oxygen uptake (ml x min(-1) x kg(-1)) and was positively related to submaximal heart rate at 6 minutes exercise (HR6). Fat-free mass was positively related to W(total), P(max) and absolute oxygen uptake (ml x min(-1)). Relative oxygen uptake (ml x min(-1) x kg(-1)) was related to ET. Absolute oxygen uptake (ml x min(-1)) was related to W(total) and P(max). The observed differences in indicators of cardiorespiratory fitness between boys and girls were largely attributable to a difference in body composition. The results further demonstrate that when oxygen uptake measurement is not feasible, W(total) or P(max) (expressed per kilogram fat-free mass) seem to provide better indicators of aerobic power than endurance time.     

A physiological evaluation of professional soccer players.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physiological functions of a professional soccer team in the North American Soccer League (NASL). Eighteen players were evaluated on cardiorespiratory function, endurance performance, body composition, blood chemistry, and motor fitness measures near the end of their competitive season. The following means were observed: age, 26 yrs; height, 176 cm; weight 75.5 kg; resting heart rate, 50 beats/min; maximum heart rate (MHR), 188 beats/min; maximum oxygen intake (VO2 max), 58.4 ml/kg-min-1; maximum ventilation (VEmax BTPS), 154 L/min; body fat, 9.59%; 12-min run, 1.86 miles; and Illinois agility run, 15.6 secs. Results on resting blood pressure, serum lipids, vital capacity, flexibility, upper body strength, and vertical jump tests were comparable to values found for the sedentary population. Comparing the results with previously collected data on professional American Football backs indicated that the soccer players were shorter; lighter in body weight; higher in VO2 max (4 ml/kg-min-1) and body fat (1.8%); and similar in MHR, VE max, and VC. The 12-min run scores were similar to the initial values observed for the 1970 Brazilian World Cup Team. The agility run results were superior to data collected from other groups. Their endurance capabilities, agility, and low percent of body fat clearly differentiate them from the sedentary population and show them to be similar to that of professional American football backs.     

Physical and fitness characteristics of successful Gaelic footballers.

Anthropometric and fitness observations were made on 32 members of a top level Gaelic football squad that reached the All Ireland final in the year in which these measurements were taken. The subjects were found to be large and well muscled with a mean somatotype of 2.6:5.6:3.1 (endomorphy:mesomorphy:ectomorphy). Body fat content of the whole squad averaged 15.0% but the most successful group of players averaged 12.4%. The body mass index (BMI) of the group was high and averaged 24.7 km.m-2. This group of Gaelic footballers was found to be taller and heavier than top level soccer players but smaller than Australian rules and American footballers. At 58.6 ml.min-1.kg-1 maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) was higher than that reported for rugby players and American footballers and is probably similar to that of professional soccer players. Scores on three lung function tests: (1) forced vital capacity (FVC), (2) forced expiratory volume during 1 s (FEV1), and (3) peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were between 112% and 115% of the values predicted from height and age. There were wide variations in flexibility among the members of the group, the best individuals being as flexible as elite track and field athletes while the worst were less flexible than untrained subjects. Vertical jump scores were high and averaged 503 mm. The fitness observations made on this group of elite Gaelic footballers showed that they were not only fitter but more homogeneously fit than rugby players and American footballers and their fitness was generally similar to that reported for professional soccer players.     

Croatian rugby project-Part I. Anthropometric characteristics, body composition and constitution.

BACKGROUND: There are no data in important literature about the anthropometric characteristics of rugby players in countries where rugby is not a popular sport. The goals of this study were to analyze morphological anthropometric characteristics, body composition and constitution of players in the first Croatian-Slovenian rugby league (CSRL) with regard to player's position in the team, team position in the division, and to compare results with the results of rugby players from the more popular rugby leagues. METHODS: The study was carried out in a sample of voluntarily included 111 male rugby players from six clubs members of the CSRL, in the season 1996/97. Eleven anthropometric measures required for the calculations of body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BF%), and somatotype components were obtained in the clubs according to the recommendations by Jackson and Pollock and Heath and Carter. RESULTS: Forwards in the CSRL are on the average 93.5 kg heavy, 182.4 cm tall, with BMI 28.3 kg/m2, BF% 20.8% and somatotype 6.7-5.9-1.4. Backs are on average 82.2 kg heavy, 178.3 cm tall, with BMI 26.1 kg/m2, BF% 16.9% and somatotype 5.3-5.3-1.5. Backs from upper half of the division are on the average heavier than those from lower half, BF% in forwards from upper half of the division is higher than in forwards from lower half. Both differences were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the rugby players from more developed rugby leagues, forwards from the CSRL are lighter, backs are heavier and both have higher body fat percentage. Backs and forwards are more endomorphic and forwards are less mesomorphic compared with the rugby players from more developed rugby leagues.     

Physical performance attributes of junior and senior women, juvenile, junior, and senior men judokas.

The purpose of this study was to describe the physical performance abilities of high level, developing Juvenile men and Junior and Senior men and women judokas. The subjects were 17 women and 43 men identified as members of the 1989 Alberta Judo Team by the Alberta Kodokan Black Belt Association. Physical characteristics and performance abilities were assessed through a battery of tests which included: height, weight and skinfold thickness; static strength (grips, arms, back, and total (TST)); flexibility (trunk forward flexion (TF)); maximum aerobic power (VO2max) (treadmill run); and upper body maximal anaerobic power (PP) and capacity (MP) (upper body Wingate test). Physical performance abilities were not different between the Junior and Senior women and substantially better than normative values for untrained women. Combined values (+/- SD) for Junior and Senior women were: VO2max 44.45 (3.56) ml/kg.min; PP 342.68 (76.92) w; MP 234.99 (46.62) w; TF 39.77 (6.39) cm; TST 127.91 (20.95) kg. The physical performance abilities of the Juvenile men: VO2max 57.62 (3.42) ml/kg.min; PP 406.89 (171.55) w; MP 281.68 (113.42) w; TF 39.35 (6.89) cm; TST 164.63 (51.07) kg; were superior to those of similarly aged, untrained young men, but comparable to those reported for trained adolescent athletes. The Junior men's physical performance abilities: VO2max 59.26 (3.95) ml/kg.min; PP 573.13 (116.83) w; MP 395.12 (61.95) w; TF 39.00 (4.39) cm; TST 221.60 (30.24) kg; were not different from the Senior men's, except for relative maximum oxygen uptake, and generally better than those values reported for other Junior judokas and Junior athletes in some other sports. The Senior men's physical performance abilities: VO2max 53.75 (5.57) ml/kg.min; PP 674.50 (133.26) w; MP 447.85 (87.19) w; TF 38.06 (8.86) cm; TST 223.37 (46.15) kg, were comparable with those reported for other developing, high level Senior judokas, but lower than the values reported for elite judokas competing internationally. These data support the position that successful participation in judo by high level, developing athletes is dependent upon appropriate levels of technical skill supported by above average endurance capacity, upper body anaerobic power and capacity, static strength, and flexibility.     

Fitness Changes in Professional Football Players During

In brief: Professional football players participated in a conditioning program before entering regular preseason training. The program comprised training in functional strength, aerobic endurance, sprinting, power, ballistics, plyometrics, and football skills. Seven fitness variables were measured at the beginning and at the end of the program: body fat, lean body weight, treadmill performance, maximum oxygen uptake, ventilatory anaerobic threshold, agility, and vertical jump. The offensive linemen, who as a group scored lowest on the pretest, improved significantly on all seven tests.     

Anthropometric and physiological profiles of sepak takraw players

Objectives: Anthropometric and physiological profiles of national sepak takraw players were determined. Methods: Thirty nine players, specialising in the three playing positions (tekong/server, feeder, and killer/spiker) were divided into three age categories of under 15 (U15), under 18 (U18), and under 23 (U23) years of age. Height, weight, percent body fat (%bf), maximum oxygen consumption (Vo_2max), range of motion (ROM), back and leg strength, and heart rate, for the estimation of oxygen consumption during matches, were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using one way ANOVA for independent measurements and data are presented as mean±standard deviation. Results: The U23 players were significantly taller and heavier with significantly better ROM of the neck, trunk, and ankle joints and back and leg strength than the U15 players. No significant difference was found in %bf between the three age categories. Mean maximum heart rate during exercise was significantly higher in the U15 group when compared to the U18 and U23 groups (p<0.05). Mean Vo_2max was similar between the three groups. Estimated oxygen consumption during matches was 69.1%, 68.5%, and 56.4% of Vo_2max in the killer, tekong, and the feeder groups, respectively. Conclusions: The mean height, body weight, and cardiopulmonary capacities of the players were within the Malaysian population norms, but were somewhat lower than those of players of other court games from other countries. %bf was also lower in these players. This study provides the much needed anthropometric and physiological data of sepak takraw players for further development of this sport.     

Comparison of maximum aerobic power, maximum anaerobic power, and skinfold thickness of elite and nonelite junior wrestlers

The purpose of this investigation was to identify physiologic differences between elite high school-age wrestlers and nonelite wrestlers of comparable age, weight, and training experience. Two groups of junior wrestler, elite (n = 18) and nonelite (n = 18) were measured for maximum aerobic power (treadmill run), maximum anaerobic power of the arms and legs (Wingate test), and skinfold thickness. On the average (+/- SE) elite juniors had a VO2max of 52.6 +/- 2.0 ml/kg.min-1, 376 +/- 20 W for arm power, and 540 +/- 25 W for leg power. The nonelite group had a VO2max of 51.5 +/- 1.4 ml/kg.min-1 and 331 +/- 22 W and 467 +/- 29 W for arm and leg power, respectively. Ttests were computed to identify differences between the groups. The results revealed significant differences in four skinfold thicknesses, absolute anaerobic leg power, and relative anaerobic power of arms and legs. It was concluded that relative maximum anaerobic power is distinctly greater in elite high school wrestlers than less successful peers. In light of the results, it may be of benefit for wrestlers of lower caliber to decrease body fat, increase fat-free weight, and increase total body power through training.     

Maximum oxygen uptake, anaerobic power and neuromuscular performance characteristics in bandy players of two different competitive levels

Ten elite and eight other bandy players served as subjects in order to examine which characteristics in physical performance capacity might differentiate these two groups of bandy players representing a greatly different competitive level. The value of 60.0 +/- 4.8 ml.kg-1.min-1 for VO2max in the elite group was significantly (p less than 0.05) greater than that of 54.7 +/- 4.0 ml.kg-1.min-1 recorded for the control group. The elite players demonstrated, on average, greater values than the control group for the average anaerobic power output calculated during a 60 s maximal work period. The differences between the groups were significant (p less than 0.05) in the average power produced during the second (15-30 s) and third (30-45 s) work periods of the total 60 s period. No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in maximal isometric force and in the shapes of the average force-time and relaxation-time curves of the leg extensor muscles. In the total subject sample the individual values for VO2max had the highest correlation (p less than 0.01) with the individual playing ability in bandy. The present findings demonstrated that elite bandy players were differentiated from those players of a lower competitive level especially with regard to maximum oxygen uptake and also to maximal anaerobic power, while only minor differences were observed between the groups in various neuromuscular performance characteristics. The differences observed might be explainable both by the training background of the athletes and by the competitive physiological requirements of this sports event.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Physical and physiological profile of elite karate athletes

This review focuses on the most important physical and physiological characteristics of karate athletes from the available scientific research. It has been established that karate's top-level performers require a high fitness level. Top-level male karate athletes are typified by low body fat and mesomorphic-ectomorphic somatotype characteristics. Studies dealing with body composition and somatotype of females are scarce. Aerobic capacity has been reported to play a major role in karate performance. It prevents fatigue during training and ensures the recovery processes during rest periods between two subsequent bouts of fighting activity within a fight and between two consecutive matches. It has been established that there is no significant difference between male and female kata (forms) and kumite (sparring/combat) athletes with regard to aerobic performance. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to support these findings. Concerning anaerobic performance, there is a difference in maximal power explored by the force-velocity test between national and international level karatekas (karate practitioners) but, for the maximum accumulated oxygen deficit test there is no difference between them. Muscle explosive power plays a vital role in a karateka's capacity for high-level performance. However, it has been revealed that vertical jump performance, maximal power and maximal velocity differed between national- and international-level karatekas. Moreover, it has been reported that karate performance relies more on muscle power at lower loads rather than higher ones. Thus, karate's decisive actions are essentially dependent on muscle explosive power in both the upper and lower limbs. With regard to dynamic strength, limited research has been conducted. The maximal absolute bench press, half-squat one-repetition maximum and performance of isokinetic tasks differed significantly between highly competitive and novice male karatekas. Studies on female karate athletes do not exist. Concerning flexibility, which is important for the execution of high kicks and adequate range of action at high speeds, it has been demonstrated that karate athletes' ranges of bilateral hip and knee flexion are greater compared with non-karate athletes. Finally, reaction time is a crucial element in karate because high-level performance is based essentially on explosive techniques. A significant difference in the choice reaction time between high-level and novice karatekas exists. Further research is needed concerning the physiological characteristics of female karatekas, the differences between kata and kumite athletes and variations based on weight categories.     

Physiological and technical characteristics of elite young basketball players

AIM: The aim of this study was 2-fold: a) to describe the physiological and technical characteristics of elite young basketball players, and b) to examine the relationship between certain field and laboratory tests among these players. METHODS: Thirteen male players of the junior's Basketball National team (age: 18.5 +/- 0.5 years, mass: 95.5 +/- 8.8 kg, height: 199.5 +/- 6.2 cm, body fat: 11.4 +/- 1.9%, means+/-SD) performed a run to exhaustion on the treadmill, the Wingate test and 2 types of vertical jump. On a separate day, the field tests (control dribble, defensive movement, speed dribble, speed running, shuttle run and dribble shuttle run) were conducted. RESULTS: Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and ventilatory threshold were 51.7 +/- 4.8 ml/kg/min and 77.6 +/- 7.0% VO2max, respectively. Maximum power output was 10.7 +/- 1.3 Watts/kg and mean power (Pmean) 8.0 +/- 0.7 Watts/kg. Counter-movement and squat jump height were 40.1 +/- 3.7 and 39.8 +/- 4.0 cm, respectively. Performance in control dribble (13.70 +/- 0.96 s), speed dribble (4.24 +/- 0.75 s), high intensity shuttle run (27.90 +/- 1.04 s) and dribble shuttle run (29.50 +/- 1.22 s) was correlated with Pmean (r=-0.58, r=-0.62, r=-0.56 and r=-0.73, respectively, p<0.05). Percent body fat was negatively correlated with all the above field tests (r=0.63, r=0.57, r=0.66, r=0.65, respectively, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: These players presented a moderate VO2max and anaerobic power. The significant correlation between Pmean and certain field tests indicates that these tests could be used for the assessment of anaerobic capacity of young basketball players.     

Effect of a twelve week exercise programme on cardio-respiratory and body composition variables in non-obese young and middle-aged females

This study investigated the effect of a 12-week exercise programme consisting of jogging, calistnenics, and recreational activities on the cardiorespiratory function and body composition of 15 young and 15 middle-aged nonobese women 21-32 and 34-57 years, respectively. The exercise programme was 3 days per week for an average of 45 minutes each session. Pre- and post-programme data were obtained on: age, height, total body weight, resting heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, vital capacity, submaximal heart rate, supra-iliac skinfold, thigh skinfold, waist girth, cup size, body density, and percent fat. The t-test was used to test the difference between the young and middle-aged groups before and after the exercise programme and to test the pre- and post-programme mean values of each group. No differences between the groups or changes due to the exercise programme were observed on total body weight. No significant cardiorespiratory differences were found between the two groups at either test period, however, the young group decreased significantly (p < .01) in submaximal HR and the middle-aged group decreased significantly in resting (p < .01) and submaximal (p < .001) HR illustrating the positive effect of the programme. No significant body composition differences were found between the two groups at the pre-test. At the post-test the middle-aged group had a significantly (p < .10) larger thigh skinfold thickness than the young group. The young group did not change significantly on body composition measures from pre- to post-test. In contrast, the middle-aged group increased significantly in body density (p < .01) and decreased in percent body fat (p < .01) due to a significant (p < .01) reduction in supra-iliac skinfold thickness from 21.67 ± 2.35 to 18.13 ± 2.08 mm. The data were compared with data from other studies using similar age groups. The pre-test percent fat of the young group (25.07 ± .74) was similar to values reported in other studies. The middle-aged group had a relatively lower fat percentage (27.46 ± 1.58) compared with other middle-aged groups.     

Adherence to Unsupervised Exercise

In brief: Forty-seven male police officers (mean age 41.0 years) were randomly assigned to three exercise groups: unsupervised, supervised, and control. Training consisted of walking and jogging three days per week for 20 weeks. The attrition rate for the unsupervised group (35%) was lower than for the supervised group (45%). The main reason the subjects gave for dropping out was lack of time. Both groups increased significantly compared to the control group in treadmill performance time, maximum oxygen uptake, and maximum oxygen pulse; and decreased significantly in resting heart rate, heart rate response to a step test, percent body fat, total skinfold fat, and waist girth.