Understanding the Relationship of Body Composition and Metabolism in Adult and Older Filipino Endurance and Strength Athletes in the Philippines

Understanding the Relationship of Body Composition and Metabolism in Adult and Older Filipino Endurance and Strength Athletes in the Philippines (NPOWER P1)

This study aims to address the gap by investigating the correlation between body composition and metabolism in adult and older Filipino endurance and strength athletes. It seeks to offer significant insights that can guide age- and sport-specific training programs, nutritional strategies, and health interventions adapted to the requirements of Filipino athletes. The results may help enhance the wider discussion on fostering healthy aging and athletic longevity in the Philippines.

The general objective of the study is to conduct fundamental researches in nutrition physiology among Filipino athletes in selected sports through evaluation of their body composition, metabolism, nutritional status, aerobic capacity, and physical performance using validated assessment tools. Specifically, the study aims to:

• Compare the body composition of Filipino athletes and age- and sex-matched non-athletes using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), air displacement plethysmography (ADP), muscle ultrasound and deuterium dilution technique;
• Assess and compare the metabolism via resting and activity energy expenditure, nutritional status, dietary intake, and aerobic capacity of Filipino athletes and age- and sex-matched non-athletes using indirect calorimetry techniques, anthropometric measurements, food diaries, VO₂max measurement, lactic acid threshold, and Incremental Step Test;
• Determine the association of body composition, metabolism, and aerobic capacity among adults and senior citizen athletes partaking in recreational sports; and
• Analyze the relationship of nutritional status and metabolism with physical performance indicators among adults and senior citizen athletes partaking in recreational sports.

Inclusion Criteria (Athletes):

• Male or female athletes aged 20-40 (early and mid-adults) and 60-69 (older adults)
• Natural-born Filipinos with maternal and paternal Filipino heritage
• Current and former national and professional athletes, actively participating in endurance or strength sports events or recreational sports events
• Current off-season athletes undergoing training or former professional athletes who played <3 years ago
• With ≥3 years of formal, structured athletic training
• Apparently healthy (no cardiovascular conditions, respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, neurological conditions and metabolic disorders)
• Ambulatory and can perform physical activity exercises such as treadmill walking/running and stationary bike
• Cleared by a physician to participate in exercise testing; for older adults, clearance must be based on electrocardiogram (ECG) results.

Inclusion Criteria (Non-Athletes):

• Age (+3 years) and sex-matched community-dwelling participants
• Natural-born Filipinos with maternal and paternal Filipino heritage
• Not involved in structured or competitive exercise training
• Apparently healthy (no cardiovascular conditions, respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, neurological conditions and metabolic disorders)
• Ambulatory and can perform physical activity exercises such as treadmill walking/running and stationary bike
• Cleared by a physician to participate in exercise testing; for older adults, clearance must be based on electrocardiogram (ECG) results.

Exclusion Criteria (Athletes and Non-Athletes):

• Unable to comprehend and answer the questions
• Presence of metal implants and/or pacemaker
• Has limited mobility and a history of orthopedic surgery (that may limit their mobility)
• With medically diagnosed severe diseases that could affect body composition or metabolism (i.e., cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, renal diseases, thyroid disorders)
• Experienced minor or major injury in the past 3 months that will inhibit the performance
• Taking prohibited sports substances banned by the World Anti-Doping Program that may influence the performance of exercise
• Taking medications that can affect metabolism (e.g., mood stabilizers, GLP-1 receptor agonists etc.)
• Current smoker or Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS; vape, e-cigarette) smoker