ANTHROPOMETRIC STUDY AND FEEDING QUALITY OF ROWERS IN THE BRAZILIAN MARINE CORPS

Abstract

The bodily composition assessed by anthropometry, and food consumption have been widely used to diagnose athletes' nutritional status. These methods allow the detection of nutritional disturbances that can hinder physical performance. The aim was to assess the anthropometric profile and the quality of feeding among the rowers that integrate the Brazilian Marine Corps and are affiliated to the Brazilian Rowers' Confederation. A descriptive, quantitative study was accomplished with 11 male voluntary athletes between the ages of 20 and 24 years. A feeding anamnesis was developed, the anthropometric measures were taken, and each athlete's Bodily Mass Index and fat percentage were calculated. It was registered that 45.3% of the athletes had as income an amount between 3 and 4 minimum wages, 63.6% had incomplete secondary school background and 91% of them were single. The average age was 21.7±1.27 years. The average weight was 81.7±7.5Kg and the average height was 186.9±4.3cm. The average fat percentile was 10.2±3.87. For the referred feeding quality, 54.5% stated their feeding was good, 27.3%, regular and 18.2%, poor. The consumption of fruits featured a high percentage (72.7%), and so did the consumption of green vegetables (63.6%) and vegetables (63.6%). The anthropometric standard of most athletes showed figures consistent with the figures described in the literature, although some featured high fat percentages. The consumption of food considered healthy is part of the athletes' daily routine, but their feeding is still not adequate.