Evaluation of the nutritional habits, physical activity levels and anthropometric measurements in adolescent swimmers

The aim of this thesis was to evaluate and descriptions of anthropometric parameters, nutritional habits, physical activity levels, performance parameters, and their relationship in the adolescent sprinter swimmers. Nineteen Turkish adolescent swimmers (7 female, 12 male) belonging to a professional sport club team participated voluntarily in this research. The cardiopulmonary endurance, vertical jump test, maximum heart rate test, T2000 test, anthropometric parameters, physical activity levels and nutritional habits were determined. Soft lean mass and basal metabolic rate were significantly greater in males compared to in females. Females had higher percent of body fat than males. The liquid consumption of swimmers was insufficient. While all athletes had ideal protein consumption, most of them had inadequate carbohydrate and excess fat consumptions. VO2peak and anaerobic power values were significantly higher in males compared to in females. It was concluded that the regular evaluation and follow-up of the health, performance and nutritional status of the athletes is of great importance both for their normal growth and development and their sports performance performances throughout their active sports life. Data of this thesis could be useful for the plan future studies to fill the gaps in complex physiological mechanisms of swimming training and athletic performance. Key words: Swimming, Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test, Anaerobic Power, Body Composition, Body Weights and Measures