Medicina Sportiva (2011), vol VII, no 4, 1700 - 1705 Medicina Sportiva (2011), vol VII, no 4, 1700 - 1705 Romanian Sports Medicine Society Romanian Sports Medicine Society

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• Original Articles • Original Articles

Body mass index of masters players Body mass index of masters basketball players

Joe Walsh1, Mike Climstein2, Ian Timothy Heazlewood3, Mark DeBeliso4, Kent Adams5, Stephen Joe Walsh1, Mike Climstein2, Ian Timothy Heazlewood3, Mark DeBeliso4, Kent Adams5, Stephen Burke6, Jyrki Kettunen6 Burke6, Jyrki Kettunen6

1School of Exercise Science, Australian Catholic University, , 1School of Exercise Science, Australian Catholic University, Sydney, Australia 2Bond University, Faculty of Health Science and Medicine, Queensland, Australia 2Bond University, Faculty of Health Science and Medicine, Queensland, Australia 3School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty Education, Health and Science, Charles Darwin 3School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty Education, Health and Science, Charles Darwin University, Australia University, Australia 4Department of Physical Education and Human Performance, Southern Utah University, Utah, USA 4Department of Physical Education and Human Performance, Southern Utah University, Utah, USA 5California State University Monterey Bay, Kinesiology Department, USA 5California State University Monterey Bay, Kinesiology Department, USA 6Arcada University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki, Finland 6Arcada University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki, Finland

Abstract. Aim and Scope: Thousands of masters athletes participate quadrennially in the Abstract. Aim and Scope: Thousands of masters athletes participate quadrennially in the World Masters Games (WMG). However, this unique cohort remains under investigated. With a need for multifaceted solutions to the global (WMG). However, this unique cohort remains under investigated. With a need for multifaceted solutions to the global obesity epidemic, investigating special populations such as those competing in sport at mature-older ages may further obesity epidemic, investigating special populations such as those competing in sport at mature-older ages may further the understanding of the nexus between aging, physical activity and obesity. The aim of this cross-sectional the understanding of the nexus between aging, physical activity and obesity. The aim of this cross-sectional comparative study was to investigate body mass index (BMI) within the WMG competitors in context with national comparative study was to investigate body mass index (BMI) within the WMG competitors in context with national populations and health guidelines. We hypothesized that the prevalence of obesity in the WMG cohort would be less populations and health guidelines. We hypothesized that the prevalence of obesity in the WMG cohort would be less than comparative national populations and males would demonstrate a higher level of obesity than females. Methods: A than comparative national populations and males would demonstrate a higher level of obesity than females. Methods: A total of 408 (44.1% male, 55.9% female) WMG basketball players aged 29-77yrs (mean 52.2, SD ± 8.0) were total of 408 (44.1% male, 55.9% female) WMG basketball players aged 29-77yrs (mean 52.2, SD ± 8.0) were investigated via an online survey and compared to national populations, primarily a representative sample (n=12,366, investigated via an online survey and compared to national populations, primarily a representative sample (n=12,366, 47.5% male, 52.5% female) of the Australian population (aged 30-79yrs). Results: Analysis demonstrated a 47.5% male, 52.5% female) of the Australian population (aged 30-79yrs). Results: Analysis demonstrated a significantly (p<0.001) reduced classification of obesity in masters basketball players, compared to Australian and other significantly (p<0.001) reduced classification of obesity in masters basketball players, compared to Australian and other national populations. As expected, male basketball players had , on average, higher BMI than females (p<0.001). national populations. As expected, male basketball players had , on average, higher BMI than females (p<0.001). Conclusions: This study indicated that one key index of health, namely obesity, was on average far lower in WMG Conclusions: This study indicated that one key index of health, namely obesity, was on average far lower in WMG basketball players compared to a representative sample of population controls. This finding may indicate a lower risk basketball players compared to a representative sample of population controls. This finding may indicate a lower risk for many diseases such as type 2 diabetes or heart diseases in masters basketball players and the selection of a sport that for many diseases such as type 2 diabetes or heart diseases in masters basketball players and the selection of a sport that induces positive health related fitness for both male and female masters athletes. induces positive health related fitness for both male and female masters athletes. Keywords: Quetelet Index, sports, exercise. Keywords: Quetelet Index, sports, exercise.

Introduction Introduction In 2009, the Sydney World Masters Games measures of health. In 2009, the Sydney World Masters Games measures of health. (WMG) attracted 28,089 competitors across 28 Regular exercise across the lifespan is beneficial (WMG) attracted 28,089 competitors across 28 Regular exercise across the lifespan is beneficial sports (1).. Recognized by the International for improved health and decreased prevalence of sports (1).. Recognized by the International for improved health and decreased prevalence of Olympic Committee, it is the largest international various diseases and disorders (8-10). Masters Olympic Committee, it is the largest international various diseases and disorders (8-10). Masters sporting competition in terms of participant athletes may display an age-related increase to the sporting competition in terms of participant athletes may display an age-related increase to the numbers. Previous research on the WMG athletes range of pathologies present in this population as numbers. Previous research on the WMG athletes range of pathologies present in this population as has examined injury incidence in the lead up to well as age-related physiological changes (9, 11, has examined injury incidence in the lead up to well as age-related physiological changes (9, 11, the tournament (2), motivations for competition 12). These changes, may attribute to reduced the tournament (2), motivations for competition 12). These changes, may attribute to reduced (3-4), as well as the health of North American physical activity, reduced metabolism and thus (3-4), as well as the health of North American physical activity, reduced metabolism and thus competitors(5). Provisional analysis of BMI of altered body mass index (BMI) (13). competitors(5). Provisional analysis of BMI of altered body mass index (BMI) (13). athletes (6-7) has shown promising trends. Excess body mass is associated with increased athletes (6-7) has shown promising trends. Excess body mass is associated with increased Despite promising provisional research findings, risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, Despite promising provisional research findings, risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, this cohort of middle to older-aged adults remains cardiovascular disease, hypertension and this cohort of middle to older-aged adults remains cardiovascular disease, hypertension and Under investigated with regards to various dyslipidemia, as well as certain cancers (14). Under investigated with regards to various dyslipidemia, as well as certain cancers (14). Body mass index of masters basketball players Body mass index of masters basketball players Joe Walsh & all Joe Walsh & all

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In 2008, globally 1.5 billion adults over the age of additional insight into the scope of and nature of In 2008, globally 1.5 billion adults over the age of additional insight into the scope of and nature of 20 were overweight, with 200 million of these the solutions for the BMI epidemic by 20 were overweight, with 200 million of these the solutions for the BMI epidemic by men and 300 million of these women being consideration of special populations such as those men and 300 million of these women being consideration of special populations such as those classified as obese (15). that exercise competitively in later life. classified as obese (15). that exercise competitively in later life. The problem is particularly relevant for the It was considered that due to the possibility that The problem is particularly relevant for the It was considered that due to the possibility that Australian population, as the proportion of there may be some competitive advantage from Australian population, as the proportion of there may be some competitive advantage from Australians classified as overweight or obese has increased height in basketball, this may be Australians classified as overweight or obese has increased height in basketball, this may be been progressively increasing (16). In 2007-2008, associated with reduction in the BMI of those been progressively increasing (16). In 2007-2008, associated with reduction in the BMI of those a greater percentage of males were classified by athletes who are competitive in these sports at the a greater percentage of males were classified by athletes who are competitive in these sports at the the Australian Bureau of Statistics as obese than WMG. It was felt that to some extent this the Australian Bureau of Statistics as obese than WMG. It was felt that to some extent this for females and BMI classification was higher for reduction might be mitigated by the propensity for for females and BMI classification was higher for reduction might be mitigated by the propensity for males than for females, with 63% of Australian increased muscle mass from competitive sport. males than for females, with 63% of Australian increased muscle mass from competitive sport. males classified as overweight Previous research has been conducted males classified as overweight Previous research has been conducted (30kg/m2

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Electronic invitations were sent to masters games Comparisons of classification count data was Electronic invitations were sent to masters games Comparisons of classification count data was athletes who provided a valid email address upon conducted using Pearson’s chi-square statistic. athletes who provided a valid email address upon conducted using Pearson’s chi-square statistic. registration. Data collection included Significant differences between groups within the registration. Data collection included Significant differences between groups within the demographic data for participants such as height WMG sample were analysed using independent t- demographic data for participants such as height WMG sample were analysed using independent t- (nearest cm), body mass (nearest kg) and age tests or an appropriate non-parametric alternative. (nearest cm), body mass (nearest kg) and age tests or an appropriate non-parametric alternative. (total years). BMI was derived from this self- Normality was assessed by investigating Q-Q (total years). BMI was derived from this self- Normality was assessed by investigating Q-Q reported data and categorized using conventional plots, as well as the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) reported data and categorized using conventional plots, as well as the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) classification values (8). test with Lilliefors significance correction. classification values (8). test with Lilliefors significance correction. Data for comparative purposes from the Heteroscedasticity was assessed using Levene’s Data for comparative purposes from the Heteroscedasticity was assessed using Levene’s Australian National Health Survey 2007-2008 was test. Australian National Health Survey 2007-2008 was test. obtained via the Australian bureau of obtained via the Australian bureau of Statistics/Universities Australia Agreement. This Results Statistics/Universities Australia Agreement. This Results data contained unit record files for the Australian Of the 408 respondents of this WMG basketball data contained unit record files for the Australian Of the 408 respondents of this WMG basketball population with identifiers removed and some player sub-sample (which this study is restricted population with identifiers removed and some player sub-sample (which this study is restricted ratio data (such as age) collapsed into categorical to), 228 (55.9%) were male, whilst 180 (44.1%) ratio data (such as age) collapsed into categorical to), 228 (55.9%) were male, whilst 180 (44.1%) format. Comparison was also made with were female. Ages ranged from 29 to 77 years format. Comparison was also made with were female. Ages ranged from 29 to 77 years published sample populations containing (mean = 52.2, SD ± 8.0). The population is published sample populations containing (mean = 52.2, SD ± 8.0). The population is empirical, national and sub-national BMI data for represented in figure 1. This sub-sample of empirical, national and sub-national BMI data for represented in figure 1. This sub-sample of a wide variety of countries (18-22). Due to the basketball players represented: Australia (317 a wide variety of countries (18-22). Due to the basketball players represented: Australia (317 large sample sizes involved these figures were of participants/namely 77.7% of the total), Canada large sample sizes involved these figures were of participants/namely 77.7% of the total), Canada value for comparative purposes. (42/10.3%), United States of America (18/4.4%), value for comparative purposes. (42/10.3%), United States of America (18/4.4%), Analysis of the data was completed using PASW New Zealand (12/2.9%) and other countries Analysis of the data was completed using PASW New Zealand (12/2.9%) and other countries (Statistics 18.0.0). (19/4.7%). (Statistics 18.0.0). (19/4.7%).

Figure 1. Population pyramids of the 408 basketball participants via BMI and gender (line of normality included). Figure 1. Population pyramids of the 408 basketball participants via BMI and gender (line of normality included).

Only 34 (14.9%) males and 20 (11.1%) females WMG basketball players and expectations from Only 34 (14.9%) males and 20 (11.1%) females WMG basketball players and expectations from had BMI≥30kg/m2, indicating that obesity based ABS data was found to be significant (13.2% vs. had BMI≥30kg/m2, indicating that obesity based ABS data was found to be significant (13.2% vs. on BMI was a health risk factor for 13.2% of the 24.4%, χ2=27.6, p<0.001). Comparing gender on BMI was a health risk factor for 13.2% of the 24.4%, χ2=27.6, p<0.001). Comparing gender sub-sample. It was considered appropriate to sub-sets identified this pattern also applied with sub-sample. It was considered appropriate to sub-sets identified this pattern also applied with compare the value for obesity with figures for the significant difference for males (χ2=12.6, compare the value for obesity with figures for the significant difference for males (χ2=12.6, general population for those available for p<0.001) and females (χ2=16.0, p<0.001). general population for those available for p<0.001) and females (χ2=16.0, p<0.001). participant countries of the sample. Comparison to measured (as opposed to self participant countries of the sample. Comparison to measured (as opposed to self For Australians aged between 30 and 79 years old reported) data from the ABS survey, also For Australians aged between 30 and 79 years old reported) data from the ABS survey, also (n=12,366, 47.5% male, 52.5% female), 24.4% confirmed these findings using all subjects within (n=12,366, 47.5% male, 52.5% female), 24.4% confirmed these findings using all subjects within were classified as obese, using self-reported the age range as well as when considering gender were classified as obese, using self-reported the age range as well as when considering gender heights and weights. For males, 25.1% and sub-sets in isolation (all p-values<0.001). heights and weights. For males, 25.1% and sub-sets in isolation (all p-values<0.001). 23.8% of females were found to have Comparison to sample populations (using 23.8% of females were found to have Comparison to sample populations (using BMI≥30kg/m2, a significant difference (χ2=5.5, summary statistics, as per the methods section) BMI≥30kg/m2, a significant difference (χ2=5.5, summary statistics, as per the methods section) p<0.05) compared to the ABS data. Without from the other most represented countries, p<0.05) compared to the ABS data. Without from the other most represented countries, differentiating by gender, the difference between Canada, U.S.A. and New Zealand, as well as the differentiating by gender, the difference between Canada, U.S.A. and New Zealand, as well as the

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1703 1703 UK, also identified significantly less (all p- basketball players was higher than the mean of UK, also identified significantly less (all p- basketball players was higher than the mean of values<0.001) obesity in the WMG basketball female basketball players (26.8 kg/m2 vs. 25.2 values<0.001) obesity in the WMG basketball female basketball players (26.8 kg/m2 vs. 25.2 players than the national populations. While BMI kg/m2, Z=5.01, p<0.001). players than the national populations. While BMI kg/m2, Z=5.01, p<0.001). on a population scale tends to increase with age, it on a population scale tends to increase with age, it was shown that the overall prevalence of obesity Discussion was shown that the overall prevalence of obesity Discussion of the basketball population (13.2%) was still Due to large participant numbers (n=408), from of the basketball population (13.2%) was still Due to large participant numbers (n=408), from significantly lower, irrespective of age, than for only one sport of 28 played, this sub-sample of significantly lower, irrespective of age, than for only one sport of 28 played, this sub-sample of comparative age groups in the Australian athletes can be considered as representative of comparative age groups in the Australian athletes can be considered as representative of population (table I). Whilst the percentage of basketball players at the Sydney WMG. Results population (table I). Whilst the percentage of basketball players at the Sydney WMG. Results obesity in the masters athletes 70-77 years old identified significantly less prevalence of obesity obesity in the masters athletes 70-77 years old identified significantly less prevalence of obesity (0% obese) was lower than the comparative age than for a comparative population of age matched (0% obese) was lower than the comparative age than for a comparative population of age matched groups in the Australian population, no statistical Australians. As a similar trend was present in the groups in the Australian population, no statistical Australians. As a similar trend was present in the test was conducted due to low cell counts. other national populations used for comparative test was conducted due to low cell counts. other national populations used for comparative purposes, this would indicate that the trend could purposes, this would indicate that the trend could be fairly assumed to apply, to some extent, on a be fairly assumed to apply, to some extent, on a Table I. Breakdown of Obesity by age for Australian broader-scale. Table I. Breakdown of Obesity by age for Australian broader-scale. Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and World Masters Games Our research on basketball players showed a Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and World Masters Games Our research on basketball players showed a (WMG) data. significantly reduced prevalence of underweight (WMG) data. significantly reduced prevalence of underweight ABS age Percentage WMG Percentage athletes in the masters population than ABS age Percentage WMG Percentage athletes in the masters population than bracket obese (%) basketball obese (%) comparative national populations. This finding is bracket obese (%) basketball obese (%) comparative national populations. This finding is (years) age of interest given that one might suppose an (years) age of interest given that one might suppose an bracket increased average height of basketball players, bracket increased average height of basketball players, (years) which would lead to increasing the size of the (years) which would lead to increasing the size of the 30-34 19.6 30-40 11.8* numerator in the BMI formula and thus the 30-34 19.6 30-40 11.8* numerator in the BMI formula and thus the 35-39 21.3 possibility of a greater chance of lower BMI 35-39 21.3 possibility of a greater chance of lower BMI 40-44 27.4 40-50 13.4* scores. Despite this possibility, there was still a 40-44 27.4 40-50 13.4* scores. Despite this possibility, there was still a 45-49 24.1 reduced prevalence of underweight athletes. The 45-49 24.1 reduced prevalence of underweight athletes. The 50-54 25.7 50-60 14.1* WMG basketball players therefore have improved 50-54 25.7 50-60 14.1* WMG basketball players therefore have improved 55-59 28.0 levels of one index of health (BMI) than 55-59 28.0 levels of one index of health (BMI) than 60-64 25.5 60-70 11.7* comparative national populations. 60-64 25.5 60-70 11.7* comparative national populations. 65-69 28.4 The majority of athletes were from the Australian 65-69 28.4 The majority of athletes were from the Australian 70-74 22.5 70-77 0 population, but comparison to the other national 70-74 22.5 70-77 0 population, but comparison to the other national 75-79 20.1 populations was made in order to eliminate the 75-79 20.1 populations was made in order to eliminate the *WMG basketball players’ BMI significantly less than possibility of an erroneous result due to mixed *WMG basketball players’ BMI significantly less than possibility of an erroneous result due to mixed corresponding ABS nationalities. It was clear that the trend in corresponding ABS nationalities. It was clear that the trend in age group (p<0.01) using Pearson chi-square. significance persisted across seven comparative age group (p<0.01) using Pearson chi-square. significance persisted across seven comparative national populations. It was therefore appropriate national populations. It was therefore appropriate For the WMG basketball players, none of the 408 to consider that BMI of participants was lower For the WMG basketball players, none of the 408 to consider that BMI of participants was lower athletes were underweight (BMI<18.5kg/m2), a than the general population from the constituent athletes were underweight (BMI<18.5kg/m2), a than the general population from the constituent figure significantly (χ2=6.2, p<0.05) less than the countries so there was not causation by nationality figure significantly (χ2=6.2, p<0.05) less than the countries so there was not causation by nationality ABS data, for which 1.5% of participants aged for Australia. As the other national populations ABS data, for which 1.5% of participants aged for Australia. As the other national populations 30-79 years were underweight. Examination of were surveyed in a variety of ways 30-79 years were underweight. Examination of were surveyed in a variety of ways the difference between ABS (0.7% of males and (self-administered questionnaires, investigator the difference between ABS (0.7% of males and (self-administered questionnaires, investigator 2.3% of females underweight) and WMG administered questionnaires, physical 2.3% of females underweight) and WMG administered questionnaires, physical basketball player samples did not show a measurements or combinations of these methods) basketball player samples did not show a measurements or combinations of these methods) statistically significant trend, when considering care was to be taken when comparison was made statistically significant trend, when considering care was to be taken when comparison was made either males (χ2=1.6, p>0.05) or females (χ2=4.1, to the self-reported data on the Sydney WMG either males (χ2=1.6, p>0.05) or females (χ2=4.1, to the self-reported data on the Sydney WMG p>0.05). basketball players. The ABS data using self- p>0.05). basketball players. The ABS data using self- The mean BMI for the basketball players was reported heights and weights was appropriate to The mean BMI for the basketball players was reported heights and weights was appropriate to 26.1kg/m2 (SD ± 3.75), a value classified as use, however, the trend in difference persisted 26.1kg/m2 (SD ± 3.75), a value classified as use, however, the trend in difference persisted overweight. Due to evidence of non-normality regardless of sampling procedures used in data overweight. Due to evidence of non-normality regardless of sampling procedures used in data and heteroscedasticity (F=12.5, p<0.001), a collection. Although self-reported data may and heteroscedasticity (F=12.5, p<0.001), a collection. Although self-reported data may Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare underestimate BMI, the ABS data was deemed Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare underestimate BMI, the ABS data was deemed genders. As hypothesized, the mean BMI of male comparable as it was also self-reported. genders. As hypothesized, the mean BMI of male comparable as it was also self-reported.

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Also, given the size of the BMI difference Conclusion Also, given the size of the BMI difference Conclusion between the ABS and basketball groups in Our study found that one key index of health, between the ABS and basketball groups in Our study found that one key index of health, relation to the ABS measured and self-reported namely obesity, was on average far lower in male relation to the ABS measured and self-reported namely obesity, was on average far lower in male BMI difference, any error in self reported survey and female masters basketball players compared BMI difference, any error in self reported survey and female masters basketball players compared results could be considered as comparatively to a representative sample of age matched results could be considered as comparatively to a representative sample of age matched negligible. controls. This finding may indicate a lower risk negligible. controls. This finding may indicate a lower risk It is plausible that due to athletic activity, a for many diseases such as type 2 diabetes or heart It is plausible that due to athletic activity, a for many diseases such as type 2 diabetes or heart reduced fat/lean body mass ratio was more likely disease in masters basketball players compared to reduced fat/lean body mass ratio was more likely disease in masters basketball players compared to in basketball players than the national population. the general population. It was also found that in basketball players than the national population. the general population. It was also found that This may theoretically have resulted in a higher BMI was significantly higher for male Sydney This may theoretically have resulted in a higher BMI was significantly higher for male Sydney BMI, which may be primarily an effect of WMG basketball players than for females. BMI, which may be primarily an effect of WMG basketball players than for females. increased lean muscle mass, as opposed to a high increased lean muscle mass, as opposed to a high body fat percentage. However, it is also possible Acknowledgements body fat percentage. However, it is also possible Acknowledgements that the benefits from high relative strength in Assistance was provided by the Sydney WMG that the benefits from high relative strength in Assistance was provided by the Sydney WMG these sports (the ability to accelerate an object is Committee in addition to IT support from Evan Wills. these sports (the ability to accelerate an object is Committee in addition to IT support from Evan Wills. inversely proportional to its mass for any given The assistance of the ABS for allowing access to the inversely proportional to its mass for any given The assistance of the ABS for allowing access to the applied force and directly proportional to the Australian National Health Survey 2007-2008 results applied force and directly proportional to the Australian National Health Survey 2007-2008 results via a data sharing agreement, was appreciated. via a data sharing agreement, was appreciated. force), would result in a greater ability to move on force), would result in a greater ability to move on the field and therefore a lower BMI would be the field and therefore a lower BMI would be References References advantageous. It should be noted that the issue of 1. Sydney WMG Committee (2010). Sydney 2009 advantageous. It should be noted that the issue of 1. Sydney WMG Committee (2010). Sydney 2009 causation must also be considered. Namely, the World Masters Games Final Report. Sydney causation must also be considered. Namely, the World Masters Games Final Report. Sydney question of whether competing in masters WMG Committee, Sydney, Australia. question of whether competing in masters WMG Committee, Sydney, Australia. basketball promotes reduced BMI and lowers 2. Walsh J, Climstein M, Burke S, Heazlewood I T, basketball promotes reduced BMI and lowers 2. Walsh J, Climstein M, Burke S, Heazlewood I T, associated health risks or alternatively whether Adams K J, DeBeliso M, Kettunen J (2011). associated health risks or alternatively whether Adams K J, DeBeliso M, Kettunen J (2011). individuals with lower BMI’s participate in Injury incidence in football code athletes during individuals with lower BMI’s participate in Injury incidence in football code athletes during masters basketball by preference. A particular preparation for the World Masters Games. masters basketball by preference. A particular preparation for the World Masters Games. somatotype may attract athletes to the sport or Football Science. 8(S1), 230. somatotype may attract athletes to the sport or Football Science. 8(S1), 230. athletes may compete simply because they are 3. Heazlewood I T, Walsh J, Climstein M, Burke S, athletes may compete simply because they are 3. Heazlewood I T, Walsh J, Climstein M, Burke S, capable due to improved health (probabilistically Kettunen J, Adams K J, DeBeliso, M capable due to improved health (probabilistically Kettunen J, Adams K J, DeBeliso, M (2011). Sport Psychological Constructs Related to (2011). Sport Psychological Constructs Related to more likely due to the burden on health from high Participation in the 2009 World Masters more likely due to the burden on health from high Participation in the 2009 World Masters BMI) with age. Games. Journal of the World Academy of Science, BMI) with age. Games. Journal of the World Academy of Science, Prediction of body composition classification Engineering and Technology. 7(77), 970-973. Prediction of body composition classification Engineering and Technology. 7(77), 970-973. from BMI is reliable with a general population, 4. Adams K, Debeliso M, Walsh J, Burke S, from BMI is reliable with a general population, 4. Adams K, Debeliso M, Walsh J, Burke S, however in athletes this relationship between BMI Heazlewood I T, Kettunen J, Climstein M however in athletes this relationship between BMI Heazlewood I T, Kettunen J, Climstein M and health may be biased by high lean mass (2011). Motivations to Participate in Sport at the and health may be biased by high lean mass (2011). Motivations to Participate in Sport at the (muscle). Therefore, especially in male athletes, Sydney 2009 World Masters Games. Med Sci in (muscle). Therefore, especially in male athletes, Sydney 2009 World Masters Games. Med Sci in due to increased muscularity, the relationship Sports & Exerc. 43(5), S655. due to increased muscularity, the relationship Sports & Exerc. 43(5), S655. between BMI and health should be investigated in 5. DeBeliso M, Adams K J, Climstein M, Walsh J, between BMI and health should be investigated in 5. DeBeliso M, Adams K J, Climstein M, Walsh J, more detail. This is particularly relevant given the Burke S, Heazlewood I T, Kettunen J (2011). more detail. This is particularly relevant given the Burke S, Heazlewood I T, Kettunen J (2011). World Masters Games: North American World Masters Games: North American deleterious influence of a high BMI on the health Participant Medical and Health History Survey. deleterious influence of a high BMI on the health Participant Medical and Health History Survey. of males has been found to be greater than for Med Sci in Sports & Exerc. 43(5), S374. of males has been found to be greater than for Med Sci in Sports & Exerc. 43(5), S374. females. It should be considered that given it is 6. Walsh J, Climstein M, Heazlewood I T, Burke S, females. It should be considered that given it is 6. Walsh J, Climstein M, Heazlewood I T, Burke S, not necessary to be classified as obese and an Kettunen J, Adams K J, DeBeliso M not necessary to be classified as obese and an Kettunen J, Adams K J, DeBeliso M elevated BMI has been shown to have an (2011). Variations in Body Mass Index With Age elevated BMI has been shown to have an (2011). Variations in Body Mass Index With Age increased burden of chronic diseases on the health in Masters Athletes (World Masters increased burden of chronic diseases on the health in Masters Athletes (World Masters of a population, the large number of overweight Games). Journal of the World Academy of Science, of a population, the large number of overweight Games). Journal of the World Academy of Science, athletes as indicated by inference from BMI data Engineering and Technology. 7(77), 1115-1119. athletes as indicated by inference from BMI data Engineering and Technology. 7(77), 1115-1119. within our sample (mean=26.1kg/m2, SD= ± 3.75) 7. Walsh J, Heazlewood I T, Climstein M, Burke S, within our sample (mean=26.1kg/m2, SD= ± 3.75) 7. Walsh J, Heazlewood I T, Climstein M, Burke S, is a serious concern for the health and wellbeing Adams K J, DeBeliso M, Kettunen J (2011). Body is a serious concern for the health and wellbeing Adams K J, DeBeliso M, Kettunen J (2011). Body Mass Index For Australian Athletes Participating Mass Index For Australian Athletes Participating of this cohort. in Rugby Union, Soccer and Football at the of this cohort. in Rugby Union, Soccer and Touch Football at the World Masters Games. Journal of the World World Masters Games. Journal of the World Academy of Science, Engineering and Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology . 7(77), 1119-1123. Technology . 7(77), 1119-1123.

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