Diminution de la masse corporelle dans la natation ultra-endurance : Études de cas des nageurs transmancans (document en anglais)

Example sports science dissertation topic 1:

Decreases in body mass in ultra-endurance swimming: Case studies of cross-Channel swimmers.

Evidence has shown that decreases in total body mass in participants of ultra-endurance sports such as Ironman competitions are attributable to reductions in fat mass and skeletal muscle mass rather than the previously attributed dehydration (Knechtle, Knechtle, Rosemann and Oliver, 2010). This paper considers whether the same can be said for ultra-endurance swimming, such as that in cross-Channel swimming. The study tracks six swimmers, three male and three female and explores changes in hydration, skeletal muscle mass, fat mass and plasma urea in a non-impact sport where the body faces additional challenges such as temperature, and immersion in water, and determines total weight changes in so doing.

Suggested initial topic reading:

Bircher, S., Enggist, A., Jehle, T. and Knechtle, B. (2006). 'Effects of an extreme endurance race on energy balance and body composition: A case report', Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, Vol. 5, pp. 154-162.

Knechtle, B., Knechtle, P., Rosemann, T. and Oliver, S. (2010). 'A triple iron triathlon leads to a decrease in total body mass but not to dehydration', Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, Vol. 81(3), pp. 319-327.

Lee, R.C., Wang, Z., Heo, M., Ross, R., Janssen, I. and Heymsfield, S.B. (2000). 'Total-body skeletal muscle mass: Development and cross-validation of anthropometric prediction models', The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 72, pp. 796-803.

Example sports science dissertation topic 2:

Injury-resultant acts of aggression in rugby: Perspectives of victims with regard to contributory acts and behaviour.

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