Author(s): LIU, Y., YUAN, X., Institution: BEIJING SPORT UNIVERSITY, Country: CHINA, Abstract-ID: 971

INTRODUCTION:
The aims of this study were to analyze overall and local body composition changes throughout the competition season using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), to assess improvements in post-season athletic performance indices, and to examine the relationship between changes in body composition and changes in athletic performance, following the implementation of a cyclical integrated neuromuscular training programme for elite male moguls athletes of the Chinese national training team.
METHODS:
Preseason and postseason DXA scans and performance data from the 2022–2023 season were retrospectively collected for 10 athletes.Body composition parameters included total and regional fat mass, lean mass, and body fat percentage, while athletic performance measures encompassed the standing triple jump on one leg, 30m dash, and 3000m run. The sport-specific test involved timing an athletes skate across 10 moguls, recorded in the field with a high-speed camera. All variables were quantitative and analyzed using paired t-tests or their nonparametric equivalents, with an alpha level of p<0.05 determining significance.
RESULTS:
After a cycle of integrative neuromuscular training intervention, athletes exhibited significant decreases in fat mass(F=3.863;P=0.012;effect size=0.584)and increases in lean mass in various body regions(P<0.05), and total body measurements (F=4.735,P<0.01;effect size=0.784), While athletes demonstrated a significant decrease in the time required to skate across 10 moguls at the seasons end(F=6.757，P<0.01;effect size=0.584), no significant differences were observed in other performance metrics(P>0.05). Moderate correlations were noted between changes in body composition (total fat mass（r=-0.684，P<0.01）and total lean mass（r=-0.574，P<0.01）) and changes in athletic performance.
CONCLUSION:
Cycle-integrated neuromuscular training can effectively shorten the skating time, increase lean body mass and reduce body fat content of moguls athletes, and there is a moderate correlation between body composition and athletic performance.This study offers a novel longitudinal assessment of body composition and athletic performance for elite male moguls athletes, aiding trainers and coaches in understanding seasonal variations in these variables and better preparing athletes for competitive success.