Body composition analysis to study long-term training effects in elite male water polo athletes

Elite water polo athletes undergo heavy training programs throughout the year, but especially to prepare major competitions, such as the Olympics. Optimal athletic performance is a result of many factors, including proper management of the intensity and volume of training, nutrition and recovery between training sessions. When training is excessive in relation to recovery may occur non functional overreaching (NFO). NFO can degenerate into overtraining syndrome (OTS) resulting in a decrease in athletic performance, with likely changes in body weight and body composition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between Body Composition (BC) and the tolerance to intense training supported by diet meal plans and to highlight any difference between athletes selected for the OG and not selected ones.