Authors
Taylor Browning, Department of Exercise Science, Springfield College, Springfield, MA, USA
Samuel Headley, Department of Exercise Science, Springfield College, Springfield, MA, USA
Elizabeth M. Mullin, Department of Exercise Science, Springfield College, Springfield, MA, USA
Margaret T. Jones, [1]Sport, Recreation and Tourism Management, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA [2]Frank Pettrone Center for Sports Performance, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
Andrew R. Jagim, [1]Frank Pettrone Center for Sports Performance, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA, [2]Sports Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System, Onalaska, WI, USA
Jennifer B. Fields, [1]Frank Pettrone Center for Sports Performance, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA, [2]Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 1199-1211, 2025.
DOI: 10.70252/HOKT7948
Abstract
Track and field (T&F) throwers are a prominent subgroup of athletes that may be at risk for the development of Metabolic Syndrome (MetSyn) and other cardiometabolic disease conditions. However, limited research exists examining the prevalence of MetSyn in these athletes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of MetSyn and associated risk factors in collegiate throwers. Collegiate Division I men (n=17) and women (n=4) T&F throwers participated in a single day of lab assessments, which included anthropometrics, body composition, blood pressure, a venous blood draw, and aerobic capacity. MetSyn was diagnosed based on the following clinical markers: HDL, triglycerides, glucose, waist circumference, and blood pressure. MetSyn was present in 47% of men and 0% of women athletes. The most common risk factors were excessive waist circumference (men: 65%, women: 25%), reduced HDL (men: 59%, women: 50%), and elevated systolic blood pressure (men: 47%, women: 25%). BF% was associated with SBP (r=0.71), DBP (r=0.74), insulin (r=0.58), insulin resistance (r=0.58), triglycerides (r=0.51), and VO2max (r=0.79) (p<0.05). This study observed a high incidence of MetSyn and other associated adverse cardiometabolic biomarkers in collegiate T&F throwers. Regular assessments of body composition and aerobic capacity may serve as practical and effective tools to identify at-risk athletes and guide targeted interventions aimed at reducing long-term cardiometabolic disease risk.
Recommended Citation
Browning, Taylor; Headley, Samuel; Mullin, Elizabeth M.; Jones, Margaret T.; Jagim, Andrew R.; Fields, Jennifer B. (2025) “Incidence and Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome in Track and Field Throwing Athletes,” International Journal of Exercise Science: Vol. 18 : Iss. 6, Pages 1199-1211.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70252/HOKT7948