The use of the fat-fat-free index (FFF) to assess changes in muscle mass depending on the training period in female weightlifters

One of the most important elements in the training process is the "expansion" of muscle mass, which is a constituent a of fat-free component in the human body. The aim of the study was knowledge about the suitability of the fat-fat-free indicator for estimating changes in body composition during the training period in female weightlifters. Twenty two women were examined and divided into two groups: Group I women training weightlifting in the Student Sports Club Talent (n = 8); Group II (control) students of cosmetology (n = 14). The average age of the examined women was 22.2 +/- 2.2 years, average body height 162.4 +/- 4.4 cm, average body weight 59.1 +/- 5.3 kg, average BMI 22.4 +/- 1.9 kg/m(2), and the average percentage of body fat 17.7 +/- 4.7 %. Body height was determined using the SECA 213 height meter and body composition using the analyser BC-418 MA (Tanita). Based on the values of fat mass in kg (FatM) and fat-free mass in kg (FFM) obtained from the analyser, the to-tal fat and fat-free mass index (FFF) was calculated for five body segments. The value of the fat fat-free index in contestants (group I) during the first study differed in a statistically significant way from the values obtained after the training break as well as from the values obtained from the control group in both studies. The female athletes of Student Sports Club Talent in the period of reduced training load had statistically significantly lower levels of muscle tissue as observed through the increase of the FFF index value The FFF index is an objective tool to assess changes in body composition during training and post-start period. The post-start period training should be structured in such a way as to counteract the muscle mass reduction with the simultaneous increase of fat tissue mass.