TaFMAC: A 10-year study to assess fitness, training and health in master athletes.
The aim of the study with master athletes is to document the benefits and risks of competitive sport beyond the age of 35. Recommendations for action for health benefits can be derived on the basis of the data thus obtained.
Background to the TaFMAC study
Physical activity throughout life is recognised as beneficial to health. Unlike many people who reduce their physical activity as they age, ageing athletes continue to participate in competitive sport, often into their 9th decade of life. The TaFMAC project collects health, performance and fitness data from these athletes and contributes to a better understanding of the benefits and risks of competitive sport in old age.
In order to be able to collect this data, on-site examinations are carried out at age-related athletics competitions that are regularly organised and co-financed by the participating athletes. The focus is on the connection between exercise training, fitness and age.
All athletes competing in Torun are invited to participate in the study, especially those who have already participated in our MAFS-18 study in Malaga 2018.
The registration for the examinations is here
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Prof. Dr. Jörn Rittweger Head of the Department of Muscle and Bone Metabolism Professor of Space Physiology, University of Cologne German Aerospace Center Institute of Aerospace Medicine Muscle and Bone Metabolism Linder Höhe 51147 Köln Phone:+49 2203 601-3080 Fax:+49 2203 61159
Check-in takes place before all other tests. After we have compared your personal data, we will explain the further procedure to you and then ask for your consent to be included in the TaFMAC study.
We will then ask you a few questions about your sporting background and your health. Next, we use a small alternating current to measure the fat content of your body (so-called bio-impedance analysis, see image).
With the jump test, we assess your suitability for sprint and jump disciplines. The test consists of three different sections. More information can be found here.
With the resting fasting metabolic rate measurement, we determine your body’s energy requirements via oxygen uptake. More information can be found here.
By taking blood, we can assess your metabolism by measuring blood lipid and glucose levels. This also allows us to assess your heart disease risk and metabolic health.
At this station we write a 12-lead resting electrocardiogram (ECG). More information can be found here.
With the VO2max test, we record your suitability for endurance disciplines. More information can be found here.