Roelofs is lead author on article in the International Journal of Sports Medicine

School of Kinesiology doctoral student, Erica Roelofs, MS is the lead author of an article entitled “Body composition of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) division I female soccer athletes through competitive seasons” in the International Journal of Sports Medicine. 

The study examined body composition of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I female soccer players by position and season using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Overall, goalkeepers were significantly different than forwards, midfielders and defenders. Body fat percentage increased and lean skeletal mass decreased during the winter off-season indicating potential undesired changes in training and or nutrition over the break whereas lean skeletal mass was the highest in summer off-season potentially reflecting the emphasis on resistance training and increased volume of training. 

Co-authors on the article include Don Dengel, PhD, professor of kinesiology and director of the Laboratory of Integrative Human Physiology, as well as School of Kinesiology graduates, April Bockin, BS and Tyler Bosch, PhD.