Triathlon is a very complex sport, as the athlete has to master the characteristics of three sports (swimming, cycling and running), and the tasks of coaches are increased by the need to get the most out of all three. This sport improves endurance, has a positive effect on muscle development, movement coordination, breathing, and circulation. For talent identification factors determining the performance in triathlon are essential (physiological, anthropometric, psychosocial and tactical factors). Scientific literature concerning performance in triathlon sport is rather scarce. Although there are some studies in this field, there is little comprehensive literature analyzing training of youth athletes. The aim of our research was (i) to conduct a targeted literature review of the body composition and performance of youth triathletes and (ii) comparing results with those of elite adults, (iii) determining factors playing a prominent role in the selection and performance of triathletes. The results of our research reveal that factors like the appropriate competition age (approx. 28-30 years for both sexes), anthropometric parameters (it is necessary to take into account the distance the athlete covers) and performance criteria (the most important is VO2max) are essential for successful selection and subsequent success. In the world of triathlon constant regulatory changes and the need to adapt new competitive demands necessitate keeping our knowledge up to date.

Introduction: A healthy fluid balance is necessary to maintain normal vital functions. Detecting the amount of body water is important both in clinical practice and in sports in assessing dehydration and/or fluid overload. Among the methods used to determine the amount and distribution of body water, devices operating on the principle of bioelectrical impedance are becoming more common. Their use is simple, fast and the results obtained are reliable. Objective: The aim of our study was to determine the relative body water content changing dependent on age in men and women of normal weight, overweight and obese, using a device that works on the principle of bioelectrical im¬pedance. Method: The data of a total of 2,354 persons between the ages of 7 and 81 are included in the study conducted with the InBody 720 type device. Normal body weight, overweight and obesity were determined using the body mass index. Results: There were significant differences between gender in body weight, body mass index between normal weight and overweight/obese participants in all age groups. The differences between relative body water content of men and women in normal body weight are significant in all age groups. The averages have not changed until the 3rd age group (21-50 years), then decreased in the 4th age group (above 51 years) in the normal body weight men. In thecase of normal body weight women, the averages decreased linearly dependent on age. The relative body water con¬tents in overweight/obese subjects were significantly lower by gender and age group than the averages of those with normal body weight. The relative water contents in overweight/obese men and women have not changed dependent on age. Discussion: Although bioelectrical impedance method is less commonly used, it is suitable for measuring total body water content. The reliability of the data obtained by the method is confirmed by more and more studies in the case of people of normal body weight, overweight and obese people as well. Conclusion: The bioelectrical impedance procedure can help prognosis and diagnosis in many areas. After presenting our data, we hope that our study will contribute to the spread of the bioelectrical impedance method.

The aim of our research was to find a way, based on international experience, to examine the training method that can be successfully used in youth age groups, and as a consequence, to increase the effectiveness of the sport of triathlon. In Hungary, the methods of preparing the younger age group (10-18 y) are not yet uniform. Hungarian triathletes do not dominate at the international level, neither in the junior age groups nor in the elite field. Two basic methods "fight" each other in Hungary, the so-called "threshold" training (training at the anaerobic threshold), the effectiveness of which has been proven by numerous studies in various sports. The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of “Polarized” (Pol) and “Threshold” (TR) training in youth ages (15-18y). Male youth triathlete subjects taking part in systematic training (n=10, n(Pol) =5; n(TR)=5) were studied. Performance (time), physiological data from spiroergometry (vita maxima) tests and anthropometric features were measured in this longitudinal study (3 years). Performance improvement, relative oxygen uptake (rVO2max) and aerobic time significantly increased (p<0.05) in Pol group, while differences of their anthropometric features did not change significantly during the research. No significant changes were found in any parameters of TR group. There were no significant differences of anthropometric and cardiovascular (Heart Rate) characteristics between the two groups in any assessment. The differences of rVO2max and relative aerobic capacity at the anaerobic threshold were significant in the Pol group (p<0.05) at the second and third measurements. Performance improvement and time in aerobic zone increased more in the Pol group than in the TR group (p<0.05). The Pol training method proved to be more effective than the TR training of the studied group.

Study aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of polarized (Pol) and threshold (TR) training in youth triathletes (15–18 years). Material and methods: Female youth triathlete subjects taking part in systematic training (n = 42, n(Pol) = 21; n(TR) = 21; at the beginning age(Pol) = 14.63±1.25 years; age(TR) = 14.61 ± 0.89 years) were studied. In this 3-year-long research, anthropometric characteristics and performance were measured, using a spiroergometric, maximal exercise test. Run time spent on a treadmill and physiological data were analyzed. Results: There were no significant differences in anthropometric variables during the study period, but a difference was observed between the two groups in heart rate at the third year. Relative oxygen uptake (rVO2), ventilation (VE) and performance (Time) increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the Pol group, suggesting that this method can also be successful in youth training. Conclusions: Our study results support other research findings demonstrating the effectiveness of polarized training. Further expansion of our sample is necessary to provide guidance for youth triathlon training.