TaFMAC - Gainesville (2025)
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 Gainesville are invited to participate in the study, especially those who have already participated in our MAFS-18 study in Malaga 2018.
Our Location (Google Maps)
Alachua County Sports & Events Center [external link]
4870 Celebration Pointe Ave, Gainesville, Florida, 32608
Examinations - Stations
Duration: 30 min
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).
Duration: 30 min
With the jump test, we assess your suitability for sprint and jump disciplines. The test consists of three different sections. In the first section we measure the jump height in the two-leg jump, in the second section we measure the leg stiffness while you hop with both legs, and in the third section we measure the ground reaction force in the one-leg hop.
Furthermore, at this station, the ratio of hip and waist circumference is calculated, your walking speed is measured and your grip strength is recorded.
Duration: 60 min
With the VO2max test, we record your suitability for endurance disciplines. It measures how much oxygen you take in during maximum work. In addition, the oxygen saturation in the blood and your heart rate are measured. This is an exercise test, so we also receive information about your maximum heart rate.
Duration: 60 min
With the VO2max test, we record your suitability for endurance disciplines. It measures how much oxygen you take in during maximum work. In addition, the oxygen saturation in the blood and your heart rate are measured. This is an exercise test, so we also receive information about your maximum heart rate.
Contact
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