Anthropometry, Body Composition, and Physical Fitness in Semi-Professional Soccer Players: Differences between Sexes and Playing Position
Source abstract
Abstract
Performance in soccer has been associated with specific morphological characteristics. Few studies have simultaneously compared the relationships between physical fitness and body composition in both sexes. This study aimed (i) to analyze the differences in anthropometric parameters, body composition, and physical fitness between sexes and playing position in soccer players and (ii) to determine the relationship among anthropometric and body composition parameters to physical fitness parameters according to sex. A total of 50 soccer players (men: n = 26; women: n = 24), participated in the study. Assessments of nutritional intake, anthropometry, body composition, and physical fitness (isometric strength, maximal aerobic capacity, and vertical jump) were carried out. Differences between sexes were observed in all anthropometric and body composition parameters (p < 0.001). There were differences between midfielders and forwards in fat percentage (p < 0.05). Regarding physical condition, differences were found between sexes in all tests performed (p < 0.001). In men soccer players, there were significant correlations between body composition and aerobic capacity (p < 0.05), while in women soccer players, there were correlations with isometric strength tests (p < 0.05). Anthropometry, body composition, and physical fitness differed between sexes. Fat percentages were different among playing positions. There were relationships between anthropometry and body composition with physical fitness. Knowledge of anthropometric and fitness characteristics by playing position and gender in soccer players could help develop specific training programs.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Sports Performance and Training · Sports injuries and prevention · Children's Physical and Motor Development
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
School of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
Faculty of Life and Nature Sciences, University of Nebrija, Campus La Berzosa, Calle del Hostal, 28248 Hoyo de Manzanares, Spain
Funding
Department of Economy, Science and Digital Agenda of the Regional Government of Extremadura for the realization of research projects in public I+D+I centers · Aid for Research Groups from the Regional Government of Extremadura (Department of Employment, Companies and Innovation) · European Union from the European Funds for Regional Development
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