Anthropometry and body composition of young soccer players

Abstract

Background: Body composition and other anthropometric measurements are important factors influencing the overall performance of an athlete. Together with motor coordination, physical fitness, physical, functional, and psychosocial conditions, as well as learned technique and tactics, a player's sports potential and probability of success can be determined. Aim of the study: Our study aimed to describe anthropometric variables and body composition of young soccer players of various ages. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 61 young soccer players in the under-15, under-16, and under-19 categories. We used a bioimpedance analyzer to measure the following indicators: body height (BH), body mass (BM), body mass index (BMI), total body water (TBW), muscle mass (MM), fat mass (FM), body fat (BF) percentage, and visceral fat (VF). Results: The mean findings for the variables among players in the U-15, U-17, and U-19 groups were age (14.79 ± 0.32; 16.07 ± 0.44; 17.43 ± 0.87), BH (175.63 ± 7.36 cm; 179.89 ± 7.49 cm; 180.28 ± 6.42 cm), BM (62.32 ± 8.13 kg; 67.38 ± 8.14 kg; 73.81 ± 8.86 kg), BMI (20.15 ± 1.88 kg/m2; 20.77 ± 1.58 kg/m2; 22.68 ± 2.18 kg/m2), TBW (40.72 ± 5.19 L; 44.13 ± 5.18 L; 47.63 ± 5.58 L), MM (31.18 ± 4.26 kg; 34.06 ± 4.22 kg; 37.11 ± 4.64 kg), FM (6.8 ± 2.68 kg; 7.12 ± 2.48 kg; 8.72 ± 2.72 kg), BF (10.83 ± 3.6%; 10.47 ± 2.83%; 11.79 ± 3.09), and VF (1.83 ± 1.09; 1.89 ± 1.2; 2.61 ± 1.33). Analysis of variance showed statistically significant differences between groups in terms of age, BM, BMI, MM, and TBW. Age had a statistically significant positive correlation with BH, BM, BMI, TBW, MM, and FM. Conclusions: BM, MM, and TBW increase in the subsequent age groups of soccer players. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between age and BH, BM, BMI, TBW, MM, and FM. The conclusion from this study can help adjust training programs to the individual characteristics of a given player, which will allow for better performance and professional success.