A positional comparison of anthropometric and physical parameters among youth netball players during the preseason

Physical performance is becoming increasingly critical in basketball, as it directly influences players' agility, power, and endurance. This study aimed to assess the progression of body composition and physical performance metrics across different ages and genders, establishing age- and gender-specific reference values for Tunisian basketball athletes. A total of 469 Tunisian basketball players (239 boys and 230 girls) were assessed and grouped by age. Anthropometric measures-including standing and sitting height, body mass, leg length, body mass index, fat mass, fat-free mass, body fat percentage, wingspan, and leg muscle volume-were collected alongside physical performance metrics. Performance tests included countermovement and squat jumps, change-of-direction speed, maximal oxygen uptake, flexibility, the five-jump test, and 5 m, 10 m, and 20 m sprints with and without the ball. Normative data were generated based on age and gender categories. The findings revealed significant age-related improvements in both anthropometric and performance parameters. Boys consistently outperformed girls in physical and fitness-related measures, with gender differences becoming more pronounced with age. Stepwise regression analyses indicated that, for boys, body fat percentage, leg muscle volume, standing height, and wingspan were the best predictors of physical performance. For girls, body fat percentage, standing height, and sitting height were identified as key predictors. The newly established Tunisian reference values for physical performance in youth basketball provide valuable benchmarks that can support the development of explosive power and strength in players, aiding in talent identification and potentially enhancing individual and team performance outcomes.

BackgroundRepeated sprint ability (RSA) is essential for football performance, especially in maintaining high-intensity efforts throughout a match. Repeated sprint training (RST) improves both aerobic and anaerobic capacities; however, its effects on players in different positional roles remain underexplored, particularly with regard to tailored conditioning protocols.ObjectiveThis study assessed the impact of on-field RST on physical performance metrics, including aerobic capacity (VO₂max), sprint speed (10m DASH), vertical jump height (VJH), and power output, with a focus on positional differences among forwards, defenders, and goalkeepers.MethodsForty male football players (aged 18–25 years) were purposively sampled and matched by position before allocation into experimental (RST) and control groups. The experimental group completed a structured four-week RST program, while the control group continued routine football training involving technical, tactical, and endurance drills. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included the Cooper Test (aerobic capacity), VO₂max, VJH, power output, and 10m DASH.ResultsAfter 4 weeks of RST, significant mprovements were observed in the experimental group. VO2max increased by 4.4 ml/kg/min (95% CI: 2.9 to 6.0; p < 0.001, d = 1.31), and 10m sprint time decreased by 0.32 seconds (95% CI: -0.45 to -0.19; p < 0.001, d = 1.36) in forwards. VJH improved significantly (p < 0.001) among defenders (Δ = 3.44 cm, 95% CI: 1.76 to 5.12, d = 1.06), while power improvements were most notable in defenders (Δ = 43.44W, 95% CI: 28.62 to 58.26, d = 1.00). Goalkeepers showed modest, non-significant improvements. Significant positional differences were identified for VJH and power output (p < 0.001).ConclusionRST significantly enhanced physical performance metrics, particularly for forwards and defenders. The findings emphasize the importance of positional specificity in training programs to optimize football performance.

LANGUAGE NOTE | Document text in English; abstract also in Chinese.The purpose of the study was to determine the fitness performance among Malaysia top netball players, and to compare this study result with others studies or norm. The fitness variables measured were aerobic and anaerobic capacity, leg strength, agility, leg power and sprint ability. Besides that, this study was also carried out to determine whether there was any significant difference in these variables among netball players at different playing positions. A total of 52 Malaysian national netball players were chosen to be the subjects in this study. The 12-minute run, 8 x 35-metre runs, isokinetic leg strength test, SEMO agility test, and the 25-metre sprint test were used to measure the above fitness parameters. Malaysian netball players were reported to have lower aerobic and anaerobic capacity, leg strength, agility, and 25-metre sprint as compared to other countries' netball players. Nevertheless, Malaysian netball players were found to have better leg power and acceleration as compared to other countries' netball players. The center netball players were reported to be superior in V02 max, anaerobic, and agility tests, while the defenders were found to be superior in leg strength, leg power, and sprint tests.本文旨在探討馬來西亞女子投球選手的體能狀況，並與同類研究進行比較及分析。

The aim of the study was to compare the body fat percentages between Malaysian national women basketball players and netball players. Both basketball and netball players were elite players who represented Malaysia in the 1997 Southeast Asia Games in Jakarta, Indonesia and the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.The percentage of body fat was determined by means of skinfold measurement at seven different locations. Results of the findings showed that overall, the basketball players had higher percentages of body fat than netball players. The average percentages of body fat of basketball and netball players were 19.68 ' 4.93% and 18.93 ' 4.41%,respectively. Both Malaysian national basketball and netball players' average percentage of body fat were found to be higher than the ideal average percentage of body fat range between 10-16% for female athletes in elite team sports. The players in the defence position in basketball were found to have the highest percentage of body fat(23.00%), followed by centre position players (21.62%) and attack position players (15.10%). These results differed from netball players' in similar playing positions. Among the netball players, the defence position players had the highest percentage of body fat (21.00%), followed by attack position players (18.63%), and centre position players (16.57%).

Oddsson, HR, Friðgeirsdóttir, KÝ, Hafliðadóttir, L, Einarsson, IÞ, Kristjánsdóttir, H, and Saavedra, JM. Differences in anthropometric parameters, physical fitness, and kicking speed in young football players according to performance level, playing position, and relative age effect: a population-based study. J Strength Cond Res 39(4): e561-e568, 2025-The objectives of this study were to determine (a) the differences, both in male and female players, in anthropometric parameters, physical fitness, and kicking speed based on the players' level and position on the field; (b) whether there is a relative age effect based on the players' level, and (c) whether there is a relationship between the relative age effect and the anthropometric parameters, physical fitness, and kicking speed parameters. Eight hundred twenty-six football players (15.76 ± 2.60 year old, 75.7% male) participated in the study. Players were grouped into elite and nonelite, as well as based on their field position and birth quartile. Nonparametric tests were used to study differences by level and by position or trimesters. Chi-square goodness of fit analysis was performed to know the association between elite and nonelite players regarding the relative age effect. Physical fitness parameters and kicking speed were higher in elite players than in nonelite players (5.834 ≥ χ2 ≤ 48.079; p < 0.001). There were differences in anthropometric and physical fitness parameters and kicking speed depending on the player's position: goalkeeper vs. outfield players (7.648 ≥ χ2 ≤ 26.078; p < 0.001) except in jump tests. There was a relative age effect in elite male players ( χ2 = 26.313; p < 0.001) but not in female players, and it was related to anthropometric and physical fitness parameters. This population-based study offers insights into the variables that differentiate elite from nonelite players at young ages, with differences in the relative age effect between male and female players, which can be used by coaches to identify key performance variables.

SummaryStudy aim: To investigate the correlation between anthropometric parameters, Sargent jump test, core muscles endurance and agility performance versus specific tests with and without a ball in female Brazilian field hockey athletes.Material and methods: Nine professional female field hockey players (age: 27.4 ± 2.5 years) participated in this study. Body height, body weight, body fat percentage, Sargent jump test (SJT), shuttle run agility test (SR), core muscular endurance tests and sport-specific tests - repeated sprint ability test (RSA) and repeated sprint ability with the ball (RSAB) - were assessed in a randomized order.Results: A moderate correlation was noted between SR and RSAB (r = 0.58, p = 0.09) and RSA (r = 0.60, p = 0.08). In addition, a moderate correlation was noted between percentage of body fat with RSAB (r = 0.59, p = 0.09) and with RSA (r = 0.72, p = 0.08). The other variables showed slight agreement or no agreement.Conclusions: These results indicated that the SR could be implemented in training and evaluation programs of hockey athletes due to the correlation with specific tests. Thus, the percentage of body fat was the only anthropometric parameter that showed a correlation with the specific tests, revealing the importance of maintaining a proper percentage of body fat for better performance in hockey.

This study aimed to compare 10-to-12-year-old Qatari male athletes and assess body fat, body mass index, and physical fitness, as well as the difference of these measures between ages. Thirty-five youth handball players volunteered for the investigation and were divided into three groups: 12-year-old players (U12; n = 12), 11-year-old players (U11; n = 11), 10-year-old players (U10; n = 12). Anthropometry was assessed by body mass, body fat percentage (%BF), and body mass index (BMI). Measurements included the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1), jumping ability (squat and countermovement jumps (SJ and CMJ, respectively)), and sprint tests (10 and 15 m). The power of the upper extremity was measured by a 2-kg overhead medicine ball throw for distance. Except for %BF (p = 0.387) and BMI (p = 0.070), all anthropometric and demographic parameters were different between age groups. The largest differences were found for body mass (p = 0.007) and body height (p = 0.008). Regarding fitness parameters, only the medicine ball throw (p = 0.022) was different between age groups (U10 vs. U12: p = 0.009; U11 vs. U12: p = 0.048). There was no difference between groups for jumping (CMJ: p = 0.586; SJ: p = 0.377), sprinting (10 m: p = 0.211; 15 m: p = 0.194) and Yo-Yo IR1 (p = 0.228). Body fat was the anthropometric parameter with the strongest relationship with physical performance in that lower body fat was related to superior jumping performance and sprint performance. In conclusion, except for %BF and BMI, all anthropometric parameters were different between U10, U11, and U12 handball players. For physical parameters, jumping, sprinting, and endurance performance were not different between age groups. From a practical perspective, coaches can use these findings as reference for the evaluation of their school-aged handball players, as well as for establishing performance goals.

Kearney, C, Coughlan, EK, O'Connell, A, Lacey, S, and Burns, C. Bigger but are they better? Investigating growth, maturation, and physical performance metrics in underage Gaelic games development squads. J Strength Cond Res 39(6): e806-e814, 2025-The purpose of this study was to examine (a) maturation status distribution across intercounty underage Gaelic games development squads and (b) differences in physical performance metrics relative to maturation status. The study is the first to assess physical performance metrics in intercounty development squad Gaelic Games players, with reference to maturation status. The Khamis & Roche method was used to establish maturation status in 254 male U15 and U16 Gaelic Games development squad players. Tests for lower body power (countermovement jump [CMJ] height), linear speed (10, 20 m), upper body strength (maximum chin-up test), and aerobic endurance (GAA modified Bronco) were conducted. One-way multivariate analysis of variance and analysis of variance were conducted, with an alpha level of p < 0.05 set to determine statistical significance. In both U15 and U16 groups, early developers (EDs) comprised 64.9 and 64.0%, respectively, while on-time (OT) developers comprised 31.5% (U15) and 33.7% (U16), and late developers (LDs) comprised 3.6% (U15) and 2.3% (U16). For U15, ED exhibited significantly faster 10 m speed than LD ( p = 0.045) and faster 20 m speed than both OT ( p = 0.007) and LD ( p = 0.006). After post hoc tests for U16, CMJ scores showed no significant differences ( p > 0.05), while U16 ED and OT displayed faster 20 m speed than LD ( p = 0.023, p = 0.024, respectively). Coach education around growth and maturation and strategies such as biobanding should be used in talent development settings. Practitioners should interpret speed times relative to maturation status as opposed to chronological age.

&lt;p&gt;The recent worldwide popularity of trail running has raised the necessity of studying the physiological profile of this sport. Although trail running races are long distance endurance events, the variety of their terrain, incline and duration prevents the application of the classical predictive model of level running. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the physiological and anthropometric parameters that determine short trail race performance. Twenty-five moderately trained trail runners participated in a 15 km trail running race, consisting of 9 km positive and 6 km negative incline. Four days after the race they followed a laboratory protocol for the measurement and estimation of anthropometric and physiological parameters (maximal oxygen uptake, velocity at maximal oxygen uptake, ventilatory threshold, velocity at ventilatory threshold, running economy, flexibility, muscle power, aerobic capacity). The results revealed high correlations between the 15 km race performance and velocity at maximal oxygen uptake (r = 0.81), ventilatory threshold (r = 0.88), muscle power of knee extensor (r = 0.50 – 0.53), anaerobic capacity (r = 0.65) and body fat percentage (r = 0.7). Another two parameters that were highly correlated with the 15 km mountain trail race performance were both the positive and negative incline time (r = 0.95 and r = 0.96, respectively). Our conclusions confirmed previous findings that performance in trail running cannot be predicted with the same variable model as level running.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0985/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

BACKGROUND: Body composition refers to the constituent of the body, namely, lean mass, fat mass, and water. It serves as a great diagnostic value and a sensitive indicator of an individual's health and nutritional status. AIM: The aim of the study is to determine the age-related difference in anthropometric and body composition parameters in indigenes of Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1200 participants, 578 males and 622 females, between ages of 7–60 years were selected randomly to participate in the study. The participants were divided into three age groups based on their ages; children (7–12 years), adolescents (13–17 years), and adults (18–60 years). Weight, height, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, abdominal circumference, upper arm circumference, % body fat, triceps and iliac skinfold thicknesses were measured in all participants. RESULTS: All the anthropometric parameters measured increased significantly across the three age groups and in both males and females across the three age groups. Some of the anthropometric parameters showed significant difference in both sexes in the children, adolescents and adults age group. Percentage body fat also increases across the three age groups and in both sexes in each age group. All the parameters were significantly higher in the females than in the males. CONCLUSION: Age and gender brings about significant differences in anthropometric and body composition parameters in individuals.

Children with Down syndrome (DS) offer a compelling context within the fieldof human biology for examining potential lunar influences. While the exact mechanisms governing lunar effects are still under investigation, a growing body of scientific inquiry suggests possible connections between lunar phases and physiological, physical, and cognitive parameters. This investigation holds promise for uncovering the intricate interplay between lunar cycles (LCs) and the unique biology of children with DS. This study investigated the potential influence of the LC on physiological, physical, and cognitive parameters in children with DS, focusing on sleep patterns, physical performance, and cognitive abilities. Seventeen children with DS participated in this study. Sleep data, physical performance metrics, and cognitive test results were collected throughout the LC, including the new moon (NM), first quarter, full moon (FM), and third quarter. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess the differences in these parameters across lunar phases. Significant differences were observed in sleep patterns, with reduced total sleep time (P < 0.01) and sleep efficiency (P < 0.001) during the FM phase. Heart rates (HRs) before (P < 0.001) and after (P < 0.01) exercise also displayed pronounced changes during LC. Additionally, the reaction time (RT) exhibited a significant difference (P < 0.01) across the lunar phases. However, physical performance metrics, including squat jump (SJ), sprint, and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), did not show significant variations. This study suggests that LC may have a moderating effect on sleep patterns, HR, and cognitive performance in children with DS. These findings have practical implications for caregivers and educators and highlight the importance of considering lunar-associated variations in planning schedules and interventions for children with DS.

BackgroundNon-starters soccer players have a great role within the team, being indispensable to reduce fatigue, as well as to maintain and increase the team’s performance during the match.ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze the physical performance of the starter and non-starters players during competitive soccer matches.MethodsTwenty-two soccer players participated in this study, divided into two groups according to the role in the match (starters or non-starters). WIMU Global Positioning System devices were used in order to record physical performance metrics. Independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA tests were performed to compare starters and non-starters, and the playing position, respectively, and two-way ANOVA test was perform with these factors too.ResultsThere were no differences in the main physical performance metrics between starters and non-starters players during competition, although there were differences in physical performance metrics according to the playing position. Midfielders performed highest distance per minute, player load, and distance covered between 12 and 21 km·h− 1 (p < .05). Finally, distance covered at speeds greater than 24 km·h− 1 was predicted by the playing role (starters and non-starters) and playing position factors with 88% of explained variance (ηp2 = 0.772).ConclusionThe main findings of this study showed that non-starter players had a similar physical performance during competitive matches as the starter players for whom they are substituted. In addition, the playing position determined different physical performance, contributing in this manuscript that behavior and decision-making of the players could be affected by their position in the field. More studies are needed on non-starter player performance and contextual factors that could influence the physical responses of these players.

Background: The aims of our study were to investigate the changes in anthropometric and physical parameters and fasting hormonal levels among pre-pubertal female handball players (n = 14, age: 11.53 ± 0.58 yrs, height: 153.36 ± 5.12 cm, body mass: 43.59 ± 6.14 kg) in the pre-season period following 8 weeks of handball training, and to analyze the contribution of hormones, physical performance and anthropometric parameters. Methods: Prior to and immediately following the training period, several anthropometric, strength, and cardiorespiratory variables, including fasting hormonal concentrations (plasma cortisol, estradiol, testosterone and growth hormones) were measured. Athletes performed concurrent resistance and aerobic exercises, including game-based trainings during the 8-week training period. Results: Significant elevations were found in all strength parameters (maximal handgrip strength dominant (D): 16.40%, p < 0.01; non-dominant (ND): 25.15%, p < 0.05; maximal concentric (MVC) torque of quadriceps D: 13.82%, p < 0.05; ND: 12.61%, p < 0.05; MVC torque of hamstring D: 12.14%, p < 0.01; ND: 12.44%, p < 0.01), including plasma cortisol levels (C, 34.30%, p < 0.05) and peak respiratory quotient (5.24%, p < 0.05). Body composition and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) remained unchanged. Percentage changes in thigh (r = 0.316, p < 0.05), hand (r = 0.361, p < 0.05), and hip circumference (r = 0.297, p < 0.05) correlated with C changes. Percentage changes in plasma growth hormone levels (GH) contributed to the magnitude of gains in handgrip strength (r = 0.553, p < 0.05). Percentage changes in maximal exercise pulmonary ventilation (MVE) correlated with elevated C (r = −0.592, p < 0.05). Discussion: Changes in anthropometric variables and fasting hormone levels (estradiol, testosterone and cortisol) were poor indicators of developing VO2max and strength during pre-pubertal years. Physical adaptation may not be explained in consideration of the athletes’ hormonal or anthropometric characteristics. Conclusion: Gradually increased training volume followed by a summer break should be applied to youth handball, considering the anti-hypertrophic responses and the inhibitory effect of elevating C on pre-pubertal maturation.

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in anthropometric and physiological variables due to positional role in Brazilian soccer players. Participated in the study 224 junior and professional soccer players (age = 22.5 ± 4.5 yr.) from a first division Team of the Brazilian soccer league. Players were divided in Goalkeepers (GO), Defenders (DE), Wings (WI), Midfielders (MI), and Forwards (FO). Anthropometric variables were: height, cm; body weight, kg; percent body fat (BF) using skinfolds. Physiological variables were: VO2max (ml/kg/min), velocity at the Anaerobic threshold (AT, km/hr), Anaerobic Power (W/kg) and Anaerobic Capacity (W/kg). VO2max and AT were determined on a graded exercise test to exhaustion using ParvoMedics 2400 Metabolic System. Anaerobic Power and Capacity were determined using the Wingate test on a Lode Excalibur cycle ergometer. No differences were found between positions for BF, VO2max and AT. However, GO (185.1 ± 3.6 cm, 79.9 ± 5.9 kg) and DE (182,8 ± 3.1 cm, 80.3 ± 4.9 kg) were taller and heavier than MI (173.1 ± 3.9 cm; 70.4 ± 4.8 kg), WI (175.1 ± 4.5 cm; 70.5 ± 4.9 kg) and FO (178.1 ± 5.9 cm; 72.3 ± 7.1 kg) (p < 0.05). Anaerobic Power and Capacity was higher in MI (14.4 ± 1.5; 12.1 ± 1.1 W/kg), WI (14.0 ± 1.5; 11.9 ± 1.2 W/kg) and FO (14.0 ± 1.5; 11.8 ± 1.1 W/kg) than DE (12.4 ± 2.7; 10.5 ± 2.3 W/kg) and GO (12.5 ± 2.9; 10.6 2.4 W/kg) (p < 0.05). These results indicate that taller and heavier players have lower anaerobic power and capacity. Coaches should consider these differences on their training programs.

With the advent of IoT technology in education, understanding its impact on physical education is crucial. This study investigates how the acceptance of wearable IoT devices influences the physical education results of college freshmen. It posits that user acceptance plays a mediating role in the effectiveness of these devices in enhancing physical performance metrics. The study enrolled 150 first-year students from Guangdong University of Finance & Economics, divided equally into an experimental group and a control group. Participants in the experimental group were provided with ‘Xiaomi 8’ smart bracelets to be worn during physical education classes. The study spanned six weeks, focusing on assessing various physical performance metrics and the acceptance of the wearable technology. The data analysis involved comparing the physical performance of both groups and conducting regression analyses to evaluate the mediation effect of acceptance. Results indicated significant improvements in physical performance metrics in the experimental group, as evidenced by the Standardized Mean Differences (SMD). Notably, enhancements were observed in short-distance speed and aerobic endurance. The direct impact of wearable IoT devices on physical performance accounted for 66.4% variance, which increased to 84.1% upon incorporating acceptance as a mediator. These findings suggest that the effectiveness of wearable technology in physical education is significantly influenced by students’ acceptance. The study concludes that wearable IoT devices can effectively enhance physical education outcomes among college students, with user acceptance playing a crucial mediating role. This underscores the importance of considering user acceptance in the integration of technology in educational settings. The findings provide valuable insights for educators and technologists in designing and implementing technology-integrated curricula.