Analysis of the differences in body composition and physiological profiles of professional female sub-junior soccer players of Manipur: An observational study

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to analyze body composition and certain physiological profiles in professional women sub-junior soccer players of Manipur during their playing season. Method and Materials: Twenty-seven players from the Manipur sub-junior soccer team playing in local league games participated in this study. They were assessed using the variables body fat mass (BFM), soft lean mass (SLM), fat-free mass (FFM), intracellular water (ICW), extracellular water (ECW), total body water (TBW) through the sophisticated state of the art impedance bioanalyzer (Chorder, USA) and also cholesterol and lactate threshold. One-way ANOVA showed significant differences (p<0.05) in anthropometric indicators and body composition parameters (Glycogen mass, Muscle mass, BCM, BCM/FFM%, Total Mineral Mass, TBW, ICW, ICW%, ICW/FFM%), body-fat percentage, relative V̇O2max, cholesterol and lactate levels and fat mass with respect to field positions. Results: There were no significant differences between playing positions in the variables of body weight, height, age, or professional experience (P>0.05). However, forward-position players showed lower values of fat-free mass in relation to other playing positions, and they are lower and lighter with regard to the goalkeepers (P<0.05). There are qualitative and quantitative alterations between assessed positions and the correct use of these individual differences on behalf of the team can contribute to the sportive success. Relative BCM, ECM/BCM, BCM/FFM, cholesterol, lactate threshold, and BCMI need wide-scale application in team sports. Conclusion: It can be concluded that size and body composition are important when analyzing soccer players according to their position, despite the appearance of only minor differences between them.