Abstract
Purpose : The purpose of this study was to compare some anthropometric, body composition indexes and VO2max of Ahvaz elite soccer players of different playing positions. Material : Participants were 60 male soccer players (age 24.31±4.20 years) from 4 teams in the two highest divisions in Iran. The sample included 8 goalkeepers, 18 defenders, 20 midfielders and 14 strikers. Anthropometric variables of subjects (height, weight and BMI) and body composition (%BF) were measured. Skinfold thickness measurements were taken using Harpenden skinfold calipers at three sites (triceps, subscapular and abdominal) and the VO2max of the subjects was estimated by participation in a multi-stage 20m shuttle-run test. One-way ANOVA and Tukey testes were used for possible differences in test variables between different player positions. Results : Results revealed that the goalkeepers were significantly (p-0.05) the tallest, heaviest and had lower VO2max than another positions. Beside the midfielders had significantly (p-0.05) higher VO2max than the goalkeepers. Also, no difference in estimated body fat percentage and BMI was observed between players of all positions. Discussion: Thus, it can be concluded that anthropometric and physiological differences are exist among soccer players who play in different positions. These differences fit with their different workload in a game. Therefore, programs must be include specific sessions for each positional role.
Highlights
Introduction1 Soccer is the most popular sports all over the world, and it has been practiced by every nation, without exceptions [1], and in the last few years, there is more and more interest by the biological sciences to improve the knowledge related to the soccer game through studies in several areas
No difference in estimated body fat percentage and BMI was observed between players of all positions
Since the physiological as well as physical characteristics are rather important in players’ performance [19], it may be assumed that anthropometric and VO2max measurements may differ between footballers of different playing positions, for instance forward, goalkeeper, back and halfback
Summary
Introduction Soccer is the most popular sports all over the world, and it has been practiced by every nation, without exceptions [1], and in the last few years, there is more and more interest by the biological sciences to improve the knowledge related to the soccer game through studies in several areas. Since the physiological as well as physical characteristics are rather important in players’ performance [19], it may be assumed that anthropometric and VO2max measurements may differ between footballers of different playing positions, for instance forward, goalkeeper, back and halfback. The purpose of this study was to assess the anthropometric profile, body composition and VO2max of elite soccer players, and to verify if there is any difference between their positioning (goalkeepers, backs, halfbacks and forwards) among the assessed variables. Subjects were included 60 elite players (age mean 24.31±4.20 year) from 4 Ahwaz soccer teams (these teams participated in the super and the first Iran soccer league in session 2008-2009), divided according to their field positioning: 8 goalkeepers, 18 defenders, 20 midfielders and 14 strikers. P values < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant
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