Abstract
BackgroundThere is limited information on the physique attributes of female netball players from the highest playing standards and the typical body composition changes that occur with training and competition in these athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine the body composition of professional female netball players and changes that occur within and between national premier netball seasons.MethodsDual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) assessments were conducted in 20 female netball players (age = 26.5 [4.7] years, body mass = 77.3 [9.7] kg, stature = 182.7 [9.5] cm) contracted to a Suncorp Super Netball team. Total body lean mass, fat mass, bone mass and bone mineral density were derived for 127 assessments collected over three seasons. Linear mixed effects modelling was used to examine changes in body composition measures within and between seasons.ResultsGoal circle players were heavier (12.3 [3.5] kg, p < 0.001, g = 1.51) and taller (15.0 [2.7] cm, p < 0.001, g = 2.30) than midcourt players, and midcourt players had greater lean mass (3.1 [1.6] %, p = 0.07, g = 0.85) and less fat mass (-3.3 [1.7] %, p = 0.06, g = -0.84) than goal circle players when values were normalised to body mass. Players achieved increases in lean mass (2,191 [263] g, p < 0.01, g = 0.45) and decreases in fat mass (-835 [351] g, p = 0.09, g = -0.16) following a preseason preparation period. There were no changes in lean mass (-394 [295] g, p = 0.54, g = 0.07) or fat mass (102 [389] g, p = 0.99, g = 0.04) from the start to the end of the 14-week competition period.ConclusionsProfessional female netball players achieve small changes in lean mass and fat mass during preseason preparation and maintain their physique over the competitive season. The results of this study can inform practitioners on the training content necessary to promote or maintain desired body composition changes in these athletes.
Highlights
There is limited information on the physique attributes of female netball players from the highest playing standards and the typical body composition changes that occur with training and competition in these athletes
This study aims to (i) examine the physique traits of professional female netball players stratified by playing position, and (ii) establish the typical changes in body composition that occur in these athletes within and between national premier netball seasons
There was a trend of goal circle players having greater fat mass (3.3 [-0.3–6.8] %, p = 0.07) and less lean mass (-3.1 [-6.6–0.4] %, p = 0.08) than midcourt players when values were normalized to body mass or stature
Summary
There is limited information on the physique attributes of female netball players from the highest playing standards and the typical body composition changes that occur with training and competition in these athletes. There is limited research on the body composition of professional netball players from the highest playing standards or the physique traits associated with specific playing positions [7]. Research in netball has shown players from higher standards have greater body mass and less body fat percentage than players from lower standards [7] This might be explained by a relationship between muscle volume, cross-sectional area and muscular strength that is a determinant of jumping, sprinting and change of direction performance in netball players [17,18,19]. Further research is needed to establish the physique traits of netball players from the highest playing standards and differences that exist between playing positions
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
