Comparative study of anthropometric measurement and body composition between soccer players from different competitive levels, elite and sub-elite

Background and Study Aim: The purpose of this study was to describe anthropometric characteristics and body composition of basketball players from two competitive levels, elite and sub-elite as well as to make a comparison between them. Material and Methods: Fifty-seven male subjects were enrolled in this study, divided into three groups: fourteen elite basketball players, twelve sub-elite basketball players and thirty-one healthy sedentary subjects (subjects from general population). All subjects were assessed for anthropometric measures required for the calculation of body composition variables, using standardized procedures recommended by previous studies. Data was analyzed using SPSS and the descriptive statistics were expressed as a mean (SD) for each variable, while the ANOVA and the LSD Post Hoc tests were carried out to detect effects of each type of sport. Results: The results showed that a significant difference was found in variables height, weight, muscle mass, bone content and body fat, while a significant difference was not found for the remaining variable, body mass index. Conclusions: Therefore, these findings may give coaches from the region better working knowledge and thus provide knowledges for basketball experts which will help them to select talented players as best as possible.

Background Body composition is a parameter that is evaluated to predict the nutritional status of the population. This is assessed by bioelectric impedance analysis, which reports BMI, fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass, phase angle (AP), among others. The latter, in recent years has become important because it is a direct electrical measurement in the body, used for the clinical prognosis of diseases such as cancer, anorexy nervous, sarcopenia and chronic liver disease. AP is an index of vitality and integrality of the cell membrane and an indicator of muscle strength and endurance; likewise, it is inversely related to BMI, age and gender, normal values in healthy populations range between 5.5° to 9°, it is believed that physical activity and sport can also modify AP values. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between body composition and AP in soccer players in Bogotá, Colombia. Methods Quantitative, cross-sectional, correlational approach. The sample was 84 soccer players (age: 18.67 + 2.9 years; height: 1.73 + 0.07 m; weight: 66.58 + 9.94 Kg), who were assessed using the Bioimpedance method through InBody 770®. Results The averages obtained were: AP 6.46°+0.58; muscle mass 32.25 + 5.06 Kg, percentage of fat mass 15.90 + 3.97. There was a direct relationship between AP, skeletal muscle mass and lean mass in the right, left arm, trunk and right leg (p < 0.01), while with the percentage of body fat mass of the right and left arm the relationship was inverse. Conclusions Body composition with high values of musculoskeletal mass and AP favor the functionality and development of strength, which in turn are protective factors for the presence of diseases such as sarcopenia. Key messages The Phase Angle is constituted as an easily accessible marker of nutritional health and morphofunctional profile in athletes. The Phase Angle and body composition as determinants of the profile in athletes.

The effect of frequent hemodialysis on nutrition and body composition: Frequent Hemodialysis Network Trial

Metabolic consequences of body size and body composition in hemodialysis patients

Simple SummaryIn 2020, the first Italian soccer league (Serie A) was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, a detraining process was triggered in soccer players, leading coaches and sports scientists to implement alternative training strategies to prevent a remodeling in body composition. This study tested the hypothesis that male elite soccer players, when confined to their home during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, will display unfavorable trends in bioelectrical and body composition parameters. The results of the present study showed that reduction in phase angle and muscle mass occurred in soccer players during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic lockdown. Recognizing these adverse effects of a detraining period is critical in avoiding adverse effects on body composition in soccer players. In addition, the bioelectrical phase angle has been identified as a valid predictor of muscle mass changes during the competitive soccer season. Considerably, the phase angle represents a parameter that can be measured directly through bioelectrical impedance analysis, and it is independent of predictive equations such as those that quantify muscle mass. The present study compared changes in body composition during the COVID-19-associated lockdown with the same period of the following season in elite soccer players. Fifteen elite male soccer players (30.5 ± 3.6 years.) underwent a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) before (end of February) and after (end of May) the lockdown, which occurred during the 2019/2020 season, and at the same period during the following competitive season in 2020/2021, when restrictions were lifted. Fat and muscle mass were estimated using predictive equations, while phase angle (PhA) and bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) patterns were directly measured. After lockdown, fat mass remained unchanged (p > 0.05), while muscle mass (95%CI = −1.12/−0.64; ES = −2.04) and PhA (95%CI = 0.51/−0.24, ES = −1.56) decreased. A rightward displacement of the BIVA vector was also found (p < 0.001, ES = 1.50). After the same period during the regular season, FM% and muscle mass did not change (p > 0.05), while the PhA increased (95%CI = 0.01/0.22; ES = 0.63). A leftward vector displacement (p < 0.001, ES = 1.05) was also observed. The changes in muscle mass correlated with changes in PhA (“lockdown” season 2019/2020: ß = −1.128, p = 0.011; “regular” season 2020/21: ß = 1.963, p = 0.011). In conclusion, coaches and strength conditioners should monitor muscle mass in soccer players during detraining periods as this parameter appears to be mainly affected by changes in training plans.

Introduction: Achieving optimal body composition can be advantageous for athletes in terms of competitive performance. To date, there is scarce research examining the effects of caloric restriction (CR) on body composition in male professional soccer players. This study aims to investigate the impact of 6 weeks of CR with protein supplementation on body composition and the maintenance of changes after stopping CR for the next 6 weeks. Methods: The study was a controlled, randomized, parallel-group, experiment involving 28 participants. Recommended energy intake (REI) was individually calculated. The experimental group received a CR diet (-25%; average REI 2650 kcal/d) and the control group received a normal caloric (NC) diet (average REI 3500 kcal/d). All participants received protein supplementation. The intervention lasted for 6 weeks, followed by 6 weeks without intervention and provision of ad libitum diet in both groups. Body composition was assessed using anthropometric measurements. Results: The study participants were aged 27.6 ± 4.4 year on average. After 12 weeks, the CR group showed a significant reduction in body weight compared with the NC group (−0.33 kg for CR vs. −0.08 kg for NC; p 0.028). Both groups experienced a reduction in adipose mass after 6 and 12 weeks. Intragroup analyses demonstrate that only CR group continued a significant reduction after 12 weeks (6w -1.06kg; 12w -1.4kg. p 0.045). Throughout the study, there was an increase in muscle mass, and no significant difference was observed between groups. Conclusions: CR with protein supplementation in male professional soccer players reduces weight and promotes sustained fat loss over time without losing muscle mass.

The aim of this research was to determine the differences among the soccer players of the soccer club in Montenegro, FC Buducnost and the soccer players of the soccer club in Bosnia and Herzegovina FC Siroki Brijeg, in the anthropometric characteristics and body composition. A sample of 52 subjects was divided into two sub-samples. The first sub-sample of the subjects consisted of 30 soccer players of FC Buducnost of the average age 22.73±4.33, the champions of the Montenegro Championship in the season 2016/17, while the other sub-sample consisted of 22 players of FC Siroki Brijeg of the average age of 24.00±6.22, the champions of the Cup of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the season 2016/17. Soccer players were tested immediately after the end of the competition season 2016/17. Anthropometric characteristics in the body composition were evaluated by a battery of 10 variables: body height, body weight, waist circumference, triceps skinfold, biceps skinfold, skinfold of the back, abdominal skinfold, body mass index, fat percentage and muscle mass. The significance of the differences between the soccer players of the top two soccer clubs in the anthropometric characteristics and variables for assessing body composition was determined by a t-test for independent samples. It was found that the soccer players of the two mentioned clubs have statistically significant differences by the three variables that estimate the triceps skinfold, biceps skinfold and abdominal skinfold, in a favor of FC Siroki Brijeg.

Background and Study Aim: The purpose of this study was to describe anthropometric characteristics and body composition of junior handball and basketball players from the Serbian National League, as well as to make a comparison between them. Material and Methods: Sixty male athletes were enrolled in the study and they were divided into three groups: fifteen handball players, thirteen basketball players and thirty-two healthy sedentary subjects. All subjects were assessed for the anthropometric measures required for calculation of body composition variables, using standardized procedures recommended by previous studies. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and descriptive statistics was expressed as a mean (SD) for each variable, while the ANOVA and LSD Post Hoc tests were carried out to detect the effects of each type of sport. Results: The results showed there was no significant difference in body weight, body mass index or in bone content, while a significant difference was found in body height as well as in muscle mass and body fat. Conclusions: These findings may give coaches from the region better working knowledge, and suggest to them to follow recent methods of selection techniques and to be more careful during the process of talent identification.

Although the contribution of physique and body composition in soccer performance was recognized, these parameters of physical fitness were not well-studied in adolescent players. Aim of this study was to investigate physique and body composition across adolescence. Male adolescents (N=297 aged 12.01-20.98 y), classified into nine one-year age-groups, child (control group, N=16 aged 7.34-11.97 y) and adult players (control group, N=29 aged 21.01-31.59 y), all members of competitive soccer clubs, performed a series of anthropometric measures (body mass, height, skinfolds, circumferences and girths), from which body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat (BF%), fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM) and somatotype (Heath-Carter method) were calculated. Age had a positive association with FM (r=0.2, P<0.001) and FFM (r=0.68, P<0.001), and a negative association with BF (r=-0.12, P=0.047). Somatotype components changed across adolescence as well; age was linked to endomorphy (r=-0.17, P=0.005), mesomorphy (r=0.14, P=0.019) and ectomorphy (r=-0.17, P=0.004). Compared with age-matched general population, participants exhibited equal body mass, higher stature, lower body mass index and lower BF. During adolescence, soccer players presented significant differences in terms of body composition and physique. Thus, these findings could be employed by coaches and fitness trainers engaged in soccer training in the context of physical fitness assessment and talent identification.

Background. During a soccer game, the most diversified stimuli occur all the time, the physical condition level plays a determinant role, and there may be variations according to the competitive level. In this sense, the present study aimed to verify differences in body composition, lower limbs power, and anaerobic power, comparing senior soccer players of different competitive levels. Methods. Participants were 81 players belonging to six soccer teams, aged between 18 and 35 years, with a mean age of 23.14 ± 4.23 years, who were divided into three distinct competitive levels: Elite, Sub-Elite and Non-Elite. The players performed bioimpedance evaluations on a tetrapolarInbody270 scale (body composition), the Countermovement Jump (CMJ) through the ChronoJump (lower limbs power), and Running Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) (anaerobic power). Results. Based on the competitive level analysis, we verified that the players present body composition values similar to each other regardless of the competitive level in which they play. Concerning the performance evaluations, we verified that the elite players present higher values of highest jump (p = 0.012; d = 0.76, moderate; and p = 0.022; d = 0.71, moderate) and maximum force produced (p = 0.05; d = 0.64, moderate; and p = 0.002; d = 1.00, moderate), together with higher values of anaerobic power (p < 0.001; d = 2.43, very large; and p < 0.001; d = 2.22, very large), compared to the others. Conclusions. We can thus conclude that there is a homogeneity regarding the body composition of soccer players, regardless of their competitive level; in turn, elite players show better performance indicators in all variables.

Background: The dominant role of physical training is reflected through the exercise induced physiological and biochemical alterations in athletes. Objective: Present study was aimed to evaluate the variability of muscular cell damage indices among young Indian female players of different sports discipline with respect to their training. Methods: Body height, weight and body mass index were assessed in 34 female gymnasts, 30 athletes, 28 swimmers and 35 footballers following standard procedures. Fat mass, fat free mass and muscle mass (MM) were recorded . Maximum aerobic capacity (VO2max) was assessed through beep test. Venous blood samples were analyzed for muscle damage markers including serum creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH); and cortisol . Results: Swimmers were the tallest and heaviest whereas gymnasts were the shortest and lightest (p<0.001). Footballers were recorded with significantly higher VO2max (p<0.001) as compared to their counterparts. Serum creatine kinase and cortisol differed significantly when compared among the groups except statistically insignificant LDH level. Muscle mass and muscle damage parameters were positively related with VO2max. Increase in VO2max with MM (r2=0.487) and CK-MB (r2=0.253) was predominant among footballers. Athletes showed comparatively higher increment rate in VO2max with cortisol level (r2=0.447), whereas gymnasts exhibited sharp rise in LDH with VO2max (r2=0.539). Conclusion: Footballers and swimmers showed superior aerobic capacity and also had higher serum CK-MB level. Whereas, gymnasts had higher values of serum LDH complemented with lowest body fat. Hence, sports specific training regimen and metabolic predispositions may play a decisive role in differentiating endurance athletes from other intermittent energy based players involved in strength and resistance training.

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.

To examine self-reported physical activity levels from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) as an independent predictor of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-measured percent body fat (%BF) from body mass index (BMI), gender, and race. Two hundred and seventy-eight students, aged 18-24 yr, volunteered to participate. There were 133 males (85 white and 48 black) and 145 females (77 white and 68 black). Total activity levels were quantified in MET hours per week (MET h wk(-1)) using the IPAQ short form. Height and weight were measured, and BMI values were calculated (kg m(-2)). %BF was assessed using DXA. Linear regression analysis was used to develop and compare a body fat prediction equation with (full) and without (reduced) the variable MET-h.wk. Both models included BMI, gender, and race as predictor variables. The prediction sum of squares (PRESS) statistic was used to cross-validate both models, and the individual predictive accuracy was compared using modified Bland-Altman plots. Mean +/- SD values were as follows: BMI = 24.4 +/- 4.1 kg m(-2), %BF = 24.5 +/- 9.3%, and MET h wk(-1) = 37.4 +/- 21.9. Gender, BMI, and race explained 81% of the variance in %BF, with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 4.07. The full model with MET-h.wk improved the prediction of %BF by 2% (R2 = 0.83, RMSE = 3.87). When cross-validated, the corresponding PRESS statistics for the reduced and full model were 4.10 and 3.90, respectively. Bland-Altman limits of agreement were greater for the reduced model compared with the full model (-8.09, 8.10 vs -7.67, 7.68). These results suggest that %BF can be predicted with greater precision and accuracy in a young adult population when MET-h.wk are included in addition to BMI, gender, and race.

The activity profiles of football players during competition can be affected by the athletes' competitive level and sex. However, evidence of this in youth South American athletes is scarce as is the effects of body composition on match activity profiles. Therefore, the present study compared the activity profiles of Chilean under-20 (U20) and under-17 (U17) male and female teams during the World Cup qualification tournaments (WC) using a multicomponent athlete monitoring system and explored the relationships between these profiles and the players' body composition. Athlete's body composition was measured as there were total distance, distance covered at different velocities, explosive efforts, sprints, and estimated player load (PL) during the 2018-2019 World Cup Qualifiers. Males had greater muscle and lower fat mass than females and covered 10.8% more total distance with maximal speed being 15.3% faster in match play (P<0.05). However, females covered more distance at higher running speeds and had a greater number of sprints (P<0.05). For males, the U20 club was 3.7% faster and performed 26.3% more explosive efforts than the U17 club (P<0.05). Contrastingly, the female U17 club covered more total distance, more distance at different speeds had more total sprints, greater PL, and muscle mass than the U20 club (P<0.05). Across all athletes, fat mass correlated negatively to total distance (R=-0.39; P=0.001), while muscle mass correlated positively with maximal speed (R=0.72; P=0.001). Gender, competitive level, and body composition seem to affect match-activity profiles in football players during WC qualifiers.

Overweight and obesity have become increasingly common; worldwide, at least 1.1 billion adults are overweight and 312 million are obese, when overweight and obesity are defined conventionally as having a body mass index (BMI) of >25 kg/m2 and >30 kg/m2, respectively.1,2 In the general population, overweight and obesity are associated with increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease,3,4 and thus it is not surprising that in cohorts of patients with prevalent ischemic heart disease or acute coronary events, well over 50% are overweight or obese.5,6 Despite the association between obesity and cardiovascular risk in the general population, a multitude of studies have described an inverse correlation between BMI and mortality in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), including post-coronary revascularization patients and those with acute myocardial infarction (MI); the association between elevated BMI and improved survival has been termed the obesity paradox .7,8 Article p 482 In this issue of Circulation , Zeller et al9 further investigate the obesity paradox in a cohort of 2229 consecutive patients presenting with acute MI in the Cote d’Or region of France. In assessing the impact of obesity on mortality after MI, the group uses both BMI, a traditional index of obesity, as well as waist circumference, an alternate anthropometric index that is more specific for abdominal obesity. Approximately one-half of the subjects in the study were overweight (BMI 25 to 29.9 kg/m2), one-quarter were obese (BMI >30 kg/m2) and one-half had increased waist circumference, which was defined as >102 cm in men and >88 cm in women. Left ventricular ejection fraction, type of MI, and acute treatment strategy did not generally differ by BMI or waist circumference values. Of note, BMI was inversely correlated with age and plasma N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide, whereas …