Morphological Characteristics and Bilateral Differences of Youth U13, U15, U17 and U19 Male Football Players

Abstract

An anthropometric and body composition analysis was conducted on 123 competitive young male football players of different age groups (U13; U15; U17 & U19) with at least 4 years of training load. 3D anthropometric measurement were performed by the NX-16 ([TC]2, 3D body scanner Cary, North Carolina). Body composition was measured by the bioelectrical impedance with InBody 720 (Biospace Ltd.). Anthropometric and body composition characteristics among different age groups and asymmetries between the left and right side of the upper and lower limbs were analysed for treated age groups. The results showed differences in anthropometric and body composition variables among all age groups in all observed variables (Height, Weight, Basal Metabolic Rate, Skeletal Muscle Mass, Body Fat Mass, Percent Body Fat, Abdominal Obesity Degree, Body Mass Index, Body Fat Mass, Skeletal Lean Mass and Fat Free Mass). The results also showed that young football players of age group U13 differed statistically in four (from 7) paired variables (Arm Lean Mass, Leg Lean Mass, Forearm Girth and Calf Girth), U15 in three variables (Upper Arm Girth, Thigh Girth and Calf Girth), U17 in five variables (Arm Lean Mass, Leg Lean Mass, Upper Arm Girth, Forearm Girth and Calf Girth) and U19 in four observed variables (Arm Lean Mass, Leg Lean Mass, Upper Arm Girth and Calf Girth). All of the age groups differed statistically in calf girth paired variables. Puberty time probably had an impact on the results, and in future research more focus should be placed on puberty characteristics variables.