OC7 Relationships between anthropometric measures and strength performance in young soccer players

Abstract

<h3></h3> Ability to sprint is a key parameter (Faude <i>et al.</i>, <i>J Sports Sci</i>, 2012, <i>30</i>:625–31) and is the most frequent action in goal situations. Previously, other authors have established linear relationship between countermovement jump, leg power and percentage body fat, and team success (Arnason <i>et al</i>. <i>MSSE</i>, 2014, 36(2), 278–85). The body composition, as seen through a large content of muscle and low content of fat tissue, could be a particularly strong predictor of rapid movement performance, as jumping performance or sprint (Copic <i>et al</i>., JSCR, 2014). Thus, our principal aim is to explore potential relationships between anthropometric measures and athletic performance, focusing on strength related variables. Twelve young soccer player (age 22 ± 2 y, body mass 69.5 ± 7.1 kg, height 179 ± 8 cm; body fat 7.6 ± 2.2%) performed a CMJ, CMJ-BW loaded, 40 m sprint (analysing partial times at 15 and 30 m) and one Repetition Maximum (RM) in back squat test. Main interesting findings from this study were the strong associations between anthropometric measures and relevant strength variables related to physical condition performance in soccer. CMJ and CMJ-BW Loaded was strongly correlated with 1 RM, 40 m sprint performance and shuttle sprint at 15 and 30 m (r from 0.64 to 0.89; p &lt; 0.05 to &lt;0.001). Likewise BF was surprisingly highly correlated to CMJ, 1RM and different sprint times (r from 0.54 to 0.86; p &lt; 0.05 to &lt;0.001). In accordance to (Comfort <i>et al</i>., <i>JSCR</i>, 2013, <i>28(1)</i>, 173–7; Brocherie <i>et al.</i> (2014) <i>J Sports Sci</i><i>17</i>: 1–12), the results of this study illustrates the importance of developing high levels of strength in order to enhance sprint and jump performance in youth soccer players. Besides, Nikolaidis (CEJM, 2012, 7(6), 783–9) evidenced that a threshold exists in BF, above which muscular power output is affected to a great extent. Therefore, BF was negatively associated with physical fitness parameters.