Physiological Profile of Women's Lacrosse Players

Abstract

Increasing participation rates for women's lacrosse necessitate a clear understanding of fitness parameters for this athlete group. However, limited sport-specific information is available. We described the physiological profile of an NCAA Division I women's lacrosse team to provide current data for this specific athlete group. A descriptive analysis was used to assess physiologic variables. Twenty-four members (age 20.0 +/- 1.4 years, mass 64.7 +/- 9.6 kg, height 163.2 +/- 25.6 cm) of an NCAA Division I women's lacrosse team volunteered and provided consent. Fitness tests were conducted by the same researcher and were selected from standard physical fitness assessments. Tests included cardiovascular endurance (Bruce Protocol VO2max test and 1-mile run), flexibility (sit-and-reach test), muscular endurance (push-ups, sit-ups, and 60% of 1RM back squat), muscular strength (one-repetition maximum [1RM] back squat and 1RM bench press), body composition (BOD POD), muscle torque (quadriceps maximal voluntary isometric contraction), grip strength (hand dynamometer), vertical jump (Vertec vertical column), endurance strength (100- and 200-yard sprints), and Q-angle. Our results indicate that our sample of lacrosse players exhibited similar fitness characteristics to basketball, soccer, and track athletes. However, we found only average flexibility and a higher percentage of body fat, indicating possible areas for improvement in lacrosse training programs.