Men In Line Research Articles

Investigation of the relationship between lower extremity functional performance of American football players and their anthropometric characteristics and jump test results

Objective: Hop tests have well-known benefits when evaluating the rehabilitation process after sports injuries. However, utilization of hop tests to evaluate functional athletic performance of healthy athletes is currently uncertain and is not common in clinical practice. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between hop performance, their symmetries and functional test performance in American Football (AmF) players. Materials and Methods: Twenty-six collegiate AmF players aged 20.9±2.5 years participated in this study. According to their playing positions, players categorized as Skill Players (SP), Big Skill Players (BSP) and Linemen (LM). Body Mass Index (BMI) and body fat ratio were measured. Then, subjects were performed hop tests and 10-yards Lower Extremity Functional Test (LEFT). Players were also analysed by dividing into low and high performers for LEFT, according to their LEFT test duration. Results: Hop test performance of the SP was superior to LM for SLH, TH, and CH. The performance of BSP was inferior to SP for CH, and was superior to LM for SLH. In LEFT, the SP group was significantly faster than LM. For LEFT, TH, CH and 6H test results were significantly different between low and high performer players. Conclusion: Hop tests may be utilized to evaluate the functional athletic performance of AmF players. Physical characteristics and playing positions should also be considered. Symmetry had no effect on LEFT.

Association between race and maladaptive concentric left ventricular hypertrophy in American-style football athletes

ObjectivesAmerican-style football (ASF) athletes are at risk for the development of concentric left ventricular hypertrophy (C-LVH), an established cardiovascular risk factor in the general population. We sought to address whether...

Effects of Cardiovascular Fitness and Body Composition on Maximal Core Temperature in Collegiate Football Players During Preseason.

McClelland, JM, Godek, SF, Chlad, PS, Feairheller, DL, and Morrison, KE. Effects of cardiovascular fitness and body composition on maximal core temperature in collegiate football players during preseason. J Strength Cond Res 32(6): 1662-1670, 2018-This study evaluated the effects of body mass index (BMI) and aerobic fitness (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max) on maximal core temperature values (Tcmax) in 17 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III football players during preseason. The subjects included 9 backs (BKs) and 8 linemen (LM). V[Combining Dot Above]O2max testing was performed 1 week before preseason. Core temperature was monitored by ingestible sensor every 10 minutes during practices on day 4 (D1), day 5 (D2), day 7 (D3), and postacclimatization on day 14 (D4). Wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) was recorded on each collection day. Independent, paired t-tests and Pearson's correlations were performed (α = 0.05). There were no significant correlations between V[Combining Dot Above]O2max and Tcmax on D1 (WBGT = 29.07° C) or D2 (WBGT = 30.93° C), but on D3 (WBGT = 31.39° C) there was a nonsignificant moderate negative correlation (r = -0.564, p = 0.090). There were no significant correlations between BMI and Tcmax on D1 or D2, but on D3 there was a nonsignificant moderate positive correlation (r = 0.596, p = 0.069). Paired t-tests revealed that overall Tcmax (D1-3) (38.56 ± 0.32° C) was statistically higher (p = 0.002) than D4 (38.16 ± 0.30° C). Independent t-tests between groups showed that the Tcmax values during preacclimatization (D1-D3) were significantly higher in LM (38.50 ± 0.37° C) than BKs (38.16 ± 0.35° C) (p = 0.007). V[Combining Dot Above]O2max was significantly lower (p = 0.006) in LM (36.89 ± 6.40 ml·kg·min) than BKs (47.44 ± 7.09 ml·kg·min), and BMI was significantly higher (p = 0.019) in LM (35.59 ± 4.00 kg·m) than BKs (28.68 ± 3.38 kg·m). The results of this study demonstrate that LM are significantly less fit than BKs and have a greater BMI. When WBGT was the highest on D3, the results suggest that those with lower V[Combining Dot Above]O2max and higher BMI experienced a higher Tcmax.

Comparison Of Direct And Indirect Vo2max Test In Mexican College Football Players.

Football is considered an anaerobic sport, therefore anaerobic evaluations are usually the main tests performed. Nonetheless, due to the number of plays and the duration of the game, the evaluation of the aerobic system through the measurement of the maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), becomes an important variable in the sport performance. The direct evaluation of the VO2max can be expensive due to the equipment and special laboratory conditions needed to perform it.Normally, most Mexican coaches perform indirect estimation of the VO2max, through field test. PURPOSE: To determine direct VO2max of a sample of a Mexican College football team and compare the measurements with two different indirect methods. METHODS: Twenty voluntary Mexican College football players participated in the study. Informed consents were signed. Athletes were divided according to their play position into two groups: Lineman (LM) and No-Lineman (NL). Direct VO2max was measured through open-circuit spirometry by indirect calorimetry during a maximal graduated exercise test, using the Bruce protocol. The first indirect measurement (FIM) was performed using the Bruce protocol equation [VO2max (mL . kg-1 . min-1) = 14.8 1.379 (time in min) + 0.451 (time2) - 0.012 (time3)] for a maximal graduated exercise test. The second indirect measurement (SIM) was taken using the ACSM´s running metabolic equation [VO2max (mL . kg-1 . min-1) = 0.2 (speed) + 0.9 (speed) (fractional grade) + 3.5)] in the 1.5-mile run test. VO2max comparisons were made using Sperman´s correlation coefficient test. RESULTS::LM´s direct VO2max (34.77 ± 10.41 mL . kg-1 . min-1) was lower than NL´s direct VO2max (46.82 ± 4.41 mL . kg-1 . min-1). Regarding, FIM of LM (32.56 ± 7.67 mL . kg-1 . min-1) and SIM of LM (36.87 ± 5.18 mL . kg-1 . min-1) both of them were lower than FIM of NL (42.56 ± 3.74 mL . kg-1 . min-1) and SIM of NL (45.96 ± 4.84 mL . kg-1 . min-1). Correlations between direct VO 0.78 (p<0.05) and NL´s SIM 0.73 (p<0.05). and indirect VO2max were as follows: LM´s FIM= 0.79 (p<0.05), LM´s SIM= 0.63 (p<0.05), NL´s FIM= 0.78 (p<0.05) and NL´s SIM 0.73 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Indirect measurements of VO2max can be used reliably to determine Mexican College football player’s aerobic capacity when it is not possible or feasible to measure VO2max direct.

Profiling of Junior College Football Players and Differences between Position Groups.

This study profiled junior college football players. Sixty-two subjects completed vertical jump (VJ; height and peak power), standing broad jump (SBJ), 36.58 m sprint, pro-agility shuttle, three-cone drill, and maximal-repetition bench press and front squat. The sample included 2 quarterbacks (QB), 7 running backs (RB), 13 wide receivers (WR), 1 tight end (TE), 18 defensive backs (DB), 8 linebackers (LB), and 13 offensive and defensive linemen (LM). To investigate positional differences, subjects were split into skill (SK; WR, DB), big skill (BSK; QB, RB, TE, LB), and LM groups. A one-way ANOVA determined between-group differences. LM were taller and heavier than SK and BSK players. The SK and BSK groups were faster than LM in the 0–36.58 m sprint, pro-agility shuttle, and three-cone drill (p ≤ 0.009). The SK group had greater VJ height and SBJ distance; LM generated greater VJ peak power (p ≤ 0.022). There were no between-group differences in the strength endurance tests. Compared to Division I data, junior college players were smaller, slower, and performed worse in jump tests. Positional differences in junior college football are typical to that of established research. Junior college players should attempt to increase body mass, and improve speed and lower-body power.

Anthropometric and performance differences among playing positions between Italian and American high school football players

Height, body weight and body composition are different among American football players and this is due to the different movement demands for each playing position (1). The results of the National Football League (NFL) Combines are different for playing position and they are used by coaches and scouts to assess players’ physical abilities as a determinant of their success in the professional level (2). The purpose of this study was to examine anthropometric and performance differences among young football players of a top Italian team (Rhinos Milan) and to compare these values with the American high school football players. Participants (N=62) were categorized by position in 3 groups based on playing position: Skill players (SP) included wide receivers, cornerbacks, safeties, and running backs; Big skill players (BSP) consisted of fullbacks, linebackers, tight ends, and defensive ends; Lineman (LM) included centers, offensive guards, offensive and defensive tackles. Body weight and percentage of body fat were determined using the TANITA Body Composition Monitor BC-418 and we obtained performance results of the following Nike SPARQ Combine drills: 40-yard dash, vertical jump, 20-yard shuttle and the kneeling power ball toss (KPBT). The one-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey-Kramer post-hoc test showed significant differences for all the variables among the 3 playing categories: LM had higher anthropometric and body composition values than SP (p<0.001) and BSP (p<0.01) while they performed significantly worse in the physical tests, except for the KPBT (p<0.01). We calculated and compared the 95% confidence limits for each anthropometric and physical test parameter of Italian and American players: American high school players had higher values for all the anthropometric and physical tests variables than Italian players (p<0.001). Administrators of professional football teams in Italy need to improve players’ physical attributes so the gap that currently exists between Italy and USA can be reduced.

The National Football League Combine: Performance Differences Between Drafted and Nondrafted Players Entering the 2004 and 2005 Drafts

The purpose of this study was to examine performance differences between drafted and nondrafted athletes (N = 321) during the 2004 and 2005 National Football League (NFL) Combines. We categorized players into one of 3 groups: Skill, Big skill, and Linemen. Skill players (SP) consisted of wide receivers, cornerbacks, free safeties, strong safeties, and running backs. Big skill players (BSP) included fullbacks, linebackers, tight ends, and defensive ends. Linemen (LM) consisted of centers, offensive guards, offensive tackles, and defensive tackles. We analyzed player height and mass, as well as performance on the following combine drills: 40-yard dash, 225-lb bench press test, vertical jump, broad jump, pro-agility shuttle, and the 3-cone drill. Student t-tests compared performance on each of these measures between drafted and nondrafted players. Statistical significance was found between drafted and nondrafted SP for the 40-yard dash (P < 0.001), vertical jump (P = 0.003), pro-agility shuttle (P < 0.001), and 3-cone drill (P < 0.001). Drafted and nondrafted BSP performed differently on the 40-yard dash (P = 0.002) and 3-cone drill (P = 0.005). Finally, drafted LM performed significantly better than nondrafted LM on the 40-yard dash (P = 0.016), 225-lb bench press (P = 0.003), and 3-cone drill (P = 0.005). Certified strength and conditioning specialists will be able to utilize the significant findings to help better prepare athletes as they ready themselves for the NFL Combine.

Core Temperature in Professional Football Players during practice

0369 Heat related deaths have been documented in football players at all levels of competition. Ingestible temperature sensors now allow accurate measurements of core temperature (Tc) in these athletes while they participate in football activity. Core temperatures of professional players in the National Football League (NFL) while they participate in football practice have never been reported. PURPOSE: To measure the rise in Tc during practice in professional football players and compare the Tc of larger interior lineman (LM) to those of backs and receivers (BKS). METHODS: Eight LM, age = 26.5 ± 2 yr, height = 191.8 ± 4.5 cm, body weight (BW) = 134.8 ± 10.7 kg and body surface area (BSA) = 2.61 ± 0.12 m2 and six BKS (wide receivers, half backs, defensive backs, tight ends) age = 27 ± 4.2 yr, height = 185 ± 6.3 cm, BW = 95.6 ± 11.1 kg and BSA = 2.19 ± 0.16 m2 participated in the study. All players were NFL first or second team veterans. Subjects ingested a sensor at 11:00 PM prior to the day of data collection during pre-season training camp in July. Resting Tc were recorded in an air-conditioned area 1 h prior to the morning practice. Tc was then recorded in each player approximately every 15 min during two hours of football practice in full equipment. The practice consisted of three distinct periods including individual drills, 7 on 7 team and live scrimmage. Tc was also measured during the afternoon practice in shells. BW was recorded before and after practices for determination of percent dehydration. Changes in Tc over time were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and group differences in Tc and percent dehydration were analyzed using independent t-tests. RESULTS: The highest wet bulb temperatures were 22.8°C and 20.6°C during the morning and afternoon practices, respectively. Height (p < 0.05), BW (p < 0.0001) and BSA (p < 0.001) were all higher in LM compared to BKS. A significant linear trend was found for Tc in both groups, p < 0.0001. During the AM practice Tc rose from 37.07 ± 0.13 °C to 38.81 ± 0.48 °C in LM and 36.99 ± 0.09 °C to 38.36 ± 0.44 °C in BKS. When the highest two Tc recorded in each subject were compared, Tc were higher in LM (38.65 ± 0.48 °C, range = 37.47 to 39.29 °C) than BKS (38.44 ± 0.32 °C, range = 37.81 to 39.08 °C). As measured by change in BW during practice the LM were less dehydrated compared to BKS (−0.94 ± 0.6 % versus −1.3 ± 0.7 %), p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: NFL LM reached higher Tc during football practice compared to smaller BKS. The highest Tc in all subjects were generally obtained during live scrimmaging. Level of dehydration as measured by BW loss was not associated with Tc. LM had higher Tc but were less dehydrated compared to BKS. Supported by a faculty development grant from West Chester University.