The aim of this study was to establish the anthropometric and physiological profiles of young nonelite soccer players according to their playing position, and to determine their relevance for the selection process. Two hundred forty-one male soccer players who were members of the Getxo Arenas Club (Bizkaia) participated in this study. Players, age 17.31 (+/- 2.64) years, range 14-21 years, were classified into the following groups: forwards (n = 56), midfielders (n = 79), defenders (n = 77), and goalkeepers (n = 29). Anthropometric variables of participants (height, weight, body mass index, 6 skinfolds, 4 diameters, and 3 perimeters) were measured. Also, their somatotype and body composition (weights and percentages of fat, bone, and muscle) were calculated. Participants performed the Astrand test to estimate their absolute and relative VO2max, an endurance test, sprint tests (30 meters flat and 30 meters with 10 cones) and 3 jump tests (squat jump, counter movement jump and drop jump). Forwards were the leanest, presenting the highest percentage of muscle. They were the best performers in all the physiological tests, including endurance, velocity, agility, and power. In contrast, goalkeepers were found to be the tallest and the heaviest players. They also had the largest fat skinfolds and the highest fat percentage, but their aerobic capacity was the lowest. In the selection process, agility and the jump tests were the most discriminating for forwards. In contrast, agility, height, and endurance were the key factors for midfielders. The defenders group was characterized by a lower quantity of fat. Thus, we may conclude that anthropometric and physiological differences exist among soccer players who play in different positions. These differences fit with their different workload in a game. Therefore, training programs should include specific sessions for each positional role.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1519/R-19995.1 | DOI Listing |
Front Physiol
January 2025
Department of Sport Studies, Faculty of Educational Studies, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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View Article and Find Full Text PDFCureus
January 2025
Physiology, Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine, Nashville, USA.
Subconcussive impacts are very common in the sports world and can have many negative impacts on human function, including increased risk for cognitive decline and behavioral impairments such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The purpose of this article is to analyze the available literature on the effects of jugular vein compression applied by a cervical collar on cerebral structure and function in the setting of chronic impact exposure. This narrative review analyzed 17 articles on brain structure and function, published between 1992 and 2022.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEur J Sport Sci
February 2025
Faculty of Sport Sciences, Department of Coaching Education, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Türkiye.
This study examines the acute effects of post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) with different loads (84% and 60% 1-RM) and exercises (hip thrust; HT and glute bridge; GB) on sprint performance (SP) and horizontal force-velocity (HF-V) profile components in adolescent male soccer players. The participants were randomly assigned to three groups: hip thrust group (HTG; n = 13), glute bridge group (GBG; n = 13), and control group (CG; n = 14). Sprint tests at distances of 10, 20, and 30 m were conducted pre-PAPE and post-PAPE protocols with a 7 min rest period.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ ISAKOS
January 2025
Fortius Clinic, London, United Kingdom; Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom.
Introduction: Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) is a reliable procedure in alleviating pain and restoring function. However, there is limited published literature of the outcomes of this procedure and the ability to return to sport in elite athletes. This study aims to assess the outcomes of first MTPJ arthrodesis in the elite athlete population and their ability to return to professional sport.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Sports Physiol Perform
January 2025
Research laboratory Education, Motricité, Sport et Santé, EM2S, LR19JS01, High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia.
Context: Agility is crucial for soccer players, and core training can improve it. One study showed significant agility improvements after an intervention including core training for athletes with groin pain. However, it is unclear if these improvements resulted specifically from the core exercises or the entire program.
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