Elevated body mass index and body fat percentage are associated with decreased physical fitness in soccer players aged 12-14 years

Longitudinal Changes in Fat and Lean Mass: Comparisons between 3D-Infrared and Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry Scans in Athletes

The low cost and portability of three-dimensional (3D) infrared body scanners make them an attractive tool for body composition measurement in athletes. The main purpose of this study was to compare total body fat percentage (BF%) and total lean mass (LM in kg), in a cohort of collegiate athletes, using a 3D infrared body scanner versus a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanner. Phase I was a pre-season cross-sectional analysis of 61 (39 male) athletes while Phase II was a longitudinal subset analysis of 38 (27 male) student-athletes who returned to the laboratory for post-season scans (Post minus pre-season change). Both the 3D and DXA scans were performed within 20-minutes of one another in the same room, wearing the same clothing. Paired t-tests were used to compare the mean values (BF% and LM) between measurement devices with estimated effects size calculated using Cohen's d. Data reported as mean±SD. Mean difference (DXA minus 3D) in LM were significantly higher using the 3D scan (5.84 ± 3.55kg; p < 0.001; d = 0.90) compared to the DXA scan, while significantly underestimating BF% (-4.57 ± 4.67%; p < 0.001; d = 1.6) in Phase I analyses. In Phase II analyses, significant differences in the change (post-season minus pre-season change) values were found between methods for LM (4.45 ± 5.04; p < 0.001; d = 0.90), while BF% (-0.41 ± 2.06; p= 0.223; d = 0.2) showed no significant differences. In summary, the 3D and DXA scan values for LM and BF% were not interchangeable in cross-sectional nor longitudinal body composition analyses in collegiate athletes. Close agreement was only observed in longitudinal analyses of BF% and requires further validation with larger cohorts.

Body Composition Assessment and Mediterranean Diet Adherence in U12 Spanish Male Professional Soccer Players: Cross-Sectional Study

Soccer is the most practiced team sport in the world. Due to the importance of nutrition in soccer performance, controlling the body composition and dietary guidelines of players takes place starting from lower categories. The objective of this study was to evaluate body composition and adherence to the Mediterranean diet of U12 players from a professional soccer team and to identify their dietary weak points. Seventy-one U12 male soccer players participated in the study. Weight, height, percentiles, skinfolds, and body fat were measured by a certified anthropometrist following the procedures recommended by the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry. The Mediterranean diet adherence test (KIDMED) was the questionnaire used to evaluate eating habits. In addition, a comparison was made among field positions. The results showed percentiles and body fat percentages appropriate for their age. Furthermore, the average score on the KIDMED test showed that the players generally adhered well to the Mediterranean diet, although they should improve their consumption of fruits and vegetables, as well as avoid skipping breakfast. Moreover, goalkeepers and defenders had a higher percentile BMI and percentage of fat than midfielders and forwards. In addition, these players had lower KIDMED values than midfielders and forwards. Although U12 soccer players have an appropriate body composition and adherence to the Mediterranean diet, there are differences between the different field positions that should be assessed by coaches, doctors, and nutritionists/dietitians.

Relationship of regional and whole body morphology to vertical jump in elite soccer players: a data-driven approach

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to analyse the relationship of regional and whole body morphology to vertical jump performance and to compare the morphological features outlining high and low performers in professional soccer players.

METHODS

Twenty-one male soccer players were recruited. Whole and regional (upper and lower limbs) features were obtained in the form of body dimensional measurements. Then, all players were tested for vertical jump performance. A data-driven approach was used to group players according to their jump performance parameters (high vs low).

RESULTS

The regional morphological features presented higher correlations with vertical jump than whole body features. High and low performers were significantly different among upperand lower-limb morphology. No differences were observed among whole body features.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that, rather than the whole body, the use of morphological features linked to specific body regions may ensure a better interpretation of the soccer players' physical potential in jump performance.

Relative Age Effect in the Sport Environment. Role of Physical Fitness and Cognitive Function in Youth Soccer Players

The need to achieve short-term competitive outcomes in sports may influence the emergence of talent selection strategies, which could bias individuals’ opportunities. The present study aimed to further explore the relative age effect (RAE), a phenomenon that strongly influences youth sport development. The RAE refers to a disproportionately high percentage in sport teams of athletes born early in the selection year. Our primary focus was to explore whether the RAE is supported by behavioral evidence in favor of better fitness—and especially cognitive-attentional functioning—of early as compared to late-born players. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 105 young athletes (u10, n = 52; 9.8 ± 0.3 years old, and u12, n = 53; 11.8 ± 0.2 years old) attending two youth elite soccer academies. Attentional functioning, anthropometrics, physical fitness, and game intelligence were compared across two Age Groups (u10 vs. u12) and four Birth Quarters (BQ1–BQ4). The RAE was statistically significant (p < 0.001), showing that about 50% of participants were born in the first quarter and 75% were born in the first half of the year. More importantly, U12 players outperformed u10 players in measures that were related to sustained attention (with faster and less variable responses; p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively), and in all anthropometric measures (p < 0.001), physical-fitness capacities (p < 0.05). Crucially, neither the attentional measures, game intelligence, anthropometrics, nor physical fitness were affected by BQ (all ps > 0.1 and BF₁₀ between 0.08 and 0.6, showing strong evidence for the null hypothesis). The present findings suggest that the early selection process that occurs during scouting in youth soccer academies offsets the age-related differences that could be anticipated in cognitive skills, anthropometrics, and physical abilities, due to growth and maturation. These birth asymmetries could lead teams to disregard later maturation athletes and athletes born later in the year inducing a larger dropout of those players with the consequent reduction in the talent pool.

Changes Over a Decade in Anthropometry and Fitness of Elite Austrian Youth Soccer Players

Increases in physical (e.g., high-intensity running and sprinting), technical (e.g., passing rate), and tactical (e.g., player density) aspects made elite level soccer more challenging within the past years. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether these evolutions are also been reflected in changes in anthropometric and fitness characteristics between former (2002 to 2005) and current (2012 to 2015) elite Austrian youth development center (U13 to U14) and soccer academy (U15 to U18) players. A battery of anthropometric, general and soccer-specific fitness tests was conducted annually at the end of each year. Independent t-test and Cohen’s d (ES) were calculated to compare the two four-year periods (2530 vs. 2611 players) at each age group separately. Current players were significantly faster in 20 m sprint (ES = 0.26–0.50) and reaction test (ES = 0.15–0.39, except for U18), but less flexible at sit-and-reach (ES = –0.19 to –0.55), in all age categories. Whereas height (ES = 0.26–0.32), body mass (ES = 0.11–0.18) and countermovement jump (ES = 0.24–0.26) increased significantly at youth development center level, current academy players performed superior at shuttle sprint (ES = 0.21–0.59), hurdles agility run (ES = 0.24–0.49), and endurance run (ES = 0.11–0.20). These changes over time in speed, change-of-direction ability, lower-body power, coordination, and endurance were attributed to modern training approaches (e.g., modified games and change-of-direction drills) and modifications in selection politics (e.g., coaches favor speed and decision-making skills).

Field-Based Performance Tests Are Related to Body Fat Percentage and Fat-Free Mass, But Not Body Mass Index, in Youth Soccer Players

The primary aim of this study was to determine the association between body composition and performance outcomes in youth soccer players. Twenty-five competitive male youth soccer players (age = 13.7 ± 0.8 years, height = 167.4 ± 9.7 cm, weight = 57.6 ± 12.1 kg) volunteered to participate in this study. Height and weight were used to calculate body mass index (BMI). Body fat percentage (BF%) and fat-free mass (FFM) were determined with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Each athlete performed the Pacer test, vertical jump, and t-test drill. Participants were predominantly normal weight (20.4 ± 2.7 kg·m⁻²). The body composition results were 20.3 ± 4.9% for BF% and 46.5 ± 8.7 kg for FFM. The results of the performance tests indicated a mean ± standard deviation (SD) of 1418 ± 332 m for Pacer, 57.2 ± 7.4 cm for vertical jump, 11.6 ± 0.7 s for t-test. Body mass index was not associated with any performance measure (r = 0.02 to −0.21, all p > 0.05). Body fat percentage was associated with the Pacer, vertical jump, and t-test (r = −0.62, −0.57, 0.61, respectively; all p < 0.01) and remained after accounting for BMI. Fat-free mass was only significantly related to t-test (r = −0.43, p < 0.01). However, after controlling for BMI, FFM was related to all three performance tests. Body fat percentage and FFM are associated with performance in youth soccer players, with stronger relationships reported in the former metric. The findings highlight the need for accurate body composition measurements as part of an assessment battery in young athletes.

The Effect of Body Mass Index on Acute Cardiometabolic Responses to Graded Exercise Testing in Children: A Narrative Review

Although the beneficial role of exercise for health is widely recognized, it is not clear to what extent the acute physiological responses (e.g., heart rate (HR) and oxygen uptake (VO₂)) to a graded exercise test are influenced by nutritional status (i.e., overweight vs. normal-weight). Therefore, the main objectives of the present narrative review were to examine the effect of nutritional status on acute HR, and VO₂ responses of children to exercise testing. For this purpose, we examined existing literature using PubMed, ISI, Scopus, and Google Scholar search engines. Compared with their normal-body mass index (BMI) peers, a trend of higher HRrest, higher HR during submaximal exercise testing, and lower HRmax was observed among overweight and obese children (according to BMI). Independent from exercise mode (walking, running, cycling, or stepping), exercise testing was metabolically more demanding (i.e., higher VO₂) for obese and overweight children than for their normal-weight peers. Considering these cardiometabolic differences according to BMI in children might help exercise specialists to evaluate the outcome of a graded exercise test (GXT) (e.g., VO2max, HRmax) and to prescribe optimal exercise intensity in the context of development of exercise programs for the management of body mass.

Cardiopulmonary fitness is strongly associated with body cell mass and fat-free mass: The Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP)

Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) is commonly indexed by total body weight (TBW) to determine cardiopulmonary fitness (CPF). This approach may lead to misinterpretation, particularly in obese subjects. We investigated the normalization of VO2peak by different body composition markers. We analyzed combined data of 3848 subjects (1914 women; 49.7%), aged 20-90, from two independent cohorts of the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-2 and SHIP-TREND). VO2peak was assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Body cell mass (BCM), fat-free mass (FFM), and fat mass (FM) were determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis. The suitability of the different markers as a normalization variable was evaluated by taking into account correlation coefficients (r) and intercept (α-coefficient) values from linear regression models. A combination of high r and low α values was considered as preferable for normalization purposes. BCM was the best normalization variable for VO2peak (r = .72; P ≤ .001; α-coefficient = 63.3 mL/min; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.48-123) followed by FFM (r = .63; P ≤ .001; α-coefficient = 19.6 mL/min; 95% CI: -57.9-97.0). On the other hand, a much weaker correlation and a markedly higher intercept were found for TBW (r = .42; P ≤ .001; α-coefficient = 579 mL/min; 95% CI: 483 to 675). Likewise, FM was also identified as a poor normalization variable (r = .10; P ≤ .001; α-coefficient = 2133; 95% CI: 2074-2191). Sex-stratified analyses confirmed the above order for the different normalization variables. Our results suggest that BCM, followed by FFM, might be the most appropriate marker for the normalization of VO2peak when comparing CPF between subjects with different body shape.

Evaluation of Dietary Intakes, Body Composition, and Cardiometabolic Parameters in Adolescent Team Sports Elite Athletes: A Cross-sectional Study

Background:

Nutritional intake is an important issue in adolescent athletes. Proper athletes’ performance is a multifactorial outcome of good training, body composition, and nutritional status. The aim of the present study was to assess nutritional status, body composition, and cardiometabolic factors in adolescent elite athlete's province of Isfahan, Iran.

Materials and Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, 100 adolescent elite athletes from volleyball, basketball, and soccer teams were selected for the study. Demographic, anthropometric, and cardiometabolic parameters were assessed. Nutritional intakes of participants were recorded using three 24-h recall questioners.

Results:

Thirty-four female athletes and 66 male athletes participated in this study. Body mass index had not significantly different between the sexes. Energy, protein, carbohydrate, iron, and fat intakes were significantly higher in male athletes (P = 0.02), but calcium and folic acid intakes were not significantly different between the sexes, and Vitamin D intake was significantly higher in females (P = 0.01). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was significantly higher in males (P = 0.04) and heart rate had not significantly different between the sexes (P = 0.09). Heart murmurs and heart sounds in the majority of participants were normal.

Conclusion:

All the evaluated anthropometric and cardiometabolic parameters were in normal range in the majority of participants. The results showed that dietary intake in these athletes is approximately normal but micronutrients intake status in these athletes needs to be investigated further and longer.

The Anthropometric Correlates for the Physiological Demand of Strength and Flexibility: A study in Young Indian Field Hockey Players

INTRODUCTION

Optimal strength and flexibility are essential for performance enhancement and injury prevention in hockey, and anthropometry is known to influence these parameters.

AIM

To find anthropometric correlates for strength and flexibility score in young Indian field hockey players.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirteen female and 19 male subjects volunteered for the study. Selected anthropometric variables: lengths, breadths, girths and body composition; strength and sit and reach score were measured for each subject.

RESULTS

Males were taller, leaner and stronger with longer upper limbs and broader chests. With few exceptions, taller, heavier and leaner players with longer trunks and limbs, broader chest and hip, and bulkier arms and lower limbs had stronger grip, back, upper and lower limbs. Heavier and taller players with longer trunk and more percentage of body fat were more flexible. Also, the stronger players had more percentage body fat and body mass index, which might be due to the strong positive correlation of percentage body fat and body mass index with fat free mass.

CONCLUSION

Anthropometric variables, especially heights, breadths and body composition, show significant correlation with strength and flexibility, and hence may serve as monitoring tool and for talent identification.

Nutrition and Supplementation in Soccer

Contemporary elite soccer features increased physical demands during match-play, as well as a larger number of matches per season. Now more than ever, aspects related to performance optimization are highly regarded by both players and soccer coaches. Here, nutrition takes a special role as most elite teams try to provide an adequate diet to guarantee maximum performance while ensuring a faster recovery from matches and training exertions. It is currently known that manipulation and periodization of macronutrients, as well as sound hydration practices, have the potential to interfere with training adaptation and recovery. A careful monitoring of micronutrient status is also relevant to prevent undue fatigue and immune impairment secondary to a deficiency status. Furthermore, the sensible use of evidence-based dietary supplements may also play a role in soccer performance optimization. In this sense, several nutritional recommendations have been issued. This detailed and comprehensive review addresses the most relevant and up-to-date nutritional recommendations for elite soccer players, covering from macro and micronutrients to hydration and selected supplements in different contexts (daily requirements, pre, peri and post training/match and competition).

Performance on the Functional Movement Screen Is Related to Hop Performance But Not to Hip and Knee Strength in Collegiate Football Players

OBJECTIVE

To define the relationship between Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores and hop performance, hip strength, and knee strength in collegiate football players.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional cohort.

PARTICIPANTS

Freshmen of a Division I collegiate American football team (n = 59).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The athletes performed the FMS, and also a variety of hop tests, isokinetic knee strength, and isometric hip strength tasks. We recorded total FMS score, peak strength, and hop performance, and we calculated asymmetries between legs on the different tasks. Spearman correlation coefficients quantified the relationships between these measures, and χ analyses compared the number of athletes with asymmetries on the different tasks.

RESULTS

We observed significant correlations (r = 0.38-0.56, P ≤ 0.02) between FMS scores and hop distance but not between FMS scores and hip or knee strength (all P ≥ 0.21). The amount of asymmetry on the FMS test was significantly correlated to the amount of asymmetry on the timed 6-m hop (r = 0.44, P < 0.01) but not to hip or knee strength asymmetries between limbs (all P ≥ 0.34).

CONCLUSIONS

Functional Movement Screen score was positively correlated to hop distance, and limb asymmetry in FMS tasks was correlated to limb asymmetry in 6-m hop time in football players. No significant correlations were observed between FMS score and hip and knee strength or between FMS asymmetry and asymmetries in hip and knee strength between limbs. These results indicate that a simple hop for distance test may be a time-efficient and cost-efficient alternative to FMS testing in athletes and that functional asymmetries between limbs do not coincide with strength asymmetries.

Anxiety Level and Cardiac Autonomic Modulations in Coronary Artery Disease and Cardiac Syndrome X Patients

BACKGROUND

Anxiety and cardiac autonomic modulations (CAM) were thoroughly investigated in coronary artery disease (CAD) and cardiac syndrome X (CSX) patients worldwide, but not among Sudanese with similar pathology.

AIMS

To compare levels of anxiety and CAM between Sudanese patients with CSX and CAD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Anxiety was evaluated in 51 CAD and 26 CSX patients using Taylor Manifest anxiety score (TMAS) questionnaire while heart rate variability derived indices were used to assess CAM, namely natural logarithm of low frequency (LnLF), high frequency (LnHF) and LF/HF ratio (LnLF/HF).

RESULTS

Low anxiety levels were achieved by 6 (23.1%) and 9 (17.6%) patients with CSX and CAD respectively. High anxiety level was achieved by only one (3.8%) patient, who was suffering from CSX. TMAS was significantly higher in CSX (31.27 (21.97)) compared to CAD (21.86 (12.97), P = 0.021). However, abnormally increased anxiety was not associated with higher risk of CSX. LnLF, LnHF and LnLF/HF were comparable in CAD and CSX patients.

CONCLUSION

CSX and CAD patients showed comparable CAM. Although anxiety levels were higher in CSX compared to CAD, TMAS ≥ 35 failed to show significant association with CSX.

Obese and overweight children and adolescents: an algorithmic clinical approach

Obesity in children and adolescents is a hot issue throughout the world. Numerous complications are related to childhood obesity, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, insulin resistance and psychological problems. Therefore, identification and treatment of this problem have an important role in the health system. In this clinical approach, we have provided a general overview of the assessment and management of obesity in children and adolescents, including definitions, history-taking, physical examinations, and laboratory testing for general practitioners and pediatricians. Furthermore, conventional therapies (physical activity, eating habits and behavioral modification) and non-conventional treatments (drugs and surgery options) have been discussed.