Functional Movement Patterns and Body Composition of High-Level Volleyball, Soccer, and Rugby Players

Body fat of competitive volleyball players: a systematic review with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Reference values of body fat for competitive volleyball players are lacking, making it difficult to interpret measurement results. This review systematically summarized published data on the relative body fat of volleyball players and calculated potential differences between sex, measurement method, and competitive level.

METHODS

The protocol followed the Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. The literature search was conducted using five electronic databases to retrieve all relevant publications from January 1, 2010, to July 1, 2021. The 63 studies including 2607 players that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed using random-effects models. Data were reported as pooled mean body fat with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Body fat for males and females was 12.8% (11.9-13.8%) and 22.8% (21.9-23.7%), respectively. Body fat was 18.3% (16.3-20.4%) measured via skinfolds, 18.4% (15.6-21.2%) via bioelectrical impedance analysis, 24.2% (20.4-28.0%) via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and 21.6% (17.4-25.8%) via densitometry. Regional, national, and international-level players had body fat values of 19.5% (17.8-21.2%), 20.3% (18.6-22.0%), and 17.9% (15.7-20.4%), respectively. When the meta-regression was adjusted for the variables sex, measurement method, and competitive level, a significant difference between sex (p < 0.001), dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and skinfolds (p = 0.02), and national and international-level players (p = 0.02) was found. However, sensitivity analysis revealed that findings regarding measurement method and competitive level were not robust and should, therefore, be interpreted with caution.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the limitations of published data, this meta-analysis provided pooled values for body fat of male and female volleyball players for different competitive levels and measurement methods.

Body Composition Relationship to Performance, Cardiorespiratory Profile, and Tether Force in Youth Trained Swimmers

This study sought to analyze the relationship between regional body composition, swimming performance, and aerobic and force profile determined through tethered swimming in well-trained swimmers. Eleven male and five female swimmers were involved in the study and underwent the following evaluations: (1) body composition, assessed by the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry method (DXA); (2) swimming performance, determined for 200, 400, 800, and 1.500 m front-crawl swimming; (3) a tethered swimming force test to determine maximum and mean force (Fmax and Fmean); and (4) an incremental tethered swimming test for the aerobic profile determination of the swimmers. Oxygen uptake (VO2) was directly measured by an automatic and portable system (K4b2 Cosmed, Italy). The fat-free mass (lean mass + bone mineral content, LM+BMC) in lower and upper limbs (UL_LM+BMC: 6.74 ± 1.57 kg and LL_LM+BMC: 20.15 ± 3.84 kg) positively correlated with all indexes of aerobic conditioning level, showing higher coefficients to the indexes representing the ability to perform at high aerobic intensities (VO2max: 49.2 ± 5.9 mL·kg-1·min-1 and respiratory compensation point (RCP): 43.8 ± 6.0 mL·kg-1·min-1), which attained 0.82 and 0.81 (with VO2max), 0.81 and 0.80 (with RCP). The S200 (1.48 ± 0.13 m·s-1) was significantly correlated to Trunk_LM+BMC (r = 0.74), UL_LM+BMC (r = 0.72), Total_LM+BMC (r = 0.71), and LL_LM+BMC (r = 0.64). This study highlights that regional body composition plays an important role in swimming, and body segment analysis should be considered instead of the total body. Tethered swimming may represent a useful method for force and aerobic assessment, aiming at training control and performance enhancement.

Composite functional movement screen score predicts injuries in youth volleyball players: a prospective cohort study

We aimed to investigate whether composite Functional Movement Screen (FMS) test scores can predict musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) in youth volleyball players. 131 national young volleyball players (Males: n = 100, age = 16.5 years, height = 1.787 m, mass = 68.32 kg; Females: n = 31, age = 13.83 years, height = 1.684 m, mass = 65.12 kg) participated in this prospective cohort study. The FMS screen was performed before starting the season. MSI and exposure data were collected during the season via each team's certified athletic trainer. The mean FMS score and standard deviation for all volleyball players was 15.85 ± 3.31. A score of ≤ 14 was positive to predict MSI with specificity of 0.60 and sensitivity of 0.93. The odds ratio for (≤ 14/˃14) was 0.048. The relative risk for being injured was 3.46. Positive likelihood ratio was 2.34, and negative likelihood ratio was 0.11. The findings of this study demonstrated that an FMS score of ≤ 14 is an identifiable risk factor for injury in young volleyball players. The FMS can be used as a pre-season screening test to identify volleyball players who may be predisposed to sustaining MSI during the season ahead.

Growth, Somatic Maturation, and Their Impact on Physical Health and Sports Performance: An Editorial

Over time, complex interactions and a nonlinear progression among a wide range of variables contribute to the improvement of physical health and of the elite level achievement in youth sport practitioners [...].

Accuracy of Body Mass Index and Obesity Status in Police Trainees

The first aim of this study was to compare body mass index (BMI) (indirect method) classification with the body fat percent (PBF) (direct method) and to determine how BMI classifies subjects with different levels of skeletal muscle mass percent (PSMM). The second aim was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity status among police trainees (PTs). A total of 103 male PTs participated in this research: age = 21.46 ± 0.64 years, body mass (BM) = 75.97 ± 8.10 kg, body height (BH) = 174.07 ± 6.31 cm, BMI = 25.05 ± 2.12 kg/m². The InBody 370 multichannel bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) measured body composition. Study results indicated that muscular PTs could be misclassified as overweight and that PBF identified more subjects as obese. Namely, three PTs were obese according to BMI, while 13 were obese according to PBF. The information provided by this research could be used to help professionals understand the importance of measuring body composition, and the inaccuracies in BMI classification. In conclusion, whenever possible PSMM and PBF should replace the utilization of BMI to screen overweight and obesity in PTs. Agencies may think of using BIA as non-invasive, quick and inexpensive measurement tool.

Effects of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Body Composition and Bioelectrical Phase Angle in Serie A Soccer Players: A Comparison of Two Consecutive Seasons

Simple Summary

In 2020, the first Italian soccer league (Serie A) was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, a detraining process was triggered in soccer players, leading coaches and sports scientists to implement alternative training strategies to prevent a remodeling in body composition. This study tested the hypothesis that male elite soccer players, when confined to their home during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, will display unfavorable trends in bioelectrical and body composition parameters. The results of the present study showed that reduction in phase angle and muscle mass occurred in soccer players during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic lockdown. Recognizing these adverse effects of a detraining period is critical in avoiding adverse effects on body composition in soccer players. In addition, the bioelectrical phase angle has been identified as a valid predictor of muscle mass changes during the competitive soccer season. Considerably, the phase angle represents a parameter that can be measured directly through bioelectrical impedance analysis, and it is independent of predictive equations such as those that quantify muscle mass.

Abstract

The present study compared changes in body composition during the COVID-19-associated lockdown with the same period of the following season in elite soccer players. Fifteen elite male soccer players (30.5 ± 3.6 years.) underwent a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) before (end of February) and after (end of May) the lockdown, which occurred during the 2019/2020 season, and at the same period during the following competitive season in 2020/2021, when restrictions were lifted. Fat and muscle mass were estimated using predictive equations, while phase angle (PhA) and bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) patterns were directly measured. After lockdown, fat mass remained unchanged (p > 0.05), while muscle mass (95%CI = −1.12/−0.64; ES = −2.04) and PhA (95%CI = 0.51/−0.24, ES = −1.56) decreased. A rightward displacement of the BIVA vector was also found (p < 0.001, ES = 1.50). After the same period during the regular season, FM% and muscle mass did not change (p > 0.05), while the PhA increased (95%CI = 0.01/0.22; ES = 0.63). A leftward vector displacement (p < 0.001, ES = 1.05) was also observed. The changes in muscle mass correlated with changes in PhA (“lockdown” season 2019/2020: ß = −1.128, p = 0.011; “regular” season 2020/21: ß = 1.963, p = 0.011). In conclusion, coaches and strength conditioners should monitor muscle mass in soccer players during detraining periods as this parameter appears to be mainly affected by changes in training plans.

Effect of body composition on Functional Movement Screen scores in elite youth male soccer players

BACKGROUND

The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a clinical assessment tool used to determine musculoskeletal dysfunctions and asymmetries in athletes.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate whether FMS scores differed between elite youth male soccer players with low body fat percentage and those with normal body fat percentage and between those with and without a history of soccer injury.

METHODS

Fifty-three elite youth male soccer players were included in the study. The participants' injury histories were recorded, followed by body composition assessment and FMS tests. The participants were grouped according to body fat percentage and injury history for data analysis.

RESULTS

The mean age, weight and height of the participants were 17.11 ± 0.91 years, 68.78 ± 7.41 kg and 1.77 ± 0.57 meters, respectively. Comparisons of the groups according to body fat percentage and injury history revealed no differences in FMS scores (p> 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Lower body fat percentage did not confer an advantage or disadvantage to elite youth male soccer players in terms of FMS scores FMS scores provide limited information to predict injuries in elite youth male players.

Assessment of anthropometric and body composition characteristics of elite Turkish wrestlers

Study aim: The aim of the study was to determine the anthropometric characteristics of elite Turkish wrestlers according to their weight categories.

Material and methods: In this study, 21 elite male wrestlers (age 22.9 ± 4.0) have been examined according to three weight categories: Light weight, middle weight, heavy weight. Height, weight, arm and calf girth, humerus and femur width, skinfolds (triceps, subscapular, calf, supraspinale) were measured. Arm anthropometry (upper arm muscle area, upper arm fat area, upper arm fat index), somatotype (Heath-Carter somatotype method), and body composition (bio-impedance analysis) were determined.

Results: In the light weight wrestlers, body fat was 9.95% and somatotype 2.15–6.68–1.62; in the middle weight wrestlers, body fat was 11.79% and somatotype 2.83–6.83–1.01; in the heavy weight wrestlers, body fat was 18.63% and somatotype 4.10–8.13–0.53 was determined. While the endomorphy component of the light weight wrestlers was significantly lower than the middle weight and heavy weight wrestlers (p < 0.017), the ectomorphy component was significantly higher than the heavy weight wrestlers (p < 0.05). Fat free mass differed significantly between the three weight categories (p < 0.017), while body fat was higher in heavy weight than both light weight and middle weight (p < 0.017). The weight showed a significant and positive relationship with all anthropometric and body composition values except AFI and ectomorphy (p < 0.05 with mesomorphy, p < 0.01 with others).

Conclusions: As a result of the study, it was determined that wrestlers have anthropometric characteristics specific to their weight categories. While the light weight wrestlers show a balanced mesomorph structure, the heavy weight wrestlers have adapted to the endomorphic mesomorph body type with the increase in fat and fat free mass.

Effects of Combination Movement Patterns Quality and Physical Performance on Injuries in Young Athletes

Identifying the factors associated with the injuries is crucial to prevention, enabling apply effective methods to reduce injuries frequency. This is especially important for young athletes for whom an injury may impair development or prematurely end a sports career. Therefore, the objective of this study is to examine if the movement patterns quality and physical performance simultaneously affected injury occurrence in young athletes. The participants were 176 athletes aged 22.44 ± 1.64. The injury data were collected from the 12 months retrospective period. The functional movement screen test was conducted to assess the quality of movement patterns, and the physical performance tests were done for assessing strength, power, flexibility, and balance. Results showed relationships between movement patterns quality and flexibility with injuries. The receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated growing injury frequency for 14 ≥ FMS and 21 cm ≥ Sit-and-reach test. Rank Transform ANOVA revealed a simultaneous effect of movement quality (F = 11.5361; p = 0.0008) and flexibility (F = 8.0514; p = 0.0050) on an injury. Post-hoc tests indicated that the group with low-quality movement patterns combined with a low level of flexibility is the most frequently injured (p < 0.05). It is recommended to include in training, routine exercises improving movement patterns and flexibility to prevent injuries.

Distribution of Plantar Pressure in Soccer Players

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in the static and dynamic distribution of foot pressure on the ground and to investigate the relationships between body mass index (BMI) and mean variables of plantar pressure between soccer players and their non-athlete peers. (2) Methods: The study involved 18 first-division Polish soccer players and 30 non-athlete physiotherapy students. The research experiment was conducted using the FreeMed platform. Basic descriptive statistics were calculated to summarize the variables. Additionally, in the static and dynamic tests, Spearman’s rank correlations between body mass index (BMI) and plantar load were calculated. (3) Results: Statistically significant differences between groups were observed in the loading of the dominant limb. A statistically significant correlation between BMI and loading of both limbs was found in the static test and between BMI and loading of the dominant limb in the dynamic test. (4) Conclusions: The baropodometric mat used in our study helped determine the plantar pressure distribution of soccer players and their non-athlete peers. Correlation analysis revealed that BMI was only associated with the mean plantar pressure of the dominant limb in the control group. Further research on a larger group of athletes is needed to determine how much sporting activity may affect the development to modifications within feet in soccer players.

Can the Functional Movement Screen Method Identify Previously Injured Wushu Athletes?

The functional movement screen (FMS) is commonly used to evaluate sports injury risks, but no study has been reported for Wushu athletes. The aim of this study was to identify optimal FMS cut-off points for previously injured Wushu athletes and to examine the associations with other possible factors. In this study, a total of 84 Chinese Wushu athletes (15.1 ± 4.5 years old, 51% male) with a minimum of two years of professional training background in either Taiji, Changquan, or Nanquan were assessed by the FMS. Video recordings were used to confirm the scoring criteria, and previous injuries were assessed based on face-to-face interviews. An optimal cut-off of the FMS score was investigated by receiver operating characteristic curves with sensitivity and specificity. We found that FMS score of less than 16 (sensitivity = 80%, specificity = 56%) was related to an increased occurrence of injuries (odds ratio = 5.096, 95%CI: 1.679-15.465) for the current study sample. The training type and training levels were related with FMS scores. More than half of the athletes (58%) had FMS asymmetry and 21% of athletes reported pain while performing the FMS protocol. Future prospective studies are recommended to use FMS with cut-off of 16 points in Wushu athletes.

Importance of anthropometric features to predict physical performance in elite youth soccer: a machine learning approach

The present study aimed to determine the contribution of soccer players' anthropometric features to predict their physical performance. Sixteen players, from a professional youth soccer academy, were recruited. Several anthropometric features such as corrected arm muscle area (AMA_corr), arm muscle circumference (AMC) and right and left suprapatellar girths (RSPG and LSPG) were employed in this study. Players' physical performance was assessed by the change of direction (COD), sprint (10-m and 20-m), and vertical jump (CMJ) tests, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (Yo-Yo IRT1). Using an extra tree regression (ETR) model, the anthropometric features permitted to accurately predict 10-m sprint, 20-m sprint and Yo-Yo IRTL 1 performance (p < 0.05). ETR showed that upper-body features as AMA_corr, and AMC affected 10-m and 20-m sprint performances, while lower-body features as RSPG and LSPG influenced the Yo-Yo IRTL 1 (Overall Gini importance ≥ 0.22). The model predicting COD and CMJ presented a poor level of prediction, suggesting that other factors, rather than anthropometric features, may concur to predict their changes in performance. These findings demonstrated that the upper- and lower-body anthropometric features are strictly related to sprint and aerobic fitness performance in elite youth soccer.

Bioimpedance Vector Patterns Changes in Response to Swimming Training: An Ecological Approach

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Monitoring bioelectric phase angle (PhA) provides important information on the health and the condition of the athlete. Together with the vector length, PhA constitutes the bioimpedance vector analysis (BIVA) patterns, and their joint interpretation exceeds the limits of the evaluation of the PhA alone. The present investigation aimed to monitor changes in the BIVA patterns during a training macrocycle in swimmers, trying to ascertain if these parameters are sensitive to training load changes across a 13-week training period.

METHODS

Twelve national and international level swimmers (four females; eight males; 20.9 ± 1.9 years; with a competitive swimming background of 11.3 ± 1.8 years; undertaking 16-20 h of pool training and 4-5 h of dry-land training per week and 822.0 ± 59.0 International Swimming Federation (FINA) points) were evaluated for resistance (R) and reactance (Xc) using a single frequency phase sensitive bioimpedance device at the beginning of the macrocycle (M1), just before the beginning of the taper period (M2), and just before the main competition of the macrocycle (M3). At the three-time assessment points, swimmers also performed a 50 m all-out first stroke sprint with track start (T50 m) while time was recorded.

RESULTS

The results of the Hotelling T2 test showed a significant vector displacement due to simultaneous R and Xc changes (p < 0.001), where shifting from top to bottom along the major axis of the R-Xc graph from M1 to M2 was observed. From M2 to M3, a vector displacement up and left along the minor axis of the tolerance ellipses resulted in an increase in PhA (p < 0.01). The results suggest a gain in fluid with a decrease in cellular density from M1 to M2 due to decrements in R and Xc. Nevertheless, the reduced training load characterizing taper seemed to allow for an increase in PhA and, most importantly, an increase of Xc, thus demonstrating improved cellular health and physical condition, which was concomitant with a significant increase in the T50 m performance (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

PhA, obtained by bioelectrical R and Xc, can be useful in monitoring the condition of swimmers preparing for competition. Monitoring BIVA patterns allows for an ecological approach to the swimmers' health and condition assessment without resorting to equations to predict the related body composition variables.

Body Fat Assessment in International Elite Soccer Referees

Soccer referees are a specific group in the sports population that are receiving increasing attention from sports scientists. A lower fat mass percentage (FM%) is a useful parameter to monitor fitness status and aerobic performance, while being able to evaluate it with a simple and quick field-based method can allow a regular assessment. The aim of this study was to provide a specific profile for referees based on morphological and body composition features while comparing the accuracy of different skinfold-based equations in estimating FM% in a cohort of soccer referees. Forty-three elite international soccer referees (age 38.8 ± 3.6 years), who participated in the 2018 Russian World Cup, underwent body composition assessments with skinfold thickness and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Six equations used to derive FM% from skinfold thickness were compared with DXA measurements. The percentage of body fat estimated using DXA was 18.2 ± 4.1%, whereas skinfold-based FM% assessed from the six formulas ranged between 11.0% ± 1.7% to 15.6% ± 2.4%. Among the six equations considered, the Faulkner's formula showed the highest correlation with FM% estimated by DXA (r = 0.77; R² = 0.59 p < 0.001). Additionally, a new skinfold-based equation was developed: FM% = 8.386 + (0.478 × iliac crest skinfold) + (0.395 × abdominal skinfold, r = 0.78; R² = 0.61; standard error of the estimate (SEE) = 2.62 %; p < 0.001). Due to these findings, national and international federations will now be able to perform regular body composition assessments using skinfold measurements.

Maturity Related Differences in Body Composition Assessed by Classic and Specific Bioimpedance Vector Analysis among Male Elite Youth Soccer Players

The aim of this study was to analyze the efficiency of classic and specific bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) in the assessment of maturity related differences in body composition among male elite youth soccer players, and to provide bioelectrical impedance reference data for this category. A group of 178 players (aged 12.1 ± 1.6 years) were registered in a professional Italian soccer team participating in the first division (Serie A). They were divided into three groups according to their maturity status while bioelectrical resistance and reactance were obtained. The classic and specific BIVA procedures were applied, which correct bioelectrical values for body height and body geometry, respectively. Percentage of fat mass (FM%) and total body water (TBW (L)) were estimated from bioelectrical values. Age-specific z-scores of the predicted age at peak height velocity identified 29 players as earlier-, 126 as on time-, and 23 as later-maturing. TBW was higher (p < 0.01) in adolescents classified as “early” maturity status compared to the other two groups and classic BIVA confirmed these results. Conversely, no differences in FM% were found among the groups. Specific vector length showed a higher correlation (r = 0.748) with FM% compared with the classic approach (r = 0.493). Classic vector length showed a stronger association (r = −0.955) with TBW compared with specific (r = −0.263). Specific BIVA turns out to be accurate for the analysis of FM% in athletes, while classic BIVA shows to be a valid approach to evaluate TBW. An original data set of bioelectric impedance reference values of male elite youth soccer players was provided.

Effect of 12-Week Functional Training Intervention on the Speed of Young Footballers

The aim of the research was to verify the functional state of young football players using selected tests of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) protocol, as well as the impact of the 12 weeks of functional training on the speed parameters. The research was conducted on 20 highly competitive young (U17) football players. Research project was conducted in two stages: in the first part of the study, the functional assessment was made by using the FMS test, then the measurement of the speed parameters was done with the Microgate photocells system. Results showed a significant improvement in the functional state of young football players: FMS 1 (45.2% of difference, p = 0.004), FMS 2 (24.3% of difference, p = 0.012), FMS 3 (48.5% of difference, p = 0.001). After the functional training program, there was also an improvement in the parameters of the acceleration and velocity: acceleration between 5–10 m and speed between 10–30 m shows significant improvement (expressed during covering a given distance) of the footballers, amounting to 0.02 s (2.4%) and 0.04 s (1.5%). But there was no improvement in acceleration between 0–5 m. An appropriate training schedule, based on FMS results, should be adopted in the annual training program to improve basic motor skills of the football players and minimize their injuries.

Classic Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Reference Values for Assessing Body Composition in Male and Female Athletes

Bioimpedance standards are well established for the normal healthy population and in clinical settings, but they are not available for many sports categories. The aim of this study was to develop reference values for male and female athletes using classic bioimpedance vector analysis (BIVA). In this study, 1556 athletes engaged in different sports were evaluated during their off-season period. A tetrapolar bioelectrical impedance analyzer was used to determine measurements of resistance (R) and reactance (Xc). The classic BIVA procedure, which corrects bioelectrical values for body height, was applied, and fat-free mass, fat mass, and total body water were estimated. In order to verify the need for specific references, classic bioelectrical values were compared to the reference values for the general male and female populations. Additionally, athletes were divided into three groups: endurance, velocity/power, and team sports. In comparison with the general healthy male and female populations, the mean vectors of the athletes showed a shift to the left on the R–Xc graph. Considering the same set of modalities, BIVA confidence graphs showed that male and female endurance athletes presented lower body fluids, fat mass, and fat-free mass than other sets of modalities. This study provides BIVA reference values for an athletic population that can be used as a standard for assessing body composition in male and female athletes.

The Role of Somatic Maturation on Bioimpedance Patterns and Body Composition in Male Elite Youth Soccer Players

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of chronological age (CA) and somatic maturation on body composition (BC) and bioimpedance parameters in male elite soccer players. BC and bioimpedance variables were measured in a sample of 249 players aged 9-18 years of age and registered in two professional Italian soccer teams. Results from segmental analysis showed transition time points where the influence of CA and somatic maturation on bioimpedance patterns and BC characteristics increased or subsided. The accelerated phases were assessed for fat free mass, total body water, and upper muscle area, with a starting time point at approximately -2.00 years from peak at velocity (YPHV), and for body cell mass, whose developmental tempo sped up around -1.00 YPHV. An increase in the rate of development was also observed close to -2.00 YPHV for phase angle (PA), although without accelerated phases. From a CA point of view, significant slope changes were found for all BC and bioimpendance variables, except for the calf muscle area. Although the starting points and the span of the accelerated phases were different, they subsided or disappeared at ~ 15 years, except for PA, whose growth waned at ~ 17 years.