Evaluation of anthropometric characteristics and physical abilities in a soccer season: comparison between U-15, U-17 and U-19

Authors

  • Rui Silva
  • Pedro Morouço POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE OF LEIRIA / CENTRE FOR RAPID AND SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6063/motricidade.7573

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the development of anthropometric characteristics and physical capacities in a sports season, in young soccer players. A total of 50 players, U-15 (n= 16, 14.0±0.1 years), U-17 (n= 14, 15.6±0.5 years) and U-19 (n= 20, 17.2±0.7 years) were monitored in 3 different moments: after the preparation period (pre-season), after the 1st competitive phase (mid-season) and after the 2nd competitive phase (post-season). To the anthropometric analysis, the height, body mass, muscle mass, fat mass and body girths were evaluated. The aerobic resistance, the work developed by the lower limbs during a vertical jump, the power of the lower limbs during a sprint, the agility and the flexibility were evaluated for the physical capacity analysis. Along the season, there was an increase in body mass and a stabilization of the fat mass due to an increase of the muscle mass. In general, regardless the age group, physical abilities improved from pre-season to mid-season, and then stabilized till the post-season. Understanding the variations through a season, according to the competitive environment and their developmental age, may be a useful tool for control and evaluation of the training process.

Author Biography

Pedro Morouço, POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE OF LEIRIA / CENTRE FOR RAPID AND SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Dr. Pedro G Morouco is a PhD specialized in Biomechanics and the Head of R&D Biofabrication Group at the Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development – Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Portugal. His research activity focuses mostly on products and processes engineering, bringing the gap between the lab and in vivo applications. He has Co-edited 2 books, authored and co-authored more than 70 papers published in books (n=12), international journals (n=31) and international conferences (n=36). He is the Member of the Editorial Board in several international peer-review journals and was distinguished with the New Investigator Award 2014 from ISBS. He coordinates granted national and international research projects and is the Chairman of the CDRsp Advanced Courses on Regenerative Medicine and Workshops on Direct Digital Manufacturing.

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Published

2017-06-03

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 1 (2017)

Section

Original Article

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