ISAK-Based Anthropometric Standards for Elite Male and Female Soccer Players

Abstract

This study aimed to provide reference values for anthropometric characteristics of elite male and female soccer players, considering a group of individuals from the general population as controls. The anthropometric profiles of 357 elite soccer players [184 males (age 24.3 ± 4.3 y) and 173 females (age 25.2 ± 5.1 y)] participating in the first Italian league (Serie A) and 363 subjects from the general population [188 males (age 24.2 ± 4.8 y) and 175 females (age 25.0 ± 5.1 y)] were measured according to the guidelines of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Reference percentiles for stature, body mass, circumferences, eight skinfolds (biceps, triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, supraspinal, abdominal, front thigh, and calf), breadths, and somatotype were calculated and stratified by player position and sex. No difference (p > 0.05) was found in age between the two groups. Soccer players showed lower values for the sum of the eight ISAK skinfolds than individuals from the general population of the same sex. This suggests lower adipose tissue, as indicated by a lower endomorphic component. The somatotype was endomorphic mesomorph and mesomorphic endomorph for the male and female individuals from the general population, respectively. The male soccer players were ectomorphic mesomorphs, while the females were balanced mesomorphs, defining a sport-specific morphology. This study provides sex- and role-specific anthropometric standards for elite soccer players. Raw anthropometric reference values may be useful for evaluating body composition without using any predictive equations or assumptions.

Kinanthropometry and dietary habits of non-professional rugby players

“…This explained why adiposity values were higher than percent fat values, as shown in Table 1 . Considering previous findings, the fat mass calculated in the participants included in this study show resulted higher compared to elite rugby players as well as athletes from other sports teams ( 3 , 23 , 24 ).…”

“…In sports, it is common to consider parameters such as fat mass, body water, adipose tissue, and muscle tissue. Additionally, raw parameters based on anthropometric measurements can be used in a qualitative approach by assessing somatotype components or simply comparing them with reference values using z -scores ( 3 ).…”

Anthropometric and Biochemical Analysis and Dietary Habits in Elite Spanish Female Football Players

“…The nutritional section is an aspect that is not far from this trend, showing a similar tendency in the field of nutrition, hormonal health and the athlete's menstrual cycle, among others [7][8][9][10][11]. This is also associated with the anthropometric study of the athlete due to its link with the athlete's training and nutritional status [12,13], as well as the need for optimal body composition in sports performance [11,14,15].…”

“…Anthropometric information (weight, 6-and 8-skinfolds sum, height) was obtained using the standardised norms of the International Society for the Advancement of Kineanthropometry (ISAK) [13]. Weight was measured with Tanita (BC-545N), height was obtained with a portable detachable stadiometer (SECA 20-205cm), skinfolds (triceps, subscapular, biceps, iliac crest, supraspinal, abdominal, thigh and leg) were obtained with a Cesfort millimetre tape measure and skinfolds with a 0.2 mm Holtain plicometer.…”

High-standard predictive equations for estimating body composition using bioelectrical impedance analysis: a systematic review

“…Considering the limitations of densitometric, hydrometric, or imaging techniques for quantifying body composition due to high costs, lengthy procedures, and non-user-friendly processes, alternative methods such as bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) or surface anthropometry are often employed for routine assessments [13][14][15][16]. The theoretical basis of BIA revolves around the conductivity properties of biological tissues, quantified as bioelectrical resistance and reactance, deriving by conductor volumes (i.e., lean soft components) [17].…”