The Relevance of Muscle Fiber Type to Physical Characteristics and Performance in Team-Sport Athletes

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this systematic review was to (1) determine the muscle fiber-type composition (or muscle fiber typology [MFT]) of team-sport athletes and (2) examine associations between MFT and the physical characteristics and performance tasks in team-sport athletes. Methods: Searches were conducted across numerous databases—PubMed, SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar—using consistent search terms. Studies were included if they examined the MFT of team-sport athletes. Included studies underwent critical appraisal using the McMasters University critical appraisal tool for quantitative research. Results: A total of 10 studies were included in the present review, wherein the MFT of athletes was measured from 5 different team sports (soccer, rugby union, rugby league, handball, and volleyball). There was large variability in the MFT of team-sport athletes both within (up to 27.5%) and between sports (24.0% relative difference). Male football players with a higher proportion of type II fibers had faster 10- and 30-m sprint times, achieved a greater total distance sprinting (distance at >6.67 m·s−1), and a greater peak 1-minute sprint distance. Conclusions: MFT varies considerably between athletes both within and between different team sports. The results from some studies suggest that variation in MFT is associated with high-intensity running performance in a football match, as well as 10- and 30-m sprint times. Further experimental studies should focus on how determination of the MFT of team-sport athletes could be utilized to influence talent identification, team selection, and the individualization of training.

Hamstrings mechanical properties profiling in football players of different competitive levels and positions after a repeated sprint protocol

“…Research has been consistent demonstrating that certain positions require more explosive-type efforts while others are submitted to more resistant-type efforts ( Di Salvo et al, 2013 ). In a recent review, authors noted that male football players with a higher proportion of type II muscle fibers had faster 30 m sprint times and achieved a greater total sprinting distance, and that more type II muscle fibers and a higher muscle volume in rugby players were strong determinants of maximal muscle power in sprinting ( Hopwood et al, 2023 ). Hence, it would be logical that players in a field position requiring explosive actions presented larger and higher proportions of type II muscle fibers and consequently a higher shear modulus change in a muscle with a type II muscle fiber phenotype.…”

Predicting Sprint Performance From the Vertical and Horizontal Jumps in National Football League Combine Athletes

“…This means that BJ performance is not only dependent on the athlete's ability to produce mass-specific vertical forces, which determines flight time during the jump but also the athlete's ability to produce large horizontal forces, which determines their horizontal velocity at take-off (7). Possibly, a stronger argument supporting the relationship between jumping and sprinting ability is due to both tasks requiring similar underlying physical qualities such as high levels of thigh muscle cross-sectional area, optimal body composition, and a high percentage of type II fibers (12,18). In addition, an optimal level of mobility in the hips and ankles likely impacts the landing position of the athlete during the BJ, which could be an important factor to sprinting performance, but further research would need to confirm this.…”

Article RETRACTED due to manipulation by the authors Unlocking the Science of Physical Endurance: Training Techniques and Biological Factors

“…This involved VO2 max testing, which is a well-regarded evaluation of aerobic fitness that quantifies the maximum amount of oxygen a person can use during vigorous physical activity (Bahtra et al, 2024;Fibbins, 2021;Ravenelle, 2021). Muscle fiber analysis was conducted on muscle biopsy samples to identify the distribution of muscle fiber types (such as slow-twitch and fasttwitch) in participants' muscles, which can impact endurance performance (Hopwood et al, 2023). VO2 max testing involves exercising on a treadmill or bike while monitoring breathing and heart rate to determine how much oxygen the body can utilize during intense physical activity, serving as a reliable indicator of aerobic fitness.…”