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Body Composition

(27) BODY COMPOSITION INFLUENCES RUNNING VELOCITY IN MALE UNIVERSITY SOCCER PLAYERS

Saturday, July 15, 2023
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM East Coast USA Time
Location: Milano III-IV
Abstract Details: The physiological demands of competition in male collegiate soccer require elevated and sustained musculoskeletal performance. As such, strength and conditioning coaches frequently prescribe exercise programs designed to develop both strength and muscular hypertrophy. However, the interplay between muscular hypertrophy and its influence on running velocity remains a point of contention within the sport of soccer.

Purpose: This study examined the association between indices of anthropometry and running velocity in male university soccer players.

Methods: Twenty (n = 20) healthy male university soccer players with a (mean ± SD) height of, 179.4 ± 6.7cm, a weight of 79.0 ± 8.0 kg, a BMI of 24.6 ± 2.6, a body fat % of 14.4 ± 6.2, and fat free mass of 67.6 ± 5.9 kg participated in this study. Anthropometry and running speed were assessed over two-time periods separated by 60 days. During each testing session, anthropometry was examined using air displacement plethysmography (BOD POD, COSMED, Chicago, IL). P</span>articipants wore a Lycra cap and removed all clothing and jewelry except underclothing prior to each assessment in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. Fat free mass (FFM) was estimated utilizing the Siri Equation for percent body fat (BF%) estimation, based on the two-compartment model. Running velocity was examined over a 30m distance and was recorded using a photocell timing gate (Brower Timing Systems, IRD-T175). Each sprint assessment was conducted in a controlled environment with a standardized running surface and ambient temperature. Participants completed two trials with their fastest time being used for analysis. A Pearson correlation coefficient (r) with its corresponding 95% CI was used to examine the association between 30m sprint time and each index of anthropometry. Significance was declared using a probability of p < 0.05.

Results: Significant (95% CI) inverse associations were observed between 30m running velocity and BF% [r = - 0.55 (- 0.74 : - 0.29) p = 0.0002], BMI [r = - 0.42 (- 0.65: - 0.12) p = 0.007], and body weight [r = - 0.41 (-0.64: - 0.11) p = 0.009]. FFM displayed an insignificant association with running velocity [r = 0.04, p = 0.81].

Conclusions: Indices of anthropometry can significantly impact running velocity in male university soccer players. Both body weight and BF% are inversely associated to running speed over a 30m distance. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: There remains a balance between increasing the number of contractile units, as represented through FFM, and overcoming inertia when running. Strength and conditioning coaches should consider prescribing exercise programs designed to enhance neural adaptation, that prevent changes to body weight and FFM when enhancing running velocity in male university soccer players.

Acknowledgements: None