The aim of this study is to investigate physiological characteristics, body composition and performance indicators among youth soccer players of four age categories (U-12, U-14, U-16, and U-18). Participants will undergo assessment of their body weight, body height and percent of body fat as well as performance testing including flexibility, strength, vertical jump, speed, repeated sprint ability, agility, dribbling and endurance.
This study aims at investigating anthropometric, body composition and performance indicators among male youth soccer players. The study will be conducted prior to the preparation period. Initially, participants and their parents (for those under 18 years) will be informed about the benefits, risks and discomforts associated with the study and will provide a written consent. Participants will be instructed to refrain from strenuous exercise for at least 48 hours prior to testing and they will be also asked to consume their normal diet. Prior to testing all participants will be familiarized with testing procedures and specific test. Body weight will be measured on a seca beam balance. Participants' height will be measured by using a fixed stadiometer and the percent body fat will be calculated with bioelectrical impedance analysis. Flexibility will be assessed by using the sit and reach test and the lower body explosive strength will be determined through vertical jump testing (squat jump and counter movement jump without arm swing). Knee flexor and extensor strength will be assessed on an isokinetic dynamometer. Sprint performance will be assessed from a standing start over by infrared photocells with participants running 10m and 30m as fast as they can. The repeated sprint ability will be tested by using linear sprint test including 5 maximum sprints of 30 meters with a 25-second recovery period in-between. Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) will be determined by open-circuit spirometry via breath-by-breath analysis during a graded exercise test to exhaustion on a treadmill. Furthermore, participants will be evaluated in agility by using the short dribbling test and the ability to recover after repeated intense exercise through the YO-YO Intermittent Recovery test 1 (only for u-16 and U-18 groups).
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
120
Soccer-specific performance will be evaluated by measuring flexibility, jumping ability, maximum speed, repeated spring ability, agility and endurance.
University of Thessaly, School of Physical Education and Sports Science
Trikala, Greece
Flexibility
Flexibility will be assessed by using the sit-and-reach test
Time frame: At baseline
Jumping ability
Jumping ability will be assessed by measuring the vertical jumping performance using two different techniques: i) countermovement and ii) squat jump.
Time frame: At baseline
Maximum speed
Maximum speed will be assessed over 10 m and 30 m by using light cells
Time frame: At baseline
Repeated sprint ability
Repeated sprint ability will be assessed by performing five 30-m sprints with 25 seconds recovery period in-between, and using light cells.
Time frame: At baseline
Agility
The ability to change direction while dribbling the ball (termed agility) will be assessed by using the short dribbling test (performed according to standard procedures).
Time frame: At baseline
Endurance
Endurance will be assessed by using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test level 1
Time frame: At baseline
Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max)
Maximal oxygen consumption will be measured by open-circuit spirometry via breath-by-breath analysis during a graded exercise test to exhaustion on a treadmill, using automated pulmonary gas exchange system.
Time frame: At baseline
Knee flexor and extensor strength
Concentric and eccentric peak torque of knee flexors and extensors in both limbs (dominant and non-dominant) will be assessed on an isokinetic dynamometer
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Time frame: At baseline
Body height
Body height will be measured on a beam balance with stadiometer.
Time frame: At baseline
Body weight
Body weight will be measured on a beam balance with stadiometer.
Time frame: At baseline
Body composition
Body fat and fat-free mass will be estimated by using bioelectrical impedance.
Time frame: At baseline