CHANGES IN BODY COMPOSITIONS OF ELITE LEVEL AMATEUR AND PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYERS DURING THE COMPETITIVE SEASON
M. KUTLU, N. SOFİ, T. BOZKUŞ
Kırıkkale University, Education Faculty, Physical Education and Sport Teaching Dept., Kırıkkale, Türkiye
Keywords: Body composition, fat free mass, body mass index, soccer, exercise
Abstract
Body composition is likely to influence soccer performance. However, there is no adequate information regarding seasonal changes in body concerning soccer players. The purpose of this study was to assess alterations in body mass, fat percentage, fat free mass, body mass index, and skinfolds of thigh and calf among Turkish elite professional and amateur soccer players in the competitive season. A total of 22 amateur and 25 professional male soccer players from four different clubs participated in the study for pre- and post- tests at the beginning and the end of a full season. Amateurs were found to be significantly heavier than professionals (p<0.05). Other physical characteristics were similar for professionals and amateurs. Mean body mass decreased significantly for only professional soccer players in the competitive period, yielding a significantly (p<0.05) different seasonal alteration comparing with amateurs. Body fat changes during the competitive season were also significantly different (p<0.05) for professional and amateur players. For amateurs and all players, a significant decrease (p<0.05) was observed in mean tight skinfold thicknesses at the end of the competitive season. The results herein obtained may serve the coaches for comparing teams of similar level.
This study was supported by the Institute of Scientific Research Projects at Kırıkkale University.
