College
College of Education
Department
Kinesiology
Abstract
Soccer is a popular and growing sport that is played all over the world. The four positions in soccer include: forward, midfielder, defender, and goalkeeper. Training and performance levels vary per player and by the position played. Being a physically demanding sport, it is important to understand body composition and anthropometric measurement differences between different positions in soccer players. PURPOSE: To determine if there were body composition and anthropometric measurement differences between varying positions within a NCAA Division II collegiate female soccer team. METHODS: A 7-site skinfold body density measurement (abdominal, triceps, midaxillary, thigh, chest, subscapular, and suprailiac), waist circumference measure (Gulick-tape), and body mass index (kg/m2) was used to determine if there is a difference in body composition among female soccer players. RESULTS: No statistical differences were found for body mass index and body fat percentage among different positions; however, there was statistical significant difference found for waist circumference among the different positions. Mean waist circumference for forwards, midfielders, defenders, and goalies were respectively 68.7, 71.0, 70.3, and 80.1 cm. CONCLUSIONS: Training and rehabilitation protocols do not need to be modified based upon position played.
Recommended Citation
Grady, Natalie; Sillivant, Angel; Baldwin, Shane; Simpson, Aundrea; and Solomon, Stacy
(2018)
"Positional Differences in Body Composition Among Division II Female Collegiate Soccer Players,"
Perpetua: The Journal of Undergraduate Research at UAH: Vol. 3:
Iss.
1, Article 2.
Available at:
https://louis.uah.edu/perpetua/vol3/iss1/2