Somatotype, size and body composition of competitive female volleyball players

The aim of this study was to describe the morphological characteristics of competitive female volleyball players. For this purpose, body weight and height, breadths and girths as well as skinfold thickness at various body sites were assessed in 163 elite female volleyball players (age: 23.8 ± 4.7 years, years of playing: 11.5 ± 4.2, hours of training per week: 11.9 ± 2.9, means ± S.D.). Seventy-nine of these players were from the A1 division and the rest from the A2 division of the Greek National League. Two-way ANOVA was used to compare the differences in these characteristics between competition level and playing position. Body height ranged from 161 cm to 194 cm, and the mean value (177.1 ± 6.5 cm) was not inferior to that of international players of similar calibre. Adiposity of these players (sum of 5 skinfolds: 51.8 ± 10.2 mm, percent body fat: 23.4 ± 2.8) was higher than that reported in other studies in which, however, different methodology was used. Volleyball athletes of this study were mainly balanced endomorphs (3.4-2.7-2.9). The A1 division players were taller and slightly leaner with greater fat-free mass than their A2 counterparts. Significant differences were found among athletes of different playing positions which are interpreted by their varying roles and physical demands during a volleyball game. The volleyball players who play as opposites were the only subgroup of players differing between divisions; the A2 opposites had more body fat than A1 opposites. These data could be added in the international literature related to the anthropometric characteristics of competitive female volleyball players.     

Anthropometric and physiological characteristics of junior elite volleyball players

Objectives

To investigate the anthropometric and physiological characteristics of junior elite volleyball players.

Method

Twenty five national level volleyball players (mean (SD) age 17.5 (0.5) years) were assessed on a number of physiological and anthropometric variables. Somatotype was assessed using the Heath‐Carter method, body composition (% body fat, % muscle mass) was assessed using surface anthropometry, leg strength was assessed using a leg and back dynamometer, low back and hamstring flexibility was assessed using the sit and reach test, and the vertical jump was used as a measure of lower body power. Maximal oxygen uptake was predicted using the 20 m multistage fitness test.

Results

Setters were more ectomorphic (p<0.05) and less mesomorphic (p<0.01) than centres. Mean (SD) of somatotype (endomorphy, mesomorphy, ectomorphy) for setters and centres was 2.6 (0.9), 1.9 (1.1), 5.3 (1.2) and 2.2 (0.8), 3.9 (1.1), 3.6 (0.7) respectively. Hitters had significantly greater low back and hamstring flexibility than opposites. Mean (SD) for sit and reach was 19.3 (8.3) cm for opposites and 37 (10.7) cm for hitters. There were no other significant differences in physiological and anthropometric variables across playing positions (all p>0.05).

Conclusion

Setters tend to be endomorphic ectomorphs, hitters and opposites tend to be balanced ectomorphs, whereas centres tend to be ectomorphic mesomorphs. These results indicate the need for sports scientists and conditioning professionals to take the body type of volleyball players into account when designing individualised position specific training programmes.     

Anthropometric characteristics, body composition and somatotype of elite junior tennis players

Objectives

The aims of this study were to describe the anthropometric characteristics, body composition and somatotype of elite male and female junior tennis players, to compare the anthropometric data, body composition and somatotype of the first 12 elite junior tennis players on the ranking with the lower ranked players, and to establish an anthropometric profile chart for elite junior tennis players.

Methods

A total of 123 (57 males and 66 females) elite junior tennis players participated in this study. The athletes were divided into two groups, the first 12 and the lower ranked players, according to gender. A total of 17 anthropometric variables were recorded of each subject.

Results

There were no significant differences in height and weight between the first 12 and the lower ranked boys, while the first 12 girls were significantly taller than the lower ranked girls (p = 0.009). Significant differences were found for humeral and femoral breadths between the first 12 and the lower ranked girls (p = 0.000; p = 0.004, respectively). The mean (SD) somatotype of elite male junior tennis players could be defined as ectomesomorphic (2.4 (0.7), 5.2 (0.8), 2.9 (0.7)) and the mean (SD) somatotype of elite female junior tennis players evaluated could be defined as endomesomorphic (3.8 (0.9), 4.6 (1.0), 2.4 (1.0)). No significant differences were found in somatotype components between the first 12 and the lower ranked players of both genders.

Conclusions

When comparing the first 12 and the lower ranked elite junior tennis players of both genders, no significant differences were observed in any measured item for the boys. By contrast, significant differences were observed in height and humeral and femoral breadths between the first 12 and the lower ranked girls, whereby the first 12 were taller and had wider humeral and femoral breadths than the lower ranked players. These differences could influence the playing style of junior female players.The interest in anthropometric characteristics, body composition and somatotype from different competitive sports has increased over the last decades. It has been well described that there are specific physical characteristics in many sports, such as the anthropometric profile, that indicate whether the player would be suitable to compete at the highest level in a specific sport.^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8} The quantification of morphological characteristics of elite athletes can be a key point in relating body structure to sports performance.During the past two decades, great changes have taken place in tennis with respect to technique and tactics, and even more so with respect to the physical performance of the players. Nowadays, tennis is one of the most popular sports in the world and is extensively studied. Most of the scientific literature has focused on physiological^{9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17} and biomechanical variables,^{18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29} physical performance,^30,31,32,33 and prevention and treatment of injuries.^{34,35,36,37,38,39,40} At present, there is little data on the physical characteristics of young^41,42,43,44 and adult⁴⁵ tennis players.Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the anthropometric characteristics, body composition and somatotype of elite junior tennis players, in order to use this for training and for the detection and identification of talented players.     

Anthropometric, body composition and somatotype differences of Greek elite female basketball, volleyball and handball players

AIM: The aims of the present study were: a) to determine the anthropometric profile, body composition and somatotype of elite Greek female basketball (B), volleyball (V) and handball (H) players, b) to compare the mean scores among sports and c) to detect possible differences in relation to competition level. METHODS: A total of 518 female athletes, all members of the Greek first National League (A1 and A2 division) in B, V and H sport teams participated in the present study. Twelve anthropometric measures required for the calculation of body composition indexes and somatotype components were obtained according to the established literature. RESULTS: V athletes were the tallest (P<0.001) among the three groups of athletes, had the lowest values of body fat (P<0.001) and their somatotype was characterized as balanced endomorph (3.4-2.7-2.9). B athletes were taller (P<0.01) and leaner (P<0.001) than H players, with a somatotype characterized as mesomorph-endomorph (3.7-3.2-2.4). H athletes were the shortest of all (P<0.01), had the highest percentage of body fat (P<0.001) and their somatotype was mesomorph-endomorph (4.2-4.7-1.8). In comparison with their A2 counterparts the A1 division players were taller (P<0.001) and heavier (P<0.01), but at the same time leaner (P<0.001), and exhibited higher homogeneity in somatotype characteristics (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Anthropometric, body composition and somatotype variables of Greek female elite teamball players varied among sports; selection criteria, hours of training and sport-specific physiological demands during the game could explain the observed differences. More data are certainly needed to define the anthropometric profile of B, V and H female athletes internationally.     

Trunk muscle size and function in volleyball players with and without injuries to the head,neck and upper limb

ObjectiveTo investigate trunk muscle size and function in elite and community volleyball players with and without a history of head, neck or upper limb injury.DesignCross-sectional observational study.SettingVolleyball training camp or training sessions.Participants86 volleyball players (elite = 29; community = 57).Main outcome measuresInformation regarding history of head, neck or upper limb injuries was collected by self-report questionnaires. Trunk muscle size (multifidus, transversus abdominis, internal oblique and quadratus lumborum) and voluntary contraction (multifidus, transversus abdominis, internal oblique) were assessed using ultrasound imaging.ResultsFor trunk muscle size, no significant differences were found between elite and community volleyball players with and without a history of injury (all p > 0.05). A significant difference was found for voluntary contraction of the multifidus and transversus abdominis muscles for elite and community volleyball players with and without a history of injury (all p < 0.05).ConclusionA difference in trunk muscle contraction but no change in trunk muscle size in players with a history of head, neck or upper limb injuries may represent an altered muscle recruitment pattern rather than a deficiency in trunk muscle strength. Prospective studies are required to determine if these adaptations are compensatory (and protective) or predispose players to further injuries.     

Frequency and associated factors of poor knee alignment in young Brazilian volleyball players

Objectives: Poor knee alignment during the deceleration phase of closed kinetic chain movements, such as landings, is a relevant risk factor for injuries in sports. This study assessed the knee alignment and possible associated factors in young Brazilian volleyball athletes

Methods: One hundred and seventeen athletes of both genders (9–19 years old) were assessed during a drop jump for the observation of knee alignment. Chi-square test was used to describe the association between poor knee alignment and: gender, age category (≤14 years and ≥15 years), sports experience, participation in competitions, the presence of knee pain during training, and history of lower limb injury

Results: Seventy percent of athletes presented poor knee alignment, which was slightly associated with a sports experience lower than one year.

Conclusion: Thus, considering the high number of volleyball practitioners and its strong presence in physical education classes, preventive measures should be adopted for young volleyball athletes of both genders, especially in the sports initiation phase.     

Short-term and long-term effects of ankle joint taping and bandaging on balance,proprioception and vertical jump among volleyball players with chronic ankle instability

ObjectiveThis study hypothesized that the prolonged use of taping during athletic activities produces more significant increases in proprioception, balance, and vertical jump among volleyball players with CAI.DesignA randomized controlled study.ParticipantsOne-hundred participants with chronic ankle instability (CAI) participated in this study. Participants were distributed into 3-groups: taping group, bandaging group, and control group.Primary outcome measuresProprioception (ankle range of motion absolute error), balance(Y-balance test), and vertical jump (vertical jump tester).InterventionsThree interventions were performed: ankle rigid taping, ankle bandaging, and placebo taping. The measurements were performed at baseline, immediately, 2-weeks and 2-months after support.ResultsImmediately after supports, there were non-significant differences between all groups for proprioception, balance (P < .05). There was a significant difference between banding and control groups, and taping and control groups for the vertical jump (P < .05). After 2-weeks and 2-months, there were significant differences between bandaging and control groups, and taping and control groups for proprioception, balance, and vertical jump (P < .05). There were non-significant differences between taping and bandaging groups (P < .05) during all assessments.ConclusionThis study indicated that ankle taping and bandaging immediately improve vertical jump only; while they improve proprioception, balance, and vertical jump after 2-weeks and 2-months.     

Vertical jump in female and male volleyball players: a review of observational and experimental studies

The main purpose of this article was to review a series of studies (n=32; 24 observational and eight experimental) examining vertical jump (VJ) performances in female and male volleyball players. The main findings of this review are (a) players of better performing teams have higher VJ values; (b) strength and conditioning programs that emphasize plyometric training can increase VJ performance; and (c) it is important to continue conditioning sessions throughout the season in order to maintain VJ performance. Three research limitations associated with the testing protocols and the strength and conditioning programs used in the studies were outlined: (a) the use of multiple testing protocols; (b) lack of experimental studies; and (c) lack of data on the effect of VJ performance on achieving success in actual games. Four recommendations for volleyball and strength and conditioning coaches were given: (a) Plyometric training should be included in the annual training program; (b) Interruptions in the conditioning program during the season should be avoided; (c) Overtraining during the pre‐season should be avoided; and (d) VJ performance should be tested throughout the entire season.     

An injury audit in high-level male youth soccer players from English,Spanish, Uruguayan and Brazilian academies

ObjectivesTo identify the most common injury types/locations in high-level male youth soccer players (YSP).DesignProspective cohort surveillance study.SettingProfessional soccer club academies.ParticipantsSix hundred and twenty-four high-level male YSP [Under 9 (U9) to U23 year-old age groups] from academies in England, Spain, Uruguay and Brazil.Main outcome measuresInjury type, location and severity were recorded during one season. Injury severity was compared between age groups, while injury type and location were compared between nations.ResultsFour hundred and forty-three training or match injuries were recorded, giving an injury rate of 0.71 per player. Non-contact injuries were most common (58.5%), with most (44.2%) resolved between 8 and 28 days. Most injuries (75.4%) occurred in the lower limbs, with muscle (29.6%) the most commonly injured tissue. U14 and U16 suffered a greater number of severe injuries relative to U12 and U19/U20/U23/Reserves. Tendon injury rate was higher in Brazil vs. Spain (p < 0.05), with low back/sacrum/pelvis injury rate highest in Spain (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe proportion of severe injuries in U14 and U16 suggests YSP injury risk is maturation-dependent. Minimal differences in type and location between high-level YSP from four different countries suggest injury rates in this population are geographically similar.     

Relationship between symptoms of jumper's knee and the ultrasound characteristics of the patellar tendon among high level male volleyball players

This study assessed the ultrasound characteristics of the patellar tendon in two groups of volleyball players, one group without knee symptoms and one group with symptoms of jumper's knee. Of 47 male elite players, 25 were diagnosed to have current and seven to have had previous symptoms of jumper's knee, as determined by clinical examination. Since some players had bilateral problems, there were 34 knees with current problems and nine with previous problems. Seven of the 30 knees with a clinical diagnosis of jumper's knee in the patellar tendon had normal ultrasound findings, and ultrasound changes believed to be associated with jumper's knee (tendon thickening, echo signal changes, irregular paratenon appearance) were observed in 12 of 51 knees without symptoms. Specific ultrasound findings such as paratenon changes, hypoechoic zones or pathological tendon thickness proximally did not correlate significantly with the degree or the duration of symptoms. This study suggests that the specificity and sensitivity of ultrasonography is low in the evaluation of patients with mild symptoms of jumper's knee.     

Psychological,biochemical and physiological responses of Brazilian soccer players during a training program

Aims of the study

The aim of this study is to investigate the behavior of the physiological, biochemical and psychological parameters in Brazilian soccer players during a training program.

Materials

Fifteen athletes were evaluated at the beginning (T1), in the middle (T2) and at the end (T3) of the training program. On the first day, at 7:30 am, before the blood collecting at rest for the determination of serum creatine kinase (CK), serum creatinine and serum urea, the athletes had their psychological parameters assessed by the profile of mood state questionnaire (POMS). After 90 min, they performed a 250-m sprint. On the second day at 8:30 am, the athletes had their alactic anaerobic performance measured and, after 40 min, they completed the aerobic test. Friedman test was used to verify the behavior of overtraining markers.

Results

There was a decrease in vigor score in T3 (p = 0.01) compared with T1 and T2. In T3 (p = 0.01), the athletes also showed an increase in serum creatinine levels compared to T1. Furthermore, in the same period, we verified a diminishing in the team performance.

Conclusion

The training program developed between T2 and T3 led to the fall of the vigor score, the increase in serum creatinine concentrations and the diminishing in team performance.     

The incidence and differential diagnosis of acute groin injuries in male soccer players

This prospective cohort study evaluated the incidence of acute groin injuries and estimated the distribution of differential diagnoses in male soccer players. Two senior male soccer divisions (21 teams, 326 players) were followed for 1 year. Patients with groin injuries were examined clinically as well as by herniography, sonography and by plain x-ray of the pelvic bones. Groin injuries accounted for 8% of all injuries. The incidence of groin injury was 0.8/1000 h of exposure. Thirteen (52%) of the 25 patients were clinically considered to have a muscle/tendon injury. However, when using sonography, muscle/tendon injury was only verified in 1 patient. Clinical suspicion of hernia or incipient hernia was evident in 4 (16%) of the patients, while 14 (56%) had a pathological finding at herniography. Clinical and paraclinical (i.e. diagnostic methods using imaging and other advanced techniques) diagnoses do not correspond very well in acute groin injury.     

The adult male urethra: normal anatomy, pathology, and method of urethrography.

Detailed knowledge of the normal anatomy of the urethra and adjacent structures is essential to an understanding of the normal radiologic landmarks on urethrography, and is prerequisite to the radiologic interpretation of the diseased urethra. The nature of fibrosis in the urethra must also be clearly understood, since radiologic interpretation of urethral scarring influences surgical management. No longer is it sufficient for the radiologist to delineate a tight structure in the urethra and leave the operative decision solely to clinical assessment. Dynamic retrograde urethrography allows the radiologist to direct the attention of the urologist to the membranous urethra and to the possibility that transsphincter urethroplasty may be required. While voiding urethrography is an integral part of the examination and may provide additional information, voiding urethrography without dynamic retrograde urethrography without dynamic retrograde urethrography may be misleading in that soft scarring of the urethra may be missed.     

The incidence,prevalence, severity,mechanism and body region of injury in elite junior Australian football players: A prospective cohort study over one season

Objectives

To describe the incidence, prevalence, severity, mechanism and body region of injuries in elite junior Australian football (AF) players over one competitive season in order to help inform injury prevention interventions.