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.     

Somatotype, role and performance in elite volleyball players.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to examine the importance of the somatometric components of elite male and female volleyball players in relation to their different game roles and levels of performance. METHODS: Two hundred and thirty-four male athletes (aged 24.7+/-4.4 years) and 244 female athletes (aged 23.1+/-4.4 years) from the Italian A1 and A2 volleyball leagues underwent anthropometric measurements during the 1992-1993 and 1993-1994 seasons. Somatotypes were estimated with the Heath-Carter method. RESULTS: Marked sexual dimorphism in somatotype was observed in the total sample. The average somatotype for men was 2.2-4.2-3.2 (SD 0.7-0.9-0.9), and for women it was 3.0-3.3-2.9 (SD 0.8-1.0-0.9). The somatotype was significantly different in players at different levels of performance (A1 vs A2 leagues), as it follows: 2.1-4.1-3.3 (SD 0.6-0.8-0.7) vs 2.3-4.3-3.0 (SD 0.7-1.0-0.8) in males; 2.9-3.1-3.0 (SD 0.8-1.0-0.9) vs 3.1-3.5-2.7 (SD 0.8-0.9-0.8) in females. The somatotype was also significantly different in players in different roles. In male sex the mean somatotypes for setters were 2.4-4.5-2.8 (SD 0.7-0.9-0.8), for centres they were 2.0-4.0-3.5 (SD 0.6-1.0-0.8), for spikers they were 2.2-4.3-3.0 (SD 0.6-0.9-0.7), for opposites they were 2.2-4.3-3.1 (SD 0.6-0.9-0.8). In female sex the mean somatotypes for setters were 3.1-3.6-2.5 (SD 0.8-1.0-1.0), for centres they were 2.8-3.1-3.1 (SD 0.8-0.9-0.7), for spikers they were 3.0-3.5-2.8 (SD 0.9-1.0-0.9) and for opposites they were 3.0-3.2-3.0 (SD 0.7-0.9-0.8). CONCLUSIONS: The physique of athletes in the A1 league is characterized by higher ectomorphy and lower endomorphy and mesomorphy. There is also a slight tendency of male players to a greater homogeneity in somatotype within the group at the maximum level of performance. Moreover somatotype differs in relation to game role in volleyball players of both sexes: the mesomorphic component is maximal in setters, while the ectomorphic component is maximal in centres.     

运动员Marfan氏综合征的医务监督

目的 :提高教练员和医生对Marfan氏综合征的认识 ,更好地预防运动性猝死。同时为掌握身材高大项目运动员身体形态测量的规律提供参考数据。方法 :通过对 4例确诊和疑似马凡氏综合征运动员从疾病发现、发展变化、死亡、转归过程的阐述、分析 ,提供了对确诊和疑似马凡氏综合征运动员的处理、治疗方案及注意事项。同时对现役国家男、女篮球队运动员进行了包括眼科、骨科、心电图、超声心动图等全面的体检 ,以排查马凡氏综合征。结果提示 :男性运动员主动脉根部大于 60mm、女性大于 5 0mm已具有猝死风险 ,应给予高度重视。篮球运动员臂展 >身高者占4 3 3% ,且男性臂展 /身高 >1 0 3者占 2 0 %。     

The use of physical fitness scores and anthropometric data to predict selection in an elite under 18 Australian rules football team

This study was conducted to determine if anthropometric and fitness testing scores can be used to discriminate between players that were selected or not selected in an elite Under 18 Australian Rules Football side. A training squad of 40 Australian Rules Football players was assessed on a battery of standard anthropometric and fitness tests just prior to the selection of the 30 man player roster for the upcoming season. Results showed that the selected players were significantly (P<0.05) taller and had greater upper body strength than non-selected players. A discriminant analysis was performed which predicted with an accuracy of 80% whether each player was successful or unsuccessful in gaining selection. This suggested that physical conditioning and anthropometric measurements do play an important part in determining selection in elite junior Australian Rules Football teams. However the discriminant function predicted non-selected players (90.9%) better than it predicted selected players (75.9%). Selected Under 18 players were found to be similar to the values reported for elite to sub-elite senior players on height, sit and reach, CMJ and perhaps aerobic fitness, but considerably less than the senior players on 3RM bench press and body mass.     

Anthropometry and somatotype of competitive female figure skaters 11-22 years. Variation by competitive level and discipline

AIM: Variation in anthropometric characteristics and somatotype of female figure skaters by level of competition and discipline was examined. METHODS: Experimental design: ANCOVA with age as the covariate was used to compare the anthropometry of skaters by level (test stream, pre-elite, elite) and discipline (free, dance, pair), while MANCOVA was used to compare somatotype. Setting: purposive sampling reflecting the skating population by level and discipline was used to recruit skaters in 4 American, and 7 Canadian figure skating clubs. Participants: a total of 161 competitive female figure skaters 11-22 years of age (15.7+/-2.4 years) comprised the sample. Measures: a battery of 15 anthropometric dimensions was taken on each skater. Several dimensions, ratios and Heath-Carter somatotypes were derived. RESULTS: Test skaters are heavier and generally larger than pre-elite skaters. Test stream skaters also have larger limb circumferences, estimated calf and arm musculature, and a thicker sum of skinfolds, and are more endomorphic than pre-elite skaters. Elite skaters are more mesomorphic than pre-elite skaters. The sitting height/stature (SH/ST) ratio is significantly lower in pre-elite skaters, while elite and test stream skaters do not differ in this indicator of proportions. Free skaters are taller and heavier; have a higher body mass index (BMI), limb circumferences and sum of skinfolds; and proportionally shorter legs than dancers and pair skaters. Free skaters, dancers and pair skaters, however, do not differ in somatotype. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that figure skating favors lightness, leanness, higher mesomorphy and lower endomorphy at more elite levels. Shortness, leanness and linearity of physique appear to be selective factors associated with specialization in dance and pair skating.     

Anthropometric, body composition and performance variables of young elite female basketball players.

The purpose of the study was to determine the physique and body composition of young female basketball players and to examine these variables in relation to their playing position. Eighteen members of the under seventeen England Basketball squad were measured on twenty different anthropometric sites from which somatotype and body composition were calculated. Four performance measures, vertical jump, anaerobic power, right and left grip strength and laterality were also measured. The variables of the basketball players grouped according to playing position were then compared statistically using ANOVA. Centres had the largest measures of physique and body composition followed by the forwards and then the guards. These differences were significant, particularly between the centres and the guards. The centres were much taller, had longer limb lengths, hip widths and were more muscular.     

Croatian rugby project-Part I. Anthropometric characteristics, body composition and constitution.

BACKGROUND: There are no data in important literature about the anthropometric characteristics of rugby players in countries where rugby is not a popular sport. The goals of this study were to analyze morphological anthropometric characteristics, body composition and constitution of players in the first Croatian-Slovenian rugby league (CSRL) with regard to player's position in the team, team position in the division, and to compare results with the results of rugby players from the more popular rugby leagues. METHODS: The study was carried out in a sample of voluntarily included 111 male rugby players from six clubs members of the CSRL, in the season 1996/97. Eleven anthropometric measures required for the calculations of body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BF%), and somatotype components were obtained in the clubs according to the recommendations by Jackson and Pollock and Heath and Carter. RESULTS: Forwards in the CSRL are on the average 93.5 kg heavy, 182.4 cm tall, with BMI 28.3 kg/m2, BF% 20.8% and somatotype 6.7-5.9-1.4. Backs are on average 82.2 kg heavy, 178.3 cm tall, with BMI 26.1 kg/m2, BF% 16.9% and somatotype 5.3-5.3-1.5. Backs from upper half of the division are on the average heavier than those from lower half, BF% in forwards from upper half of the division is higher than in forwards from lower half. Both differences were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the rugby players from more developed rugby leagues, forwards from the CSRL are lighter, backs are heavier and both have higher body fat percentage. Backs and forwards are more endomorphic and forwards are less mesomorphic compared with the rugby players from more developed rugby leagues.     

The New Zealand rugby injury and performance project. III. Anthropometric and physical performance characteristics of players.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anthropometric and physical performance characteristics of New Zealand rugby players of different ages and both sexes. METHODS: 356 rugby players (264 male, 92 female) took part in the study during a single season. Playing grade ranged from schoolboys and schoolgirls to senior men and women. Assessment of height, weight, neck circumference, and somatotype was performed before the competitive rugby season. A battery of six physical performance assessments was completed after the anthropometry. Analysis of variance was used to examine differences in these variables between field positions and grades. RESULTS: Significant differences between forwards and backs on anthropometric and physical performance variables were apparent at all grades assessed. In terms of anthropometric characteristics, forwards of a given grade were generally taller, possessed greater body mass, and were more endomorphic and less ectomorphic than backs of the same grade. The backs tended to perform better on physical performance measures than forwards, being more aerobically fit, faster, more agile, and possessing a higher degree of muscular endurance. Differences in anthropometry and physical performance attributes were also apparent between players from the various grades. The players at higher levels were generally larger, and performed better on tests of physical performance than the players at lower levels. These differences were found in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: The greater body mass of the forwards allows them to obtain greater momentum than the backs when sprinting. The ability to obtain greater momentum is important in the body contact phases of the game. Forwards may compromise their aerobic fitness and speed to some extent in order to maintain a high body mass. The anthropometric and physical performance characteristics of players appear to reflect the demands placed on them by the sport.     

Physical and fitness characteristics of successful Gaelic footballers.

Anthropometric and fitness observations were made on 32 members of a top level Gaelic football squad that reached the All Ireland final in the year in which these measurements were taken. The subjects were found to be large and well muscled with a mean somatotype of 2.6:5.6:3.1 (endomorphy:mesomorphy:ectomorphy). Body fat content of the whole squad averaged 15.0% but the most successful group of players averaged 12.4%. The body mass index (BMI) of the group was high and averaged 24.7 km.m-2. This group of Gaelic footballers was found to be taller and heavier than top level soccer players but smaller than Australian rules and American footballers. At 58.6 ml.min-1.kg-1 maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) was higher than that reported for rugby players and American footballers and is probably similar to that of professional soccer players. Scores on three lung function tests: (1) forced vital capacity (FVC), (2) forced expiratory volume during 1 s (FEV1), and (3) peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were between 112% and 115% of the values predicted from height and age. There were wide variations in flexibility among the members of the group, the best individuals being as flexible as elite track and field athletes while the worst were less flexible than untrained subjects. Vertical jump scores were high and averaged 503 mm. The fitness observations made on this group of elite Gaelic footballers showed that they were not only fitter but more homogeneously fit than rugby players and American footballers and their fitness was generally similar to that reported for professional soccer players.     

Onset of puberty, menstrual frequency, and body fat in elite rhythmic gymnasts compared with normal controls

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of delayed menarche and abnormal menstrual patterns, as well as the association of menstrual status with physical training in elite rhythmic gymnasts from Greece and Canada. METHODS: Fifteen Greek (mean (SEM) age 14.5 (0.2) years) and 30 Canadian (mean (SEM) age 14.7 (0.4) years) rhythmic gymnasts were surveyed for age at menarche, menstrual frequency, and training profile, and measured for height, weight, and percentage body fat (%BF). Seventy eight healthy adolescents served as country specific non-active controls: 38 Greek non-athletes (mean (SEM) age 14.5 (0.1) years) and 40 Canadian non-athletes (mean (SEM) 14.2 (0.1) years). RESULTS: Of the Greek gymnasts, 79% had not yet menstruated compared with 34% of the Canadian gymnasts. Menarche was significantly (p<0.01) delayed in the rhythmic gymnasts (composite mean 13.8 (0.3) years, n = 45) compared with the controls (composite mean 12.5 (0.1) years, n = 78). There was no significant difference between Greek and Canadian gymnasts for the age at menarche (14.2 (0.3) v 13.6 (1.2) years respectively). Menstrual irregularities were reported in 78% (61% oligomenorrhoeic and 17% amenorrhoeic) of the menarcheal athletes. Menarcheal gymnasts were found to be significantly (p<0.05) taller and heavier, with a higher %BF and a lower training frequency and training duration (p<0.05) than the premenarcheal gymnasts. Overall, the mean %BF of the gymnasts was significantly lower (p<0.05) than that of the control subjects. The Canadian controls exhibited a significantly (p<0.05) greater %BF than the Greek controls of the same age. CONCLUSION: Delayed menarche, menstrual irregularities, and low body fat are common in elite rhythmic gymnasts. Premenarcheal gymnasts train more often and for longer, and have a lower body mass index and less body fat, than menarcheal gymnasts. Prospective studies are needed to explore further these and other factors associated with delayed menarche and menstrual irregularities in female athletes.     

Descriptive characteristics of NCAA Division I women lacrosse players

The purpose of this investigation was to describe anthropometric and physical performance characteristics of Division I college female lacrosse players. An additional aim of the study was to examine positional differences in this sample of athletes. Eighty-four university lacrosse players (age=19.8+/-1.1 years; height=168.3+/-5.9 cm; body mass=64.7+/-6.9 kg) volunteered to participate and were evaluated at the end of their off-season. Test items included standing height, body mass, linear sprint speed (9.14-36.58 m), agility (pro-agility and Illinois), countermovement jump height and the 20 Meter Shuttle Run Test (MSRT). Standing height was different between positions, pairwise comparisons indicating that attackers were taller than defenders (p=0.029). No other dependent variable differed between positions. Homogeneity between positions for women's lacrosse players indicates that the tests used do not have a high discriminatory value or could reflect the lack of development of positional specificity due to relatively minimal playing experience by participants. Although positional distinctions were not observed in this study, quartiles and ranges provide evidence that performance in female lacrosse players varies markedly.     

Correlation of anthropometric measurements, strength, anterior cruciate ligament size, and intercondylar notch characteristics to sex differences in anterior cruciate ligament tear rates

We performed a prospective study based on the hypothesis that physiologic differences exist between men and women in strength after adjustments for body weight; that the size of the anterior cruciate ligament is proportionate to the strength of its antagonists, the quadriceps muscles; and that women have a relatively small anterior cruciate ligament, thus predisposing them to a disproportionate number of anterior cruciate ligament injuries. One hundred matched high school basketball players, 50 male and 50 female, were evaluated with anthropometric measurements, body fat analysis, muscle strength evaluation, and magnetic resonance imaging measurements of the intercondylar notch and cross-sectional area of the anterior cruciate ligament at the outlet. The male players were taller and heavier than their female counterparts, although they had 11% less body fat. Male players had statistically greater quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength than female players, even when adjustments were made for body weight. With adjustments for body weight, the size of the anterior cruciate ligament in girls was found to be statistically smaller than in boys. There was no statistically significant difference in the notch width index between the sexes. The study data support our hypothesis that sex differences in anterior cruciate ligament tear rates are caused primarily by several interrelated intrinsic factors. Most importantly, stiffness and muscular strength increase stress on the anterior cruciate ligament in female athletes. The anterior cruciate ligament, when adjustments have been made for body weight, is smaller in female athletes, and therefore, probably does not compensate for the lack of stiffness and strength.     

Anthropometric profiles of elite Asian female handball players

AIM: Handball has increased in status as a sport since its introduction in 1972 into the Summer Olympic Games. Whereas anthropometric profiles of female athletes have been reported for certain sports, data for elite handball players are limited. The current study was based on anthropometric measurements of 60 female Asian handball players competing in the continental championship, the aim being to identify any differences between countries and between playing positions. METHODS: The setting was the 12(th) Asian Games in Hiroshima, Japan. Anthropometric data were obtained from 60 players including teams from China, Japan, Kazakhstan and South Korea. Measurements included height, mass, skinfold thicknesses: from these measures percent body fat and muscle mass were estimated. Profiles were compared between 4 nations and 4 positional roles by means of ANOVA. RESULTS: Overall, mean (SD) values were 1.708 (0.068) m, 64.6 (7.7) kg, 20.8% (4.4%), 39.6% (5.2%) for stature, mass, percent body fat and percent muscle mass, respectively. There were small differences between players from different countries but no significant (P>0.05) influence of playing position. Players from Japan were shortest, lightest and lowest in adiposity. The Chinese players were tallest and had the greatest muscle mass. CONCLUSION: These female international handball players differed in some respects in anthropometric characteristics according to their country of origin. The Asian players were found to be relatively homogeneous across the different positions.     

Anthropometry, physical performance, and ultrasound patellar tendon abnormality in elite junior basketball players: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE: Patellar tendinopathy has been reported to be associated with many intrinsic risk factors. Few have been fully investigated. This cross-sectional study examined the anthropometric and physical performance results of elite junior basketball players with normal or abnormal patellar tendons to see if any measures were associated with changes in tendon morphology. METHODS: Agility, leg strength, endurance, and flexibility were measured in 71 male and 64 female players. A blinded radiologist ultrasonographically examined their patellar tendons and athletes were grouped as having normal or abnormal tendons. One-way ANOVA was used to test for differences in anthropometric and physical performance data for athletes whose tendons were normal or abnormal (unilateral or bilateral tendinopathy) on ultrasound. RESULTS: Results show that females with abnormalities in their tendons had a significantly better vertical jump (50.9+/-6.8 cm) than those with normal tendons (46.1+/-5.4 cm) (p = 0.02). This was not found in males. In males, the mean sit and reach in those with normal tendons (13.2+/-6.7 cm) was greater (p<0.03) than in unilateral tendinopathy (10.3+/-6.2 cm) or in bilateral tendinopathy (7.8+/-8.3 cm). In females, those with normal tendons (13.3+/-4.8 cm) and bilateral tendinopathy (15.8+/-6.2 cm) were distinctly different from those with unilateral tendinopathy (7.9+/-6.6 cm). CONCLUSION: Flexibility and vertical jump ability are associated with patellar tendinopathy and the findings warrant consideration when managing young, jumping athletes.     

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.     

The C allele in NOS3 -786 T/C polymorphism is associated with elite soccer player's status

The NOS3-786 T/C polymorphism (rs2070744) is a candidate to explain individual variations in sports related phenotypes. We determined the genotype and allele frequency of NOS3-786 T/C in a group of 60 male professional elite soccer players. Their results were compared with those of 100 world-class endurance athletes, 53 elite power athletes, and 100 sedentary, healthy men (controls) of the same Caucasian (Spanish) origin. There were significant differences in genotype frequencies between soccer players, controls, endurance and power elite athletes (all P ≤ 0.02). These results were confirmed when we analysed allelic frequencies (all P<0.01). The likelihood of having the C allele was higher in soccer players compared with (i) controls [odds ratio (OR), 2.165, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.362-3.441], (ii) endurance athletes (OR: 1.879, 95%CI: 1.184-2.984), and (iii) power athletes (OR: 4.032, 95%CI: 2.307-7.047). In conclusion, the -786C allele is associated with the status of being an elite soccer player, compared with non-athletic controls and also with elite endurance and power athletes. More research is needed in other groups of elite soccer players in order to replicate the results of the present study.     

Growth and menarcheal status of elite female gymnasts.

The growth and maturity status of 201 elite female gymnasts was considered. The subjects were participants at the 24 World Championship Artistic Gymnastics in 1987. In addition to age at menarche, weight, stature, biacromial, and bicristal breadths, the sitting height/stature ratio, and the Health-Carter anthropometric somatotype of gymnasts 13-20 yr of age were compared with reference data for a nationally representative sample of Flemish girls. Median age at menarche (probit analysis) in gymnasts is 15.6 +/- 2.1 yr compared with 13.2 +/- 1.2 yr in Flemish girls. Anthropometric dimensions increase with age until about 16 yr and then tend to plateau. In contrast to body size, there is little variation in somatotype with age. Compared with adolescent girls, elite gymnasts are considerably shorter and lighter with narrower shoulders and hips, but the differences are more apparent after 17 yr. Elite gymnasts do not differ from nonathletes in relative leg length, but they have proportionally broader shoulders relative to hips. Differences in somatotype occur primarily in endomorphy (especially lower in gymnasts) and to a lesser extent in mesomorphy (higher in gymnasts).     

Investigation of anthropometric and work-rate profiles of elite South American international soccer players

BACKGROUND: The aim of the current investigation was to determine the movement profiles of elite South American soccer players during international competition and examine the relationship between anthropometric profile and work-rate variables. METHODS: Seventeen full-time professional soccer players were filmed while competing for their countries. Anthropometric profiles were obtained for eleven of these players. Six full-time professional players from the English Premier League were also filmed for comparative purposes. RESULTS: The South American international players covered significantly less (p<0.05) total distance during match-play than English Premier League players (International, 8638+/-1158 m; English Premier League, 10104+/-703 m). The total distance covered during the second half of the game was significantly reduced (p<0.05) compared to the first half distance for both groups of players (mean+/-SD first half 4605+/-625 m; mean+/-SD second half 4415+/-634 m). The data for both groups of players were combined to evaluate positional differences in the workrate profile. Midfield players covered a significantly greater (p<0.05) distance than forward players (midfield, 9826+/-1031 m; forwards, 7736+/-929 m) and defenders covered a greater (p<0.05) distance jogging backwards than forward players (defenders, 276+/-155 m; forwards, 68+/-25 m). Forwards sprinted a greater distance (p<0.05) than defensive players (defenders, 231+/-142 m; forwards, 557+/-142 m). Mean somatotype was a balanced mesomorph (2-5 1/2-2). Body mass and muscle mass was related to the total distance covered (r=0.43, r=0.53, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on these data, it seems that an individual's work-rate profile is dependent upon the type of competition and the playing position. Relationships between anthropometric profile and work-rate are complex due to the interaction between the variables that determine work-rate.     

Biological characteristics and ageing in former elite volleyball players

To date, there is very little information about the effects of ageing and sport selection on the characteristics of former athletes. The aim of this study was to analyse anthropometric and physiological characteristics of 146 former elite volleyball players in Italy. The possible effect of an active or inactive lifestyle on ageing was assessed by comparing the biological profiles of subsamples of former athletes with and without regular sport activity. All the former athletes underwent measurements of standard anthropometry (height, sitting height and body mass; skinfold thicknesses; bi-acromial and bi-cristal breadths; upper limb length; upper arm, calf and chest girths), cardio-respiratory function (vital capacity, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s; systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart rate), muscle strength (handgrip strength), and cognitive function (visual and auditory simple reaction times; Digit-Symbol subtest). Body composition parameters were estimated from anthropometric measurements. Data on lifestyle were collected by questionnaires. The results show that the former players differ from current players in several anthropometric and physiological traits. Selection pressure seems to be more responsible for these differences than ageing. This study underlines the particular performance of former players in cognitive functions. Moreover, it confirms that an active lifestyle has beneficial effects on the biological age profiles of former athletes.