Nutrition Research
Volume 24, Issue 3 , Pages 235-242, March 2004

Body composition in young male football (soccer) players

  • Luis A Moreno

      Affiliations

    • Escuela Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Zaragoza, C/Domingo Miral s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +34 976 761000 (ext. 4457); Fax: +34 976 761752.
    • ,
  • Juan F León

      Affiliations

    • Escuela Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Zaragoza, C/Domingo Miral s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
    • ,
  • Ruth Serón

      Affiliations

    • Escuela Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Zaragoza, C/Domingo Miral s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
    • ,
  • María I Mesana

      Affiliations

    • Escuela Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Zaragoza, C/Domingo Miral s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
    • ,
  • Jesús Fleta

      Affiliations

    • Escuela Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Zaragoza, C/Domingo Miral s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain

Received 29 July 2003; received in revised form 20 October 2003; accepted 26 October 2003.

Abstract 

The aim of the study was to assess body composition by anthropometry in school-age children playing football (soccer) and to compare the results with those of a reference group. We studied 239 children aged 9.0 to 14.9 years who played this sport in a local league. We compared them with a reference population of 453 children in the same age range. We measured weight, height, four skinfold thicknesses, and two circumferences; and we calculated body mass index, total body fat percentage, fat free mass, arm fat percentage, and arm muscle area. Body mass index do not showed any significant difference between football (soccer) and reference groups in any age category. The percentage of total body fat was significantly lower in the football (soccer) group than in the reference group at 9, 11, 12, and 14 years. In studies aiming to assess the effect of physical activity on body composition, it will be necessary to measure, not only body mass index, but other measures of the body fat compartment. Football (soccer) can be proposed as a physical activity practice aiming to prevent or treat obesity and its comorbidities.

Keywords:  Physical activity, Body fat, Skinfolds, Circumferences, Energy expenditure, Obesity

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PII: S0271-5317(03)00253-7

doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2003.10.006

Nutrition Research
Volume 24, Issue 3 , Pages 235-242, March 2004

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