2027 Volume 5 Issue 1 Pages 1-8
Objective: This study aimed to compare physique, body composition, and physical function between male youth soccer players in the top team and those in the other groups. The results will contribute to the effective assessment and intervention strategies by physical therapists to enhance the performance of male youth soccer players.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Seventy-two male youth soccer players (16 ± 1 years) were included in this study. Group differences by category of affiliation were investigated using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), with physique, body composition, and physical function as dependent variables. As an ex-post facto examination, then comparing each measurement item in the t-test was used.
Results: The results of the MANOVA revealed a significant difference in the dependent variable in the affiliation category (p＝0.018). When compared in terms of physique, body composition, and physical function, the top team groups demonstrated superior weight, skeletal muscle mass index, trunk muscle mass index, and fat-free mass index than the other team groups (p<0.05). When compared in terms of physical function, the top team groups showed higher counter movement jump (CMJ) and faster sprint times (20‒50 m) than the other team groups (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The top team groups performed better in weight, muscle mass, CMJ, and sprinting ability. The results revealed that increasing the body weight and muscle mass of male youth soccer players and elevating their jumping and sprinting abilities could enhance their performance.
