Abstract
Background: Anthropometric profiles can contribute to the understanding of a soccer player's fitness.
Aims: The aim of this study was to establish the anthropometric characteristics and their relationship with the demarcation of Spanish female first division players in the Women's Professional Football League.
Methods: Thirty-eight Spanish First Division female football players (24.1±4.206) years of age, height (165.545±6.059 cm) and weight (60.038±5.17), according the International Society for Advancement in Kinanthropometry, Body weight, Height, Arm and leg circumferences, Skinfold thicknesses were performed three times by an expert in kinanthropometry techniques (accredited level 2) in accordance with ISAK recommendations. Body composition was calculated according to the indications of the Spanish Group of Kinanthropometry. All analyses were performed using R with R commander.
Results: Regarding height, goalkeepers were the tallest (p>0.0301). The height of the defenders was greater than that of the forwards (p>0.0303). The thigh crease of the defenders was greater than that of the forwards (p>0.0134). The biileocrestal diameter was greater in midfielders than in forwards (p>0.0463). The muscle percentage of female forwards was higher than that of female defenders (p>0.0304).
Conclusion: In conclusion, our study of female soccer players showed some significant differences in height, thigh crease and biileocrestal diameter between the different demarcations that may favor the playing role with which they are associated.