Research in Physical Education, Sport and Health 2017, Vol. 6, No. 2, pp ISSN(Print): ; ISSN(Online):

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1 Research in Physical Education, Sport and Health 2017, Vol. 6, No. 2, pp ISSN(Print): ; ISSN(Online): DIFFERENCES IN SOME ANTHROPOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS BETWEEN CATHEGORIES OF FOOTBALL PLAYERS, PARTICIPANTS IN THE SUPERLEAGUE AND THE AMATEUR LEAGUE OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOSOVO UDC: ( ) (Original scientific paper) Nagib Lenjani 1, Besnik Telai 1, Nebojsa Markovski 2 1 Faculty of Physical Education, State University of Tetovo, Macedonia 2 Faculty of Physical Education, Sport, and Health, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, Macedonia Abstract The aim of the research is to determine the differences in the anthropometric characteristics among the young categories of football players from the super league and the amateur league of the Republic of Kosovo. The survey was conducted on 132 respondents of young football players at the age of 14 (±6 months). The sample was divided into two groups, namely 66 young football players who play in the super league and 66 young football players who play in the amateur league of the Republic of Kosovo. The sample of the variables consisted of 10 anthropometric measures that define the longitudinal and transversal dimension of the skeleton, then the volume and mass of the body and subcutaneous fatty tissue. The measurement results were analyzed by statistical procedures marked as a multivariate and univariate analysis of variance. Based on the results it can be concluded that young players competing in higher ranking competitions have lower values of the skin folds on the back subscapular, skin fold of the triceps and skin fold of the belly. In the other anthropometric measures there are no statistically significant differences between younger football players who are competing in the lower and higher-ranking competitions. Key words: Anthropometry, body composition, soccer. Introduction Soccer is one of the most popular team sport, which is characterized by high intensity, short-term actions and pauses of varying length (Reilly et al., 2010). To succeed in a soccer game, players need the optimal combination of physical quality, technical, tactical, and mental motivation (Bangsbo & Michalsik 2002). Due to the financial benefits of being able to promote talented players from the youth ranks into the senior first team, sports scientist have a crucial role in a professional soccer club. They identify and develop future players. Information concerning the anthropometric and performance characteristics of players of varying age will have application to a large population, particularly coaches and sports scientists (Reeves et al., 1999). Anthropometry is the branch of anthropology that deals with human body measurement. The definition is confined to the kind of measurements commonly used in associating physical performance with body build. Anthropometry involves the measurement of external part of the body, including body diameters, body circumference, heights and breadth (Findak et al., 1996). Indeed, many experts in the field, such as soccer coaches, managers, and scientists believe that the success of this sport can be associated with anthropometric characteristics of players. Some studies have even focused on the relationship between anthropometric profiles of players and their standard positions (Gil et al., 2007). Anthropometric quality of soccer players is a major determinant of their success in playing genuine soccer, however, it associates within a playing position. For example, a taller player is most suitable for central defensive positions, goalkeeping, and central attack (Reeves et al., 1999; Reilly et al., 2010). Not only these, but specific anthropometric characteristics needed to be successful in certain sporting events. It is also important to note that there are some differences in body structure and composition of sports persons 79

2 DIFFERENCES IN SOME ANTHROPOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS involved in different sporting event. The process whereby the physical demands of a sport lead to selection of body types best suited to that sport is known as morphological optimization (Bloomfield et al., 1995). In soccer, the importance of body composition on performance remains unclear; however, it is a primary concern in conditioning programs throughout a season at all levels of competition. But body composition measures are widely used to prescribe desirable body weights, to optimize competitive performance, and to assess the effects of training (Sinning et al., 1996). A lower relative body fat is desirable for successful competition in most of ball games. This is because additional body fat adds to the weight of the body without contributing to its force production or energy producing capabilities, which means a decrease in relative strength (Abraham 2010; Sinning et al., 1996). In measuring this aspect of the body composition, the total body weight is divided into two components; Lean Body Weight and Fat Body Weight. Lean Body Weight includes muscle, bone and vital organs and estimated from skin fold measurement (Singh et al., 2010). Physical characteristics and body composition have been known to be fundamental to excellence in athletic performance (Mathur & Salokun 1985). Specific athletic events require different body types and weights for maximal performance (American Dietetic Association 1987). Today it has been widely accepted by the experts that top performance in soccer is achieved if player possesses the basic body composition and anthropometric characteristics suitable for his/her position (goalkeeper, defense, midfielder, and striker) (Latimer et al., 1985). At present, sportsman for superior performance in any sports is selected on the basis of physical structure and body size. Developing good conditioning programs based on the specific morphological and physiological requirement of each sport is considered as a key factor for successes (Balciunas et al., 2006). Actually both anthropometry and body composition have relationship with soccer performance. But, still more clarification is required on anthropometric and body composition qualities of Kosovian football players. So, this research was conducted in order to fill this gap. It is an interesting topic for physical exercise scientists, coaches, athletes, exercise physiologist and other specialists in sports and exercise science. In fact, there were many studies regarding the analysis of the exercise and fitness, but there was not enough research that studied the anthropometric and body composition quality and requirements of the soccer game, especially in Kosovian in relation to this issue. Currently, enhancement of athletic performance efficiency is designed upon critical study of human anatomy, physiology, modern way of dieting and scientific way of training based upon a new findings and principles of investigation. This study was highly concentrated on the assessment of anthropometric measurement and body composition of Kosovian football players. The research will contribute in addressing the anthropometric and body composition characteristics of football players in order for the coaches, players and managers to understand, formulate and implement them while designing effective strategies for coaching programs. The study also helps to develop our country s soccer federation to recruit skilled players based on their anthropometric quality. In addition, it will help to others as a research work for in-depth studies on the problem undertaken. The finding of the research may help as reference for researchers who will conduct advanced researches. Material & Method Subjects The sample was consisted of 132 respondents of young football players of the super league and amateur league of the Republic of Kosovo. The respondents were at the age of 14 years ±6 months. The sample was divided into two subgroups, 66 young football players who play in the super league and 66 young football players who play in the amateur league of the Republic of Kosovo. The study included all players whose parents agreed to participate in the research. The respondents were treated in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration. Variables To collect the data, the technique of anthropometric research was used. A total of 10 anthropometric measures have been measured that define the longitudinal and transversal dimensionality of the skeleton, then the volume and mass of the body and subcutaneous fatty tissue. The sample of variables was consisted of: Body height (AVIS), Length of left leg (ADLN), Size of upper leg (AONK), Body Mass Weight (ATTM), Body Mass Index (ABMI), Knee Joint diameter (ADZK), Skin Fold of the back (AKNG), Skin Fold of lower leg of calf (AKNP), Skin Fold of upper arm of triceps (AKNNT) and Skin Fold of belly 80

3 N. Lenjani, et al. (AKNS). Measuring of the anthropometric measurements was realized upon the recommendations given by IBP-International Biology Program, (Lohman et al., 1988) Results The data of Kolmogorov-Smirnov s procedure show that the results of most anthropometric measures do not deviate from the normal distribution, that is statistically significant at the level of 1%, matching with the theoretical curve of that distribution, which was methodologically possible to carry out further processing of the data (the data from these analyzes are not shown). In order to determine the multivariate and univariate among group differences in anthropometric measures among young football players competing in a higher and lower competitive rank, the multivariate and univariate analysis of the variance are applied. The results of this analysis are shown in Tables 1 and 2. Table 1 Multivariate among group differences in anthropometric measures among young football players competing in a higher and lower competitive rank Value F Hypothesis df Error df Sig. Pillai's trace,144 2,029 a 10, ,000,036 Wilks' lambda,856 2,029 a 10, ,000,036 Hotelling's trace,168 2,029 a 10, ,000,036 Roy's largest root,168 2,029 a 10, ,000,036 Table 2 Univariate among group differences in anthropometric measures among young football players competing in a higher and lower competitive rank HIGHER LOWER Mean SD Mean SD F p AVIS 155,42 10,90 152,50 9,38 2,723,101 ADLN 94,23 7,07 92,73 7,01 1,510,221 AONK 44,61 4,24 45,23 4,70,632,428 ATTM 45,69 10,37 45,31 11,39,041,839 ABMI 18,61 2,22 19,24 3,22 1,669,199 ADZK 9,74 0,78 9,74 0,89,000,992 AKNG 6,68 3,87 9,02 6,25 6,648,011 AKNP 14,70 4,65 16,38 6,07 3,182,077 AKNN 8,32 4,35 10,59 5,15 7,496,007 AKNS 8,64 6,18 12,14 8,11 7,780,006 Table 1 shows the results of the multivariate variance analysis (MANOVA). The results of this analysis show that there are statistically significant differences (Q=.00), in the whole system of treated anthropometric measures among the young football players who compete in higher and lower rank of competitions. Therefore, an analysis of the individual contribution of each anthropometric measure was made in defining these differences. From the overview of Table 2 it can be seen that statistically significant univariate among group differences are determined in anthropometric measures: skin fold of the backsubscapular (F=6,65; p=,011), skin fold of triceps (F=7,50; p=,007) and skin fold of the belly (F=7,78; p=,006). From the values of the arithmetic mean and the level of statistical significance, it can be seen that young football players who are competing in higher ranking competitions have lower values on the skin folds on the back, triceps and belly. In the other anthropometric measures there are not statistically significant differences between young football players who are competing in higher and lower rank. Discussion Based on the obtained results, it can generally be concluded that the two groups of players differ in all parameters that assess the value of the subcutaneous fatty tissue. Young super league players had lower values of the subcutaneous fatty tissue. In a large number of cases, children of this age, in the measures of 81

4 DIFFERENCES IN SOME ANTHROPOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS longitudinal and transversal dimensionality, as well as in the volume dimensions, significant differences have not been established, so it can be considered that targeted sport activity does not affect these characteristics and is genetically conditioned. The results indicate that it is necessary to further monitor the anthropometric characteristics of the young football players, as future more valid conclusions are carried out. Based on the past researches, it can be concluded that the average height and body mass of young European and North American players (8-14 years) varies above and below the median reference values of the general population. Later in adolescence (15+ years) the median height of the players is within the mean reference values or below them, while the average body mass is above or below the mean reference values (Malina, 1994). The movement of height and body mass indicates that in late adolescence players have a larger proportion of body mass in comparison to height, reflection of the mesomorphic body structure noticed among players, for example in a research by Bulgarian juniors by Torteva (2002). In a number of studies, the anthropometric characteristics of successful and unsuccessful young players were researched (Jankovic et al., 1997; Frank et al., 2002; Gil et al., 2003; Chop et al., 2003). Frank and associates (2002) analyzed 64 English international youths (14-16 years). The authors did not find any significant difference in height, body mass or body fat between successful players who achieved professional contacts (n=32) and failed players who did not achieve more on professional plan (n=32). Also in another study, significant differences were not found between the top and unsuccessful young Danish players (12 years) (Stroyer et al., 2004). These findings are incompatible with this research, where young players competing in higher ranking competitions have lower values of skin folds (subscapular, triceps, belly) and a greater body height compared to young players competing in the lower rank. Similar results with the research in this dissertation were received by Jankovic and associates (1993) who studied 16-year-old Croatian national players. The authors divided the sample of 47 players into two subgroups, one subgroup consisted of players who continued to play in the first team of the national league, and the other group of players who played in the regional leagues. By comparing the average values of the subgroups, the authors came to the conclusion that players who played at a higher level were higher and heavier. Also, the research of 14-year-old Spanish club players (Gil et al., 2003) and Swiss national players (15-20 years) (Chop et al., 2003) reveal that the selected players were also higher and heavier than those players who have not been selected. Most likely the differences in the fat component between the lower and higher-ranking players are due to increased physical activity and training technology that junior football players practice in more quality clubs. Bailey and Mirwald (1988) also noted that regular physical activity/exercise led to an increase in the nonfat component and a corresponding reduction in the percentage of body fat. It has been noticed that the percentage values of body fat in young boys are lower than those of untrained children (Baxter-Jones et al., 1995). Similarly, Hansen et al. (1999) found that the sum of the four skin folds (biceps, triceps, belly and back) was lower in elite (n=48) versus non-elite (n=50) young Danish players (10-12 years). They also found that these differences increased with time, leading to the conclusion that the more intense training regimen for elite players resulted in greater muscular hypertrophy and an increase in the nonfat component of the body. Hansen and associates (1999) point out the fact that changes in body composition during childhood are complex process, since the impact of training must be distinguished from the effects of normal growth and development. Another problem in researching the body composition is the method used and the formula used to calculate the fat component. This potential limitation is discussed in the study of Baxter-Jones and associates (1995) using the equations set by Slotter and associates (1988), which simultaneously take into account the effects of both age and gender maturity. Baxter-Jones and associates (1995) found that swimmers, football players and tennis players have a body weight above average reference values (Tanner and Whitehouse, 1983). These results were supported by Malina and associates (2000), who found that the body mass of elite Portuguese players is above the average reference values of the United States (Hamil et al., 1977, quoted in Malina et al., 2000). The authors say that this difference is most noticeable in two studied groups, years (n=29) and years (n=41). It has also been noted that members of the Portuguese national team under 16 are heavier than other nonteam players, kg versus kg (p=0,04). It is indicated that body mass values above average values for the general population are reflection of a greater growth of athletes and an increase in their muscles (Baxter-Jones et al., 1995). It is generally accepted that regular muscle training can lead to muscular hypertrophy and has been proved as well on adolescent athletes (Forner et al., 1982). However, it should be noted that in the study of Baxter-Jones and associate (1995) a direct measurement of muscle 82

5 N. Lenjani, et al. mass was not made. Kachari and colleagues (1990) found that football players during puberty at years of age had smaller skin folds (triceps and back) than in the inactive controlled group. According to the findings, at years their differences disappear, although body mass and volume of thighs increased significantly among football players compared to the controlled group. These differences support the indication that physical training can lead to an increase in muscle tissue and a reduction of body fat (Kachari et al., 1990). The theoretical applicative significance of this research will contribute to the determination of differences between super league players and amateur league, factors and phenomena that influence the right choice, as well as the benefits of proper and timely education by the competent educational institutions and teaching staff. 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