Anthropometric and conditional profile in semiprofessional futsal players: differences between sexes. A case study. [Perfil antropométrico y condicional en jugadores semiprofesionales de futbol sala: diferencias entre sexos. Un estudio de caso].

• Main Authors: Carlos Lago-Fuentes, Sergio Pérez-Celada, Javier Prieto-Troncoso, Ezequiel Rey, Marcos Mecías-Calvo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ramón Cantó Alcaraz 2020-07-01
• Series: Revista Internacional de Ciencias del Deporte
• Subjects: somatotype; range of motion; leg power; sex characteristics.
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.5232/ricyde2020.06107

Anthropometrical profile is one of the indicators associated to optimal performance of futsal players. However, no studies have analyzed these factors in both sexes neither created an anthropometrical profile of each sex. For these reasons, the goals of this study were: to describe and compare the anthropometric and conditional profiles of sub-elite futsal players, and to analyze possible correlations between anthropometric and conditional parameters. 11 female and 8 male sub-elite futsal players participated in the study. Several tests were performed: an anthropometric and body composition analysis, leg power with squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests, and psoas and major gluteus flexibility test. Male futsal players reported a better performance in SJ and CMJ (p<0.001, big ES), as well as a lower fat percentage (10.2%) and a greater muscular percentage (50.8%) than female futsal players (20.1% and 44.9%, respectively). No significant differences were found regarding flexibility between sexes (p>0.05). Fat percentage presents a reversal correlation (r=-0.84; ES very large), as well as muscular performance, a direct correlation (r=0.73; ES very large) with explosive performance. There are significant differences between sexes regarding anthropometric and leg power parameters, not in flexibility values. Finally, the training methods and conditional goals along the season should be adapted to anthropometric and conditional profile of each competitive level, with special focus in neuromuscular performance.