Roso-Moliner, Alberto , GONZALO SKOK, OLIVER, Albalad-Aiguabella, Rafael , Bishop, Chris , Lozano, Demetrio , Mainer-Pardos, Elena
No
RBNE
Article
Científica
01/09/2025
001601205600007
Introduction: Body composition plays a critical role in athletic performance, influencing strength, speed, and power outputs essential for competitive success. However, limited evidence exists on its relationship with specific performance measures in female football players. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the influence of body composition variables on key performance measures, including jumping ability, sprint speed, and change of direction (COD) in highly trained female football players. Material and methods: Thirty-eight players from the Spanish Women's Second Division participated in a cross-sectional study. Body composition was assessed via standardized anthropometry, and performance tests included countermovement jumps, horizontal jumps, 40-m sprints, and the 505 COD test. Results: Significant correlations were found between body composition and sprinting performance. Body fat percentage (r =-0.47 to 0.46, p<0.05) was negatively associated with sprint times, whereas higher skeletal muscle mass and fat-free mass were linked to better sprint and jumping performance. No significant relationships were found between body composition and COD performance. Players with lower body fat exhibited significantly better performance in horizontal jumps, 20-m, 30-m, and 40-m sprints, and peak velocity (ES:-0.78 to 0.68). Players with higher skeletal muscle mass performed better in the 10-m sprint (p<0.05, ES: 0.56), while those with higher fat-free mass demonstrated superior sprinting and jumping abilities. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of optimizing body composition for performance. Coaches should consider individualized training and nutritional strategies to improve muscle mass while reducing excess fat.
Team sports; Women; Kinanthropometry; Sprint performance; Jumping ability