Body Composition and physical fitness in the youth divisions of a Colombian professional soccer team

Abstract

The objective of this study is to describe the physical fitness of soccer players from the minor divisions of a Bogota professional soccer club, using the EUROFIT Battery during the period of 2021-2 and 2022-1. The participants selected within the sample were 101 men between 18 and 22 years of age. To which anthropometric measurements were taken, body composition measurements by means of a bioimpedance device and the evaluation of physical fitness by means of the EUROFIT battery. In analysis of variables, the quantitative measures were obtained measures of central tendency and dispersion; for the qualitative variables, proportions and frequencies. All the descriptive data obtained were tabulated and coded using the SPSS Statistics version 26 program. As relevant results, a decrease in body fat and metabolic rate were evidenced in body composition, taking into account that they are amateur athletes. In addition, in the evaluation of physical fitness, a decrease in flexibility was found, being a risk factor for muscle injury. Finally, in the variable abdominal strength, power and strength of the lower limb, a muscular imbalance between trunk flexors and adductors of the lower limb is evident, for which it is suggested the implementation of an injury prevention plan avoiding injuries of origin tendon or muscle caused by muscle imbalance. © 2023 Federacion Espanola de Docentes de Educacion Fisica. All rights reserved.