Comparison of Anthropometry, Upper-Body Strength, and Lower-Body Power Characteristics in Different Levels of Australian Football Players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the anthropometry, upper-body strength, and lower-body power characteristics in elite junior, sub-elite senior, and elite senior Australian Football (AF) players. Nineteen experienced elite senior (≥4 years Australian Football League [AFL] experience), 27 inexperienced elite senior (<4 years AFL experience), 22 sub-elite senior, and 21 elite junior AF players were assessed for anthropometric profile (fat-free soft tissue mass [FFSTM], fat mass, and bone mineral content) with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, upper-body strength (bench press and bench pull), and lower-body power (countermovement jump [CMJ] and squat jump with 20 kg). A 1-way analysis of variance assessed differences between the playing levels in these measures, whereas relationships between anthropometry and performance were assessed with Pearson's correlation. The elite senior and sub-elite senior players were older and heavier than the elite junior players (p ≤ 0.05). Both elite playing groups had greater total FFSTM than both the sub-elite and junior elite players; however, there were only appendicular FFSTM differences between the junior elite and elite senior players (p < 0.001). The elite senior playing groups were stronger and had greater CMJ performance than the lower level players. Both whole-body and regional FFSTM were correlated with bench press (r = 0.43-0.64), bench pull (r = 0.58-0.73), and jump squat performance measures (r = 0.33-0.55). Australian Football players' FFSTM are different between playing levels, which are likely because of training and partly explain the observed differences in performance between playing levels highlighting the importance of optimizing FFSTM in young players.

Diagnostic sources of information on sports result determinants in young powerlifting athletes

“…The remaining predictors occurring in the presented equations are consistent with reports of other researchers and include age [34], percentage of body fat [35], and length of body segments and indicators of its composition [2,33]. The research mentioned above indicate, among others, that there is a positive effect of age on the force-field capabilities in the 'squat' event, and on the sports result for bench press and squat in athletes with shorter legs.…”

Fat-Free Mass Index in NCAA Division I and II Collegiate American Football Players

“…Significant FFMI differences were found between division levels, with higher values in Division I compared to Division II. Previous research has identified significant relationships between indices of body size, body composition, and physical performance outcomes relevant to football (3, 30, 33, 36). Differences in FFMI between divisions appear to mirror previously reported differences in physical performance outcomes between divisions (9, 10).…”

“…Cross-sectional research has demonstrated that body composition differs among position groups (5, 7, 29, 32), and has identified a clear trend of increasing body size in recent decades (2, 16, 33, 35). American football requires a unique combination of speed, size, and power (12); as such, indices of body size and composition have been associated with strength (36), power (30), and career earnings (33) in football players, and extensive research in a variety of populations has documented relationships between various indices of fat-free mass (FFM) and strength, power, speed, and sport performance (1, 3, 24, 27, 28, 41, 43). However, absolute amounts of FFM are influenced by height, with greater height favoring higher FFM.…”

Longitudinal Body Composition Changes in NCAA Division I College Football Players

“…Accordingly, increases in body mass or height are associated with greater career earnings in professional football players (29) and higher rating scores in high school recruits (10). Similarly, fat-free mass is correlated with various indices of strength, power, and competition level in Australian football players (4). Nearly all position groups prioritize the accretion of lean mass, based on the established links between lean body mass, strength, and power development (4, 27, 32).…”