The anthropometrical and physiological characteristics of elite water polo players

Abstract

In order to examine the physical and physiological demands of water polo, we assessed the profile of elite water polo players. Nineteen male professional water polo players (age: 25.5+/-5.0 years, height: 184.5+/-4.3 cm body mass: 90.7+/-6.4 kg) underwent body composition assessment by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We also evaluated peak oxygen consumption VO2peak, lactate threshold (LT), energy cost of swimming (C s), anaerobic capacity and isokinetic shoulder strength. Body fat (%) was 16.8+/-4.4, lean mass (LM) 75.1+/-4.9 kg and bone mineral density (BMD) 1.37+/-0.07 g.cm(-2) . VO2peak was 57.9+/-7 ml.kg(-1). min(-1) . LT was identified at 3.9+/-0.7 mmol.l(-1) at a swimming velocity (v) of 1.33+/-0.05 m.s(-1) with a heart rate of 154+/-7 bpm, corresponding to an intensity of 83+/-9 of VO2peak. The average C s of swimming at the LT was 1.08+/-0.04 kJ.m(-1).C s at LT was correlated to body mass index (BMI) (r=0.22, P=0.04) and to swimming performance at 400 m (r=0.86, P=0.01) and 4 x 50 m (r=0.84, P<0.01). Internal rotator muscles were stronger compared to the external rotators by a 2:1 ratio. This study provides a quantitative representation of both physical and physiological demands of water polo and proposes a comprehensive battery of tests that can be used for assessing the status of a team.

Anthropometry and throwing velocity in elite water polo by specific playing positions

“…Thus, better-adequate anthropometric parameters, as well as a higher level of strength, seem to be very important in playing positions in which players must face their opponents, through blocking, screening and pushing (Smith, 1998Tsekouras et al, 2005.…”

“…For the anthropometric assessment, the guidelines proposed by the International Working Group of Kinanthropometry were followed (Ross and Marfell-Jones, 1991). The anthropometric variables chosen were those considered as significant for sport performance in general and for water polo in particular (Aleksandrović et al, 2007;Bloomfield et al, 1990;Carter and Ackland, 1994;Platanou, 2005;Platanou and Geladas, 2006;Smith, 1998;Tsekouras et al 2005 (Martin et al, 1990), body mass index (BMI) and somatotype (Carter and Marfell-Jones, 1994). The front thigh, medial calf, bicipital, pectoral, axillar and iliac crest skinfolds were also assessed.…”

“…The anthropometric profile of water polo players has been an area of great interest in the scientific community, namely due to the modifications caused by training, and to the establishment of comparisons between teams (Andreoli et al, 2001;De Lorenzo et al, 2000;Fleck, 1983;Frenkl et al 2001;Lozovina and Pavicic, 2004;Sands et al, 2005;Tsekouras et al 2005). However, the number of studies that relate anthropometric and conditional characteristics focusing in the eventual different water polo player characteristics by specific playing positions are scarce (Pavicic et al, 2000;Platanou and Geladas, 2006;Tan et al, 2009).…”

Water polo throwing speed and body composition: an analysis by playing positions and opposition level

“…These issues are also important in water polo because each specific position requires its own skills according to its task (Lozovina et The intermittent nature of this sport, together with the limitations imposed by the aquatic environment, makes the assessment of physiological capabilities of water polo player's technically difficult (Hohmann & Frase, 1992). However, the development of a comprehensive battery of tests that would include both anthropometric and physiological measurements would offer a more integrated profile of the elite water polo player (Tsekouras et al, 2005 Therefore the purpose of this study was to investigate the anthropometric characteristics, throwing speed and maximal hand grip of elite male water polo players and to examine the different characteristics required for the different playing positions (wing, center back, center forward and goalkeeper).…”

Análise biomecânica da pernada alternada no polo aquático

“…Ainda outros analisam especificamente as forças e ações envolvidas na pernada alternada (PLATANOU, 2005;TEIXEIRA et.al., 2005;TAYLOR, 2006;TEIXEIRA et al, 2006) ou relacionam os movimentos dos membros superiores e inferiores para chegar a uma grande velocidade de bola (ALEXANDER; HONISH, 2006). Também existem estudos que analisam dados sobre as características antropométricas e fisiológicas dos jogadores de elite (TSEKOURAS et al, 2005). Não obstante, estudos que auxiliem como feedback do padrão mecânico empregado por atletas iniciantes de polo aquático, de forma a melhorar a prática profissional do técnico, servindo como meio auxiliar na correção de erros, podendo com isso evitar futuras lesões, não foram encontrados na literatura pelos autores.…”