The Relationship between Anthropometric Parameters and Physiological Capabilities in Amateur Adolescent Soccer Players

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between some anthropometric parameters and physiological tests (physical fitness) in amateur soccer players. The present study was descriptive-comparative carried out as a field study. The statistical population consisted of male adolescent soccer players (9-13 years old) who volunteered to participate in leisure time programs of Basij Sport Organization in centers of provinces. The statistical sample included 153 boys (mean age 11.7±1.2 yr, weight 40.9±9.3 kg, and height 147.5±9.2 cm). Somatotype variables were measured using ISAK instruction. For physiological tests, Sarjent jump, Illinois agility and 540 meter run were used. Data were analyzed by SPSS 18. To investigate normal distribution of data, K-S, descriptive statistics and regression were used (P˂0.05). Results showed that body fat (P=0.00, t=2.8), maturation parameter (P=0.00, t=2.7) and endomorphic component (P=0.00, t=0.47) could significantly predict anaerobic power. Also, height (P=0.00, t= -2.7), weight (P=0.02, t=2.3), body fat (P=0.00, t= -3.9), maturation parameter (P=0.00, t= -3.5), endomorphic component (P=0.00, t=4.3) and ectomorph component (P=0.01, t=2.4) could significantly predict aerobic power. There was no significant relationship between agility and anthropometric variables.