Investigation in anthropometric and cardiorespiratory parameters: differences between professional football and volleyball players

RADIVOJE Ž RADAKOVIĆ1,2, BORKO D KATANIĆ3, STEFAN N ĐORĐEVIĆ4, GORAN D JELASKA5,6, IGOR D JELASKA6, MIMA N STANKOVIĆ4

1Institute of Information Technologies, University of Kragujevac, Serbia; 2Bioengineering Research and Development Center, Kragujevac, Serbia; 3Montenegrin Sports Academy, Podgorica, Montenegro; 4Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Niš, Serbia; 5County Hospital Čakovec, Croatia; 6Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Croatia.

Summary. Background. In recent years, several studies have been published with the aim of exploring differences in anthropometric and cardiorespiratory parameters among team sport players. However, no studies have investigated the differences between volleyball and football players, which could be useful for strength and conditioning coaches in these sports by clarifying the differences in physical performance between these groups of athletes. Therefore, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the differences in anthropometric and cardiorespiratory variables between professional football and volleyball players. Methods. In this research the sample of participants consisted of 51 professional male athletes divided into two groups: football (n=38, age 23.42±3.24 years) and volleyball players (n=13, aged 27.62±3.59 years), all competing in the first league of Serbia, the top-tier national competition for football and volleyball. For the assessment of anthropometric and cardiorespiratory status, five morphological and 13 cardiorespiratory parameters were measured. Body composition was assessed using a bioelectrical impedance device (Omron BF 300, Kyoto, Japan). While cardiorespiratory parameters were measured using a maximal progressive treadmill test, with direct measurement of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) using the Fitmate MED device (Cosmed, Rome, Italy), along with continuous heart rate monitoring. Capillary blood samples were also collected, and lactate concentration was immediately determined using a lactate analyzer. Results. Between subjects t-test analysis, revealed that volleyball players have higher values of body height, body weight, and muscle mass compared to football players (p<0.001, Cohen’s d ranged 2.224-4.983), while football players demonstrated better performance in most cardiorespiratory parameters (p ranged from p<0.001 to 0.049, Cohens’d ranged from 0.749-4.651). Conclusions. This study is very important as it is the first to compare the anthropometric and cardiorespiratory capabilities of professional football and volleyball players. Therefore, these results can be useful for conditioning coaches in these sports by clarifying the differences in physical performance between these groups of athletes, which can aid in the development of their training plans.

Key words. Morphological characteristics, body composition, cardiovascular parameters, laboratory test, soccer, volleyball.

Indagine sui parametri antropometrici e cardiorespiratori: differenze tra calciatori professionisti e pallavolisti.

Riassunto. Background. Negli ultimi anni numerosi studi hanno esplorato le differenze nei parametri antropometrici e cardiorespiratori tra atleti di sport di squadra. Tuttavia, nessuna ricerca ha finora indagato le differenze tra giocatori di pallavolo e calciatori, confronto che potrebbe risultare utile per i preparatori atletici di queste discipline, al fine di chiarire le differenze nella performance fisica tra questi gruppi di atleti. Pertanto, l’obiettivo del presente studio trasversale è stato quello di esaminare le differenze nelle variabili antropometriche e cardiorespiratorie tra calciatori e pallavolisti professionisti. Metodi. Il campione analizzato comprendeva 51 atleti professionisti di sesso maschile, suddivisi in due gruppi: calciatori (n=38, età 23,42±3,24 anni) e pallavolisti (n=13, età 27,62±3,59 anni), tutti partecipanti alla prima lega serba, massimo livello del campionato nazionale per calcio e pallavolo. Per la valutazione dello stato antropometrico e cardiorespiratorio sono stati misurati cinque parametri morfologici e tredici parametri cardiorespiratori. La composizione corporea è stata valutata mediante bioimpedenziometria (Omron BF 300, Kyoto, Giappone). I parametri cardiorespiratori sono stati ottenuti attraverso un test massimale progressivo su tapis roulant, con misurazione diretta del massimo consumo di ossigeno (VO2max) tramite il dispositivo Fitmate MED (Cosmed, Roma, Italia), in associazione al monitoraggio continuo della frequenza cardiaca. Sono stati prelevati campioni di sangue capillare per la determinazione immediata della concentrazione di lattato, mediante un analizzatore specifico. Risultati. L’analisi statistica mediante t-test per campioni indipendenti ha evidenziato che i pallavolisti presentano valori significativamente superiori in altezza, peso corporeo e massa muscolare rispetto ai calciatori (p<0.001, d di Cohen compresa tra 2.224 e 4.983). Al contrario, i calciatori hanno mostrato prestazioni migliori nella maggior parte dei parametri cardiorespiratori (p compresi tra <0.001 e 0.049, d di Cohen compresa tra 0.749 e 4.651). Conclusioni. Questo studio rappresenta il primo confronto tra le capacità antropometriche e cardiorespiratorie di calciatori e pallavolisti professionisti. I risultati ottenuti possono fornire indicazioni utili ai preparatori atletici, chiarendo le differenze nelle prestazioni tra i due gruppi di atleti e favorendo una più mirata pianificazione dell’allenamento.

Parole chiave. Caratteristiche morfologiche, composizione corporea, parametri cardiovascolari, test da laboratorio, calcio, pallavolo.

Introduction

Sports success is determined by a variety of factors, including players’ physical and physiological attributes, level of motivation, and psychosocial status in both individual and team sports1. Anywise, physical fitness is crucial for choosing a suitable sport and maintaining success in it2. It is widely recognized that there is an increasing interest in improving athletes’ performance in terms of physical fitness, in addition to identifying talents, player positions, and dealing in designing of appropriate training methods. Nonetheless, in many situations, coaches devote significantly more time to enhancing athletes’ physical fitness without assessing their body composition3.

Elite sports demand the body to perform at the highest level of biomechanical and physiological capability; thus, athletes competing in the most competitive leagues are expected to have the optimal morphology, strength, and endurance for the functional requirements of the sport at hand4. Morphological characteristics have been included in practically every sport’s as significant predictors of competitive success, hence they are extremely important for selection in all sports5. In team sports, a single anthropometric characteristic or fitness profile cannot be expected to be extremely dominant. The explanation behind this is the fact that these sports are require a wide range of fitness characteristics to perform successfully as a team; also, their complicated interactions with others are quite important2.

Creating a comprehensive training program for a certain team sport aids in overcoming unique problems owing to the range of training targets6. The structure of volleyball is heavily based on the player’s explosive power, quickness, endurance, and efficient strategy in order for the player to showcase their volleyball skills to the optimum. Volleyball players require high power, physical strength, endurance, flexibility, speed and agility7. On the other hand, soccer, an intermittent sport, requires players to demonstrate specially endurance, agility, strength, speed, balance, stability and flexibility through explosive movements such as sprinting and jumping8.

Several studies have been published in recent years aimed at the differences in anthropometric and cardiorespiratory parameters between team sport players 2,5,7,9. Additionally, Meltem et al.2 found a notable difference in anaerobic power, aerobic performance, and isometric muscular strength. Furthermore, Šimonek et al.9 found better results for football (soccer) players in agility (10 m and 30 m) and FAC test, while volleyball players had better results in triple jump test and Illionois test. Top volleyball players have lower VO2max values compared to endurance-trained soccer players5. To effectively conduct transformational processes, sports science and practice must be continuously integrated. Timely recognition of abilities in relation to a specific sport can contribute to the improvement of said abilities to optimal levels, which later leads to the achievement of maximum sports results. After an adequate search of the literature, we found that there are studies that dealt with a similar topic. In this regard, the authors investigated different ranks of competition, different positions, other sports, as well as the opposite sex. In the following, only two studies dealt with the differences between specifically football players and volleyball players, but those differences were shown only through anthropometric characteristics and body composition. According to the author’s knowledge, our study will be the first study on an elite sample of participants, with a large number of anthropometric and cardiorespiratory parameters, which will answer a large number of previously mentioned questions. Therefore, the goal of the study was to examine the differences in anthropometric and cardiorespiratory parameters between elite football players and volleyball players.

Materials and methods

Participants

In this cross-sectional study, the sample of participants consisted of 51 professional male athletes divided into two groups: football (n=38, age 23.42±3.24 years) and volleyball players (n=13, aged 27.62±3.59 years) competing in the first league of Serbia (table 1).




All athletes were members of the top-tier national football and volleyball competition, which are National-Level athletes10. The inclusion criteria for the study required players to be between 18 and 35 years old, have a minimum of 6 years of training experience, and be free from recent injuries (within the past 12 months) or any current illnesses. All participants took part voluntarily and were informed about the study’s purpose, benefits, and risks, providing written consent to participate. Moreover, all data were anonymized to maintain the confidentiality of the players and teams. Thus, all procedures involving human participants adhered to the Helsinki Declaration and received approval from the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac (decision number: 01-15731; date 29.12.2021).

Procedures

The athletes were tested in March 2022. The laboratory assessments took place in a controlled environment where the temperature was maintained between 20 and 23 °C, and the humidity ranged from 55 to 60%, ensuring optimal microclimatic conditions. All measurements were taken in the morning, around 11 a.m. On the day of testing, the participants did not engage in morning training to ensure they were well-rested, and afterward, they resumed their usual activities. The athletes first underwent anthropometric, followed by cardiorespiratory measurements. A progressive treadmill test, with multiple stages, was carried out. After a warm-up, they ran for 3 minutes at 5 km/h, with the speed and incline increasing at set intervals. The test concluded when two of four conditions were met: the VO2max plateau (2 mL/kg/min), maximum heart rate (HR max), a respiratory exchange ratio (RER) exceeding 1.2, or subjective discomfort. It is important to note that the participants continued with their regular training routine throughout the research without taking any breaks.

Anthropometric characteristics

Anthropometric assessments were performed in accordance with the guidelines of the International Biological Program11. Body weight was measured using a Tefal 6010 scale (Rumilly, Haute-Savoie, France), with readings taken from the scale’s display to an accuracy of 0.1 kg. Body height was measured using an anthropometer (GPM, Zurich, Switzerland), with measurements read to an accuracy of 0.1 cm. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using the standard formula: BMI = BW (kg)/BH (m2) (BW – body weight, BH – body height). The relationship between fat and muscle tissue in the subjects was indirectly assessed using the laboratory method of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Body composition was assessed using a bioelectrical impedance device (Omron BF 300, Kyoto, Japan). Data on the percentage of body fat were recorded from the device display with a precision of 0.1%. This instrument has been used in other studies with athletes12-14.

Cardiorespiratory parameters

For this study, a maximal multistage progressive treadmill test was conducted using the Technogym Run Exciting 9000 (Fairfield, NJ, USA). Subjects were positioned and fitted with a mask (Hans Rudolph, Kansas City, MO, USA) secured by elastic straps to prevent air leakage, allowing for direct measurement of VO2max using an apparatus (Cosmed’s FitMate Med, Rome, Italy). Once the mask was secured, a heart rate monitor (Polar Pro Team System, Kempele, Finland) was positioned around the chest just below the nipples and securely fastened on bare skin to ensure accurate and continuous heart rate monitoring. Cardiovascular and respiratory parameters were automatically recorded every 15 seconds. Subjects performed walking and running exercises at various intensities and in-clines as part of a standardized stepwise continuous test protocol15,16.

To determine lactate thresholds, capillary blood lactate levels (measured in mmol/L) were assessed at the conclusion of each phase of the stepwise continuous test. Capillary blood samples were collected from a hyperemic lobe using specialized test strips, and immediately analyzed for lactate concentration using a lactate analyzer (Lactate Scout, EKF SensLab, Leipzig, Germany). The sensitivity and accuracy of lactate concentration measurements using the Lactate Scout analyzer (EKF SensLab, Germany) have been scientifically validated17.

Variables

A total of nineteen variables were divided into two groups, with five variables representing anthropometric characteristics, and thirteen variables representing cardiorespiratory parameters. The first group included anthropometric characteristics such as body height (BH), body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), fat mass percentages (%FM), and muscle mass percentages (%MM). The second group included cardiorespiratory parameters such as sistolic preassure (SP), diastolic preassure (DP), maximum heart rate (HRmax), heart rate at the anaerobic threshold (HR AT), percntage of heart rate at the anaerobic threshold (%HR AT), heart rate at the first minute of recovery (HR 1´), Percntage heart rate at the first minute of recovery (%HR1), maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), running efficiency (VO2max/V), cardiorespiratory efficiency (VO2max/HR), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), running speed on anaerobic threshold (V AT), maximal running speed (V). Table 2 provides an overview of variables and their abbreviations.




Statistics

For all data collected during testing, central and distributional parameters were computed, such as the mean and standard deviation. To determine the differences between groups of football and volleyball players in anthropometric and cardiorespiratory parameters, an independent samples t-test was used. The effect size was categorized into a weak correlation defined as r=0.1–0.29, moderate correlation as r=0.3–0.49, and strong correlation as r=0.5–1.015. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software, version 26 (Statistical Package for Social Sciences, v26.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results

Table 3 presents descriptive parameters for football and volleyball players.




Football players have an average body height of 181.87±4.95 cm and body weight of 77.03±6.25 kg, while volleyball players have a height of 196.73±8.05 cm and weight of 91.86±6.92 kg. The average body fat percentage in football players is 9.66±2.46%, while in volleyball players it is 7.98±3.32%. Based on the t-test, it was found that volleyball players have significantly higher values in body height, body weight, and muscle mass, while there was no difference between groups in BMI and %BF.

Differences were observed in all cardiorespiratory variables, except for two variables: HR AT (bpm) and % HR1 (%). Football players achieved significantly higher values than volleyball players in the following parameters: SP, DP, HR max, HR 1´, VO2max, VO2max/HR, RER, V AT and V max. While volleyball players achieved higher values in the following variables: % HR AT and VO2max/V. In all variables where a significant difference was found between the groups, it was determined that there is a strong effect.

Discussion

The aim of the study was to examine differences in anthropometric and cardiorespiratory parameters between professional football players and volleyball players. The findings indicated that there are certain differences between the groups of athletes in numerous parameters. Thus, the results of anthropometric parameters and body composition indicated that there is a significant difference in body height and weight between the groups of subjects, favoring the volleyball players. This is in line with the selection level for the highest competition rank and the nature of volleyball as a sport. The height and weight values of our volleyball players are approximately equivalent to those of Turkish volleyball players (198 cm and 92 kg)19, and slightly higher than the average values of the Croatian volleyball team (192.2 cm and 87.2 kg)20. Meanwhile, the parameters of the football players are comparable to the values of Belgian (180.0 cm and 73.9 kg)21 and Serbian football players (183.4 cm and 79.8 kg)22.

When analyzing body composition, muscle mass in kilograms is significantly higher in volleyball players, which is completely in line with the expected values since the subjects in the volleyball group had greater body weight. The variable of body fat expressed as a percentage shows a low body fat percentage in both the football and volleyball player groups, indicating that our subjects had a high level of physical performance. The body fat percentage of our football players corresponds to the values of professional football players, which range from 9.7-9.8%21,22, and is slightly lower than the body fat percentages identified by a systematic review, where elite football players have body fat ranging between 9.9 and 11.9%23. On the other hand, the 8% body fat percentage of our volleyball players is slightly lower than the values for volleyball players in other studies (9.7%)19. However, although football players had a higher body fat percentage, it was not statistically significant. These results might have been interesting, as previous research has recognized football as a predominantly aerobic sport24,25, where anaerobic energy is only necessary for sprints, high-intensity running, and duels. In contrast, volleyball training includes more anaerobic activities than football due to the nature of the game, which involves intermittent responses to various offensive and defensive situations and, accordingly, requires more high-intensity anaerobic exercises performed in short, explosive bursts3.

When it comes to cardiorespiratory parameters, differences were found between the groups in as many as 11 out of 13 variables. For instance, volleyball players had lower values of both systolic and diastolic blood pressures compared to football players, and these values are also somewhat lower than those reported for volleyball players in other studies26 who had average systolic blood pressure values of 118.3 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure values of 76.3 mmHg, which correspond to our football players. In general, both groups have optimal blood pressure values. Regarding heart parameters, football players have a higher maximum heart rate (HRmax) than volleyball players. The average HRmax values for our football players, approximately 192 bpm, align with values for football players in other studies21,27 as well as for volleyball players28. Therefore, it is unclear why our group of volleyball players showed lower values. Additionally, football players have a lower percentage of heart rate at the anaerobic threshold compared to volleyball players, meaning that at the same effort level, the hearts of football players work more efficiently.

Regarding recovery speed, although volleyball players have lower heart rate values after activity in the HR 1´ variable compared to football players, this does not mean much because their HRmax is lower. Therefore, preference should be given to the %HR1 variable, which observes the percentage of recovery in the first minute relative to HRmax. This shows no difference in recovery speed between the groups of athletes. In general, our values correspond to the recovery speed of athletes in other studies29. The fact that there is no difference in this parameter between football players and volleyball players can be explained by the good conditioning state of both groups of elite athletes. This parameter is very important as it indicates the recovery speed after intense effort, which is crucial for the efficiency of athletes during matches. In other words, players who perform better in these parameters possess a higher level of fitness, enabling them to efficiently perform a greater number of high-intensity activities during a match. Additionally, it helps eliminate fatigue in shorter intervals, preparing athletes for subsequent efforts.

Our results for variables assessing cardiorespiratory fitness show that significantly higher VO2max values were obtained for football players (61.21 ml·kg·min¹) compared to volleyball players (48.06 ml·kg·min¹). The given VO2max values for our football players are in line with the values for professional football players (55 to 65 ml/kg/min)30,31. While the achieved VO2max values for elite volleyball players are somewhat lower than those of the Croatian national volleyball team (55.6 ml·kg·min¹)20, they approximately match the values of Australian junior elite volleyball players (50.6 ml·kg·min¹)32 as well as younger female football players (49.8 ml·kg·min¹)33. It should be noted that these are relative VO2max values, calculated per kilogram of body weight, which is more favorable for football players who have significantly lower body weight than volleyball players, potentially explaining these results. Additionally, football as a sport requires a higher degree of endurance than volleyball, so considering the morphological and functional changes resulting from the training process, it is understandable why VO2max values are significantly higher in the group of football players compared to volleyball players34. Regarding other parameters related to VO2, football players have a lower VO2max/V coefficient than volleyball players, which is expected as they have significantly higher VO2max values as well as maximum running speed values. On the other hand, volleyball players have lower VO2max/HR values, indicating relative cardiorespiratory efficiency, but this can be explained by the lower HRmax values in volleyball players. In general, this is the only cardiorespiratory ability parameter favoring volleyball players. Furthermore, football players have a higher respiratory exchange ratio (RER) than volleyball players. The RER will typically increase to a peak of about 1.2 35, which approximately corresponds to the values for football players, while volleyball players had slightly lower RER values.

In conclusion, differences were found in the athletes’ movement speeds, with football players achieving higher movement speeds at the anaerobic threshold (16.13 km/h vs. 12.77 km/h) and higher maximum speeds (Vmax; 21.03 vs. 15.08 km/h) compared to volleyball players. These speeds for volleyball players, although lower, are consistent with other studies on volleyball players. For instance, the Croatian national volleyball team achieved a speed at the anaerobic threshold of 13.00 km/h and a maximum speed of 16.88 km/h20. This is a very important parameter as it can better assess differences in athletes’ endurance36. The values for maximum speed and running length reflect the specific nature of the sport, which is more pronounced in football. Consequently, the training process is aligned with these demands and is accordingly specialized37. On one hand, volleyball features high game dynamics in a small space with maximum exertion38, while in football, aerobic systems play a dominant role39. However, key moments in a match occur during high-intensity activities40. Therefore, it is crucial for athletes to have well-developed aerobic and anaerobic systems that contribute to performance during the game41,42. Based on the obtained values of cardiorespiratory fitness, we can point out that the specificity of a sport requires not only anthropometric and motor abilities but also specific functional parameters.

This study has contributed to the existing literature by examining anthropometric and cardiorespiratory parameters in football and volleyball players. Some of the key advantages of this study include the analysis of elite athletes and the monitoring of a large number of cardiorespiratory fitness parameters. The observed significant differences in anthropometry and cardiorespiratory fitness between groups of athletes indicate the specificity of sports specialization3. Volleyball players are, on average, significantly taller than football players and consequently have a higher body weight. This reflects the nature of the sport, where height provides an advantage in blocking, spiking, and serving. Taller athletes have a better ability to dominate play above the net, which explains the selection criteria in this sport. On the other hand, football players generally have a lower body height, which can contribute to better agility, a lower center of gravity, and more efficient execution of directional changes at high speeds. Regarding maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and cardiorespiratory efficiency, these parameters are in favor of football players, as they are crucial in football43. Matches are played in continuous motion with high aerobic demands24,25. Football players must maintain a high level of endurance throughout 90 minutes of play, whereas volleyball players engage in short but intense bursts of effort3.

The limitations of this study may lie in the number of parameters used to analyze the body composition of elite football players and volleyball players. It is recommended that future studies include measurements of body fluid, lean body mass, muscle mass, and fat mass in both absolute and relative values, overall and by segments. This would provide a better picture of athletes from different sports, whose differences are primarily determined by the execution of technical elements as well as the spatial and organizational character of the sports game. Additionally, only one measurement was taken, and it is known that the length of the season and the period during the season can greatly influence both the cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition of football players and volleyball players. This highlights the importance of selection, indicating that proper and long-term selection can profile both the anthropometric and functional parameters of athletes for a specific sport.

Conclusion

In this cross-sectional study, the research aim was to examine differences in anthropometric and cardiorespiratory parameters between professional football players and volleyball players. The results showed differences between football players and volleyball players in anthropometric and cardiorespiratory parameters. It was found that volleyball players have higher values of body height, body weight, and muscle mass compared to football players, while football players demonstrated better performance in most cardiorespiratory parameters.

This study is very important as it is the first to compare the anthropometric and car-diorespiratory capabilities of professional football players and volleyball players. Therefore, these results can be useful for conditioning coaches in these sports by clarifying the differences in physical performance between these groups of athletes, which can aid in the development of their training plans.

Conflicts of interest. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Funding. This research is funded by the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science, and Technologi-cal Development [451-03-66/2024-03/200378 (Institute for Information Technologies, University of Kragujevac)].

Authors’ contributions. Conceptualization, RR, SĐ, and IJ; methodology, RR, BK, and MS; software, SĐ; validation, SĐ, and GJ; formal analysis, MS, and IJ; investigation, MS and GJ; resources, RR and IJ; data curation, SĐ and GJ; writing – original draft preparation, RR, BK, and MS; writing – review and editing, BK, SĐ, and GJ; supervision, BK, MS, and. IJ; project administration, RR and B., and funding acquisition, GJ and IJ All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Acknowledgments. This study was supported by the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science, and Technological Development.

Institutional Review Board Statement. All procedures conducted in the study were in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac (decision number: 01-15731; date: 29.12.2021).

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