Enhanced Body Composition and Physical Fitness in Prepubescent Soccer Players

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of soccer activities on body composition and physical fitness among prepubertal boys. A total of 38 prepubescent male soccer players (mean age, 12.1±0.13 years) were compared with 41 participants in control group (mean age, 12.4±0.06 years). The body composition was measured using the bio-electrical impedance analysis (BIA) method (Tanita Corp., Tokyo, Japan). 30m sprint (T30), agility T-Test, and Sit-And-Reach (S&R) Tests were performed from different motor fitness test batteries. Student’s unpaired t-test revealed that soccer and control groups were similar in age, height, body mass, BMI and lean body mass (LBM), but the control group had higher percentage of body fat (%BF) than the soccer group (p < 0.05). Also, pearson correlation analysis showed a significant moderate positive correlation between %BF and T30 (r = 0.62; p = 0.00), and a significant lower positive correlation between agility T-Test and S&R test (r = 0.35; p = 0.00, r = 0.42; p = 0.00), respectively. No significant correlation was observed between LBM, and T30, agility T-Test, and S&R test (r = –0.08; p = 0.49, r = –0.16; p = 0.15, r = –0.16; p = 0.15), respectively. In conclusion, soccer activities are associated with better physical fitness and lower BF among prepubescent boys.