Seasonal Changes in Anthropometric Characteristics and Body Composition of Elite Montenegrin Football Players

Anthropometric characteristics and body composition are significant factors for success in elite football, and there has been a growing body of research on this subject recently. This study aimed to investigate changes in the anthropometric characteristics and body composition of football players during both preparatory and competitive periods. The research involved 10 professional football players (24.4±4.84 yrs.) competing in the First Montenegrin Telecom League. Measurements were taken in January before the preparatory phase, then again 30 days prior to the start of the season in February, and after the season in May. Anthropometric characteristics and body composition were evaluated using a set of 15 variables, including body height, body weight, triceps skinfold, biceps skinfold, back skinfold, abdominal skinfold, lower leg skinfold, upper leg skinfold, body mass index, fat kg, fat percentage, muscle mass kg, muscle mass percentage, lean body mass kg, lean body mass percentage. There were no differences in anthropometric characteristics across the three measurement periods for the football players. However, differences were observed in all six parameters of body composition across the three measurement periods. Fat mass and fat percentage significantly decreased after the competitive phase compared to measurements before and after the preparatory period. Furthermore, muscle mass, muscle mass percentage, lean muscle mass, and lean muscle mass percentage significantly increased in football players after the competitive season compared to measurements before and after the preparatory period. This indicates that the competitive season has a positive effect on changes in body composition, leading to a reduction in fat mass while simultaneously increasing muscle and lean mass components in football players, while anthropometric parameters remain unchanged.