Physiological profile in relation to playing position of elite college Gaelic footballers.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the physiological profile, and its relation to playing position, of elite college Gaelic footballers.


METHODS
The subjects were 28 elite Gaelic footballers (12 backs, 12 forwards, and four midfielders; mean (SD) age 21 (1.67) years), who won a major intervarsity tournament (Sigerson Cup) three times in succession.


RESULTS
There was general similarity among the members of the team, probably the result of a typical, common training programme. The team means for stature (1.81 (0.05) m), body mass index (81.6 (6.5)) and percentage body fat (14.5 (3.1)%), power output by Wingate test (absolute power 912 (152) W or 10.72 (1.6) W/kg) and sit and reach test (22.3 (5.5) cm) displayed no significant differences when analysed according to playing position. However, midfielders did have significantly larger body mass than backs (p<0.05) and greater maximal oxygen consumption (p<0.01) and greater vertical jumping ability than backs and forwards (vertical jump power output, p<0.01; vertical jump, p<0.01). Midfielders also had greater absolute handgrip strength (p<0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
The differences exhibited by midfielders despite identical training suggests that they stem from physiological adaptation to competition rather than training.
McIntyre
M C
MC
Institute of Technology Tralee, Science Department, Clash, Tralee, County Kerry, Republic of Ireland. martin.mcintyre@staff.ittralee.ie
Hall
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005538:Football / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D012916:Soccer / Q000502:physiology; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology*