title: Influence of anthropometric profile on physical performance in elite female volleyballers in relation to playing position.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The anthropometric profile, specifically body composition, plays a crucial role in the physical performance of volleyballers. Since there are varying positions in volleyball, it is likely that differences exist in anthropometric and physical performance profiles among players due each role's specific physical requirements.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aims of this study were to analyze the anthropometric and physical performance profiles of elite female volleyballers, to determine any differences in these features among different playing positions. A further aim was to examine any relationship between anthropometric measures and measures of performance.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study assessed 42 female professional volleyball players (Age: 27.2±5.4 years). Players were categorized according to playing position: middle blockers (n=12), opposite hitters (n=6), outside hitters (n=12), setters (n=8), and liberos (n=4). Anthropometric measurements assessed were: height, weight, fat mass (5 skinfolds) musculoskeletal mass (5 corrected girths). Additionally, the physical performance parameters examined were: jump tests (vertical-jump and spike-jump), speed, agility, and strength tests (crunches test and overhead medicine ball throw).
  
  
  RESULTS
  In terms of height middle blockers were the tallest (186.5±1.4 cm), while liberos were the shortest (166.7±8.1 cm). There were significant differences in body mass among positions (p.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Haro Volleyball Club, Nutrition Centre of La Rioja, Haro, La Rioja.. juankaya@msn.com.
authors.forename: Juan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mielgo-Ayuso
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz.. juankaya@msn.com.
authors.forename: Julio
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Calleja-González
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Activity and Sport Science, Faculty of Sport Science, University of Castilla la Mancha, Toledo, Spain.. juankaya@msn.com.
authors.forename: Vicente J
authors.initials: VJ
authors.lastname: Clemente-Suárez
authors.affiliation: Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion, Florida Atlantic University. Boca Raton, FL. United States of America.. juankaya@msn.com.
authors.forename: Michael C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Zourdos
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D001823:Body Composition; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053580:Muscle Strength; D054798:Volleyball / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult