Comparison of body composition and muscle mass by age in amateur soccer players

J Phys Ther Sci. 2024 Feb;36(2):59-62. doi: 10.1589/jpts.36.59. Epub 2024 Feb 1.

Abstract

[Purpose] This study aimed to elucidate the changes in body composition components associated with aging in amateur male soccer players. Specifically, we investigated the alterations in the phase angle and regional muscle mass distribution. [Participants and Methods] The study included a cohort of 163 male participants categorized into three age groups: U15 (12-15 years), U18 (16-18 years), and O19 (≥19 years). Precise body composition assessments were performed, employing the InBodyS10 body composition scale. [Results] The findings revealed substantial age-related disparities in various body composition parameters. Data revealed a consistent trend of increasing basic body composition metrics with age. Notably, the body fat percentage progressively increased with age. Muscle mass and phase angle exhibited age-related increases with nuanced variations in different anatomical regions. [Conclusion] In the general Japanese population, muscle mass tends to decrease with age after 18 years. However, in this study on amateur soccer players, we observed a plateau in the height and lower limb phase angle around the age of 18 years, whereas muscle mass exhibited an increasing trend.

Keywords: Amateur soccer players; Body composition; Phase angle.