Anthropometric and Physical Fitness Profiles of World-Class Male Padel Players
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Sánchez Muñoz, Cristóbal; Muros Molina, José Joaquín; Cañas, Jerónimo; Courel Ibáñez, Javier; Sánchez-Álcaraz Martínez, Bernardino Javier; Zabala Díaz, MikelEditorial
MDPI
Materia
Body composition Somatotype Anthropometry Physical fitness Padel
Date
2020-01-13Referencia bibliográfica
Sánchez-Muñoz, C., Muros, J. J., Cañas, J., Courel-Ibáñez, J., Sánchez-Alcaraz, B. J., & Zabala, M. (2020). Anthropometric and Physical Fitness Profiles of World-Class Male Padel Players. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(2), 508.
Abstract
The aims of this study were to describe and compare the anthropometric and physical
fitness attributes of male padel players according to their competitive level, and to establish a
functional anthropometric and physical profile. A total of 60 males participated in the present study.
Athletes were grouped according to competition level, forming an elite group (n = 25) and a subelite
group (n = 35). Anthropometric variables, hand grip and lumbar isometric strength, flexibility,
and lower-body muscular strength were measured. Elite padel players were significantly older
and showed significantly lower values for the thigh and calf skinfolds, the sum of six and eight
skinfolds, and the sum of lower-limb skinfolds than the subelite group. Elite padel players also had
significantly lower values than subelite players for body fat percentage and thigh fat area, whilst
showing significantly higher values for lumbar isometric strength. Somatotype of the elite padel
players could be defined as endo-mesomorphic. Results suggest that training and talent identification
of padel players should focus on their anthropometric characteristics and physical fitness, with these
being different between elite and subelite athletes. Normative data could help coaches throughout
the talent identification process and in the design of training programs when seeking to optimise
sports performance.