Relationship between Body Composition, Energy Availability, and Aerobic Fitness Across Playing Positions in Female Footballers
Published 07-12-2025
Keywords
- Body composition,
- Energy availability,
- Female football players,
- VO₂ max
How to Cite
Copyright (c) 2025 Shreyasee Kanrar, Shreya Sinha, Shimanti Chandra, Snehunsu Adhikari

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Dimensions
Abstract
Introduction: Football is a type of team sport in which physical and physiological characteristics play an important role in performance which differ across playing positions. Several international studies are carried out on body composition, aerobic fitness and energy availability in female football players but limited research was conducted on Indian players. Therefore, the aim of our study is to assess the relationship among body composition, energy availability, and aerobic fitness across playing positions in elite female football players from West Bengal. Methods: The study was carried out among 42 female football players. Anthropometric parameters such as height, weight, BMI etc. were measured according to standard protocols followed by ISAK manual. Energy intake was assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall, while exercise energy expenditure was estimated using MET-based activity values to calculate energy availability. Physiological assessments included flexibility, handgrip strength, back and leg strength, and VO₂ max (Yo-Yo IR2). Results: BMI showed a significant correlation with Body-fat % (ρ = 0.449, p < 0.01), and fat-free mass (ρ = 0.390, p < 0.05). No significant associations were found between VO₂ max and the assessed body-composition or energy-related variables. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of individualized conditioning and nutrition strategies to match positional demands and support optimal performance.
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