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Citation |
Jacobson BH. J. Strength Cond. Res. 2012; 26(12): 3358-3364. |
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Affiliation |
Harrison Health and Human Performance Laboratory, 106E Willard Hall, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, E-mail: Bert.jacobson@okstate.edu, Telephone: 405.744.6350. Fax: 405.744.7758. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2012, National Strength and Conditioning Association) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
22290523 |
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Abstract |
Current college football players appear to be larger in stature than those of the past, but few comparisons exist that have quantified such data over the span of over a half century. The purpose of this study was to compare anthropometric changes in college football players over a period of seven decades and to address the health implications associate with extreme size. Offensive and defensive positions were targeted based on line play (offensive and defensive linemen) or speed positions (wide receivers and cornerbacks) and data on height and weight were collected from official rosters provided by participating NCAA Division I universities. Results indicated that offensive linemen significantly (p<0.001) increased 50.8% in body weight (88.5 kg. vs. 133.5 kg..) and 5.4% in height, defensive linemen significantly increased 50.9% weight (87.2 kg. vs. 131.6 kg..) and 6.7% in height, wide receivers increased 7.7% in weight (79.3 kg. vs. 85.5 kg.) and 1.9% in height, and cornerbacks increased 10.1% in weight (78 kg. vs. 86.7 kg.) and 2.3% in height since 1950. There were no significant differences in weight by offensive line position (center, guard, tackle) and no significant differences among class status. The extraordinary size of linemen begins in high school and is sustained through college and the pros. Without efforts in detraining such extreme sizes may warrant concerns regarding injury, heat stress, obesity, and general health status. Language: en |