Body Composition and Power Output In NCAA Division I American Football Linebackers Throughout a Competitive Season

Body composition and power are impactful variables of athletic performance. However, few studies have assessed power and body composition changes from pre-, to mid-, to end-of-season in American Football linebackers. The purpose of this study was to determine how power and body composition respond to a competitive season in Division I Football Championship Series (FCS) American football linebackers. Participants (n=9; Age=19.7 ± 1.5 years; Weight=101.5±11.6 kg; Height=183.3±5.2 cm; [Body Fat percent (BF %) =21.31 ± 6.02%)] performed a Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scan, and power was assessed via three vertical jumps and squat jumps at 40, 60, 80, and 100 kg at three time points: a) 1 week prior to their regular season, b) 2 days after the bye week in the middle of the season, and c) 1 week prior to the completion of the season. An Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed no significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in power or body composition. These results support past research, indicating power and body composition can be maintained throughout a competitive season. However, more research is needed to determine the optimal programming methods to maintain or improve athletic performance via optimization of body composition and power during a competitive season.