Position-Specific Athletic Profiles in Professional Football: Integration of Heart Rate and Anthropometric Characteristics
Abstract
This study examined position-specific athletic profiles in professional football players by combining heart rate (HR) responses with basic anthropometric characteristics. Twenty-four male outfield players from Ankara Demirspor (8 defenders, 9 midfielders, and 7 forwards) took part in the study. HR data were collected during a standard in-season training session using the Polar Team Pro system, and height, body mass, BMI, and body fat percentage were assessed. Differences between positions were analysed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc comparisons, and Pearson correlations were used to explore associations between body composition and HR-derived variables. Forwards showed higher mean HR values and spent more time in the highest-intensity zone (Z5; 85–100% HRmax) than defenders, while midfielders displayed more favourable resting HR and recovery characteristics. Defenders tended to have higher BMI values than the other positions. Across the whole sample, greater BMI and body fat percentage were associated with less time spent in Z5. Overall, integrating HR monitoring with body composition assessment may support more position-informed and individualised training decisions in professional football settings.
Keywords
References
- Akenhead, R., & Nassis, G. P. (2016). Training Load and Player Monitoring in High-Level Football: Current Practice and Perceptions. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 11(5), 587–593.
- Altundağ, E., Soylu, Ç., Yıldız, B. K., Sağıroğlu, İ., & Akyıldız, Z. (2025). Positional Differences in Internal and External Training Load Metrics in Elite Football Academy League Players. Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Araştırmaları Dergisi, 17(1), 88–98. https://doi.org/10.55929/besad.1638831
- Balsom, P., Hawkins, R., & Strudwick, T. (2022). Physical Preparation of the Modern Elite Football Player for Domestic and International Competitions with Special Reference to Congested Fixture Periods. Aspetar Sports Medicine Journal, 11(25), 28–35.
- Bangsbo, J., Mohr, M., & Krustrup, P. (2006). Physical and Metabolic Demands of Training and Match-Play in the Elite Football Player. Journal of Sports Sciences, 24(7), 665–674. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410500482529
- Buchheit, M. (2014). Monitoring Training Status with HR Measures: Do All Roads Lead to Rome? Frontiers in Physiology, 5, 73.
- Carling, C. (2013). Interpreting Physical Performance in Professional Soccer Match-Play: Should We Be More Pragmatic in Our Approach? Sports Medicine, 43(8), 655–663. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-013-0055-8
- Cossich, V. R. A., Carlgren, D., Holash, R. J., & Katz, L. (2023). Technological Advancements in Sports: Current Applications and Future Potential of Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Modern Data Visualization in Performance Analysis. Applied Sciences, 13(23), 12965. https://doi.org/10.3390/app132312965
- Dellal, A., Chamari, K., Wong, D. P., & Ahmaidi, S. (2011). Comparison of Physical and Technical Performance in European Professional Soccer Match-Play: The Fa Premier League and La Liga. European Journal of Sport Science, 11(1), 51–59.
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Sports Training
Journal Section
Research Article
Publication Date
May 7, 2026
Submission Date
February 20, 2026
Acceptance Date
April 29, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 7 Number: 1