Research Article

Position-Specific Athletic Profiles in Professional Football: Integration of Heart Rate and Anthropometric Characteristics

Volume: 7 Number: 1 May 7, 2026
TR EN

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

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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

APA
Özen, G., & Taştan, S. (2026). Position-Specific Athletic Profiles in Professional Football: Integration of Heart Rate and Anthropometric Characteristics. Uluslararası Beden Eğitimi Spor Ve Teknolojileri Dergisi, 7(1), 18-25. https://izlik.org/JA24RM58YH
AMA
1.Özen G, Taştan S. Position-Specific Athletic Profiles in Professional Football: Integration of Heart Rate and Anthropometric Characteristics. JIPEST. 2026;7(1):18-25. https://izlik.org/JA24RM58YH
Chicago
Özen, Gökmen, and Sezer Taştan. 2026. “Position-Specific Athletic Profiles in Professional Football: Integration of Heart Rate and Anthropometric Characteristics”. Uluslararası Beden Eğitimi Spor Ve Teknolojileri Dergisi 7 (1): 18-25. https://izlik.org/JA24RM58YH.
EndNote
Özen G, Taştan S (May 1, 2026) Position-Specific Athletic Profiles in Professional Football: Integration of Heart Rate and Anthropometric Characteristics. Uluslararası Beden Eğitimi Spor ve Teknolojileri Dergisi 7 1 18–25.
IEEE
[1]G. Özen and S. Taştan, “Position-Specific Athletic Profiles in Professional Football: Integration of Heart Rate and Anthropometric Characteristics”, JIPEST, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 18–25, May 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA24RM58YH
ISNAD
Özen, Gökmen - Taştan, Sezer. “Position-Specific Athletic Profiles in Professional Football: Integration of Heart Rate and Anthropometric Characteristics”. Uluslararası Beden Eğitimi Spor ve Teknolojileri Dergisi 7/1 (May 1, 2026): 18-25. https://izlik.org/JA24RM58YH.
JAMA
1.Özen G, Taştan S. Position-Specific Athletic Profiles in Professional Football: Integration of Heart Rate and Anthropometric Characteristics. JIPEST. 2026;7:18–25.
MLA
Özen, Gökmen, and Sezer Taştan. “Position-Specific Athletic Profiles in Professional Football: Integration of Heart Rate and Anthropometric Characteristics”. Uluslararası Beden Eğitimi Spor Ve Teknolojileri Dergisi, vol. 7, no. 1, May 2026, pp. 18-25, https://izlik.org/JA24RM58YH.
Vancouver
1.Gökmen Özen, Sezer Taştan. Position-Specific Athletic Profiles in Professional Football: Integration of Heart Rate and Anthropometric Characteristics. JIPEST [Internet]. 2026 May 1;7(1):18-25. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA24RM58YH