Less Total-Body Fat and Lower-Extremity Fat Are Associated with More High-Intensity Running during Games in Female University Soccer Players

This study examined the relationship between body composition and on-field, in-game physical performance in female collegiate soccer players. Body composition, including total mass, fat mass, and lean tissue mass for the lower extremities and total body, was measured in 10 starting players using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). On-field, in-game physical performance was tracked via a global positioning system (GPS) over 14 regular-season games, measuring total distance and distance covered in six speed zones. Players covered 4544.7 ± 495.2 m in the first half of the game and significantly less distance in the second half (3356.5 ± 1211.7 m, p = 0.004). A repeated measures ANOVA revealed decreased distances in jogging, low-, and moderate-intensity running during the second half compared to the first half of the game (p < 0.001). Lower total-body fat mass, total-body fat percentage, and lower-extremities fat mass were correlated with greater distances at moderate- and high-intensity running during the second half and entire game (r values from −0.644 to −0.745, p < 0.01 to 0.04). These findings suggest that body composition can influence the distance covered at moderate- and high-intensity running speed during competitive games. Training strategies aimed at reducing fat mass and incorporating high-intensity training may benefit female soccer players and enhance team success.