| Abstract | Optimization of training and performance is the ultimate goal of sport performance and strength and conditioning practitioners. Anthropometric measures and performance in athletics is a rapidly growing area of research, but there is yet to be any investigation on thorax shape, specifically infrasternal angle (ISA), and its potential correlation with performance. The present study explored the relationship between ISA and external load metrics in NCAA Division I Football players. We utilized dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans to obtain ISA, and StatSports Apex GPS devices to collect external load data for nine athletes (M= 20.43 + 1.31) across various positions. Results confirm the hypothesis that a smaller ISA is associated with greater maximum speeds, suggesting the importance of thorax shape in athletic performance. No significant correlations were identified between ISA and any other external load metrics. One- way ANOVA test revealed significant differences in maximum speed between position classifications of big, power, and skill. The results of this study have implications for player position specification and tailored training programs, contributing to the understanding of ISA in athletic performance. |
