Morphological Differences and the Pain Threshold in American Football Players with the Consideration of Their Specialization on the Field

This study assessed body build and pain threshold in 300 professional American football players representing the top Polish teams, based on their tactical formations: big skill players (formation 1), linemen (formation 2), and skill players (formation 3). Morphological measurements, body proportion indices, and body composition were evaluated, and pain thresholds were measured using an algometer. American football players differ significantly in body build depending on formations. The values of the analyzed morphological traits and body composition components were the highest in players from formation 2 (linemen) who are responsible for blocking and tackling opponents and protecting or attacking the quarterback. The analysis of somatic differences between players from the other formations showed that players primarily responsible for scoring points (formation 1) had higher values for morphological traits compared to players from formation 3, who line up the farthest from the line of scrimmage. The highest pain threshold values were observed in players from formation 2, who are the most exposed to direct contact with opponents. This study provides an original description of anthropometric variables in American football players from three formations, as well as differences in pain perception between the player formations, which should be taken into account when selecting players for individual formations in this sport.