Psychological, Hormonal, and Physical Performance Profiles in Adolescent Male Football Players: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study

NCT07892430 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 2026/04-27
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 21
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aimed to examine the relationships among psychological characteristics, hormonal markers, body composition, and physical performance in adolescent male football players. Twenty-one male football players participated in this cross-sectional correlational study. Assessments included anthropometric measurements, jumping, sprinting, agility, kick speed, psychological well-being in sport, and mental toughness. Blood samples were collected to measure testosterone, FT3, and FT4 levels. Data were examined using partial correlation network analysis, centrality analysis, hierarchical clustering, and principal component analysis.

Conditions

Adolescence; Body Composition; Physical Performance; Mental Toughness

Keywords

anaerobic performance; football experience; hormon; well-being

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Hormonal Markers, Psychological Scores, Physical Performance, and Body Composition

  Serum total testosterone, free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4) were measured by immunoassay in a 5 mL venous blood sample collected after at least 12 hours of fasting. Psychological well-being was assessed using a 23-item scale (23-115 points), and mental toughness using an eight-item index (mean score: 1-7); higher scores indicate better well-being or toughness. Countermovement jump height was measured using a jump mat, standing long jump distance using a tape, 10 and 20 m sprint and T-test times using electronic timing, and kick speed using radar. The best of two trials was retained; higher jump and kick speed values and shorter times indicate better performance. Body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, and skeletal muscle percentage were assessed using bioelectrical impedance, and height using a stadiometer.

  Assessed once per participant across four assessment sessions spaced 48 hours apart, over approximately 6 days from the first to the final session.

• - Total testosterone, FT3, and FT4 levels - Psychological well-being in sport and mental toughness scores - Jump, sprint, change-of-direction, and kick speed performance - Body composition measures used in the analysis

  Serum total testosterone, free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4) were measured by immunoassay in a 5 mL venous blood sample collected after at least 12 hours of fasting. Psychological well-being was assessed using a 23-item scale (23-115 points), and mental toughness using an eight-item index (mean score: 1-7); higher scores indicate better well-being or toughness. Countermovement jump height was measured using a jump mat, standing long jump distance using a tape, 10 and 20 m sprint and T-test times using electronic timing, and kick speed using radar. The best of two trials was retained; higher jump and kick speed values and shorter times indicate better performance. Body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, and skeletal muscle percentage were assessed using bioelectrical impedance, and height using a stadiometer.

  Assessed once per participant across four assessment sessions spaced 48 hours apart, over approximately 6 days from the first to the final session.

Study Arms (1)

Adolescent Male Football Players

Adolescent male football players underwent anthropometric and body composition assessments, physical performance tests, and psychological questionnaires during measurement sessions held on separate days. Venous blood samples were collected to measure testosterone, free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4) levels. No training or therapeutic intervention was administered.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 11 Years - 15 Years
• Sex: male
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consisted of adolescent male football players aged 12-14 years who actively played for a single U-14 football team in Bingöl, Türkiye, and participated in regular football training. Twenty-one players voluntarily participated in the study.

You may qualify if:

• Participation in regular football training.
• No health issues or injuries that would prevent completion of motor performance tests and psychological assessments.
• Agreement to attend all scheduled measurement sessions.

You may not qualify if:

• \- Non-adherence to the research protocol.
• Use of medications that could affect measurements.
• Presence of a medical condition that could influence hormonal and physiological status.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Firat University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Firat University, Faculty of Sport Science

Elâzığ, Merkez, 23119, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Prof.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: October 17, 2026
• First Posted: October 23, 2026
• Study Start: March 5, 2026
• Primary Completion: June 9, 2026
• Study Completion: July 9, 2026
• Last Updated: October 23, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-10

Locations

TU (1)