Sex-Specific Morphological and Neuromuscular Profiles of U-15 Colombian Basketball Players

Abstract

Background: Basketball performance is highly dependent on morphological and neuromuscular traits, especially during adolescence, when rapid growth and maturation generate marked sex-based differences. However, limited data are available on Latin American players’ performance. This study aimed to compare the anthropometric characteristics, body composition, somatotype, and neuromuscular performance of male and female Colombian U-15 national basketball players. Methods: The sample consisted of thirty-seven players (20 males, 17 females; mean age: 14.8 ± 0.4 years) during the preparatory phase of the 2022 South American U-15 Championships. Anthropometry and body composition were evaluated following ISAK standards, and somatotype was calculated using Carter and Heath’s method. Neuromuscular performance included countermovement and squat jumps, bilateral handgrip strength, and isometric knee extensor and flexor peak torques. Between-sex differences were examined using t-tests, Welch’s tests, or Mann–Whitney U tests. The effects of sex on body composition, somatotype, and neuromuscular outcomes were assessed using MANOVA. Results: Males had higher muscle mass, lower adipose mass, and greater limb lengths than females (p < 0.01). No sex differences were observed in BMI, waist or hip circumference, or quadriceps strength. Regarding neuromuscular performance, males exhibited higher handgrip strength, hamstring torque (absolute and relative), and jump performance than females. Conclusions: Males showed greater muscle mass, strength, and jump performance, whereas females displayed higher fat levels and endomorphy than males. These findings provide useful data for optimizing training load prescriptions, guiding targeted strength programs, and developing sex-specific strategies for injury prevention and talent identification in adolescents.