Authors : Jahangir Alom; Kanika Murmu; Dr. Ashoke Mukherjee; Dr. Awashes Subba

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 1 - January

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/2xwbahdy

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/bdd6yh87

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jan1206

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Abstract : Background: Adolescence is a critical period that has high physical growth rates and psychosocial development rates. In the case of young athletes, the transition between normal developmental processes and sport-related requirements is particularly challenging, but the developmental patterns that connect physical and perceived wellbeing are not studied sufficiently.  Objectives: The purpose of the study was to: (1) analyse age effects on anthropometric markers, cardiovascular fitness, and quality of life in adolescent football players(12-16yrs); (2) test physical variables in relation to areas of quality of life; (3) establish the predictive validity of a developmentally sound outcome of wellbeing.  Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 455 male footballers between the ages of 12-16 years (12-13y, n=67, 13-14y, n=128, 14-15y, n=148 and 15-16y, n=112) of North Bengal, India. Measurements were standardized (height, weight, BMI, Harvard Step Test (cardiovascular fitness) and the WHOQOL-BREF (measuring Physical, Psychological, Social, and Environmental QoL domains). The statistical tests consisted of descriptive statistics, ANOVA post hoc tests, correlation test, multiple regression, moderation test, structural equation modelling and cluster test.  Results: There were great developmental trends. Height was significantly increasing with age up to 16 (F=44.1, p<.001, η2 =.23) and BMI was decreasing (F=21.3, p<.001, η2 =.12). There was an improvement in cardiovascular fitness (F=17.8, p<.001, η 2=.11) with age. QoL domains represented U-shaped curves with a substantial decline in these ages 14-15, then an incomplete recovery. HST showed positive correlations with all QoL domains (Physical: r=.40; Psychological: r=.38; Social: r=.32; Environmental: r=.29; all p<.001) and was the sole significant predictor in all regression models that accounted 9- 16% of the variance. SEM indicated that physical and psychological mediation between fitness and social wellbeing are present (indirect effect=.13, p<.001). The age of the respondents reduced the fitness-social QoL relationship (moderation p=.02). Conclusion: Cardiovascular fitness, as opposed to anthropometric measures, is found to be a developmentally strong predictor of quality of life among adolescent footballers. The QoL dip in the mid-adolescent 14-15 years despite the rising fitness is a sign of a critical period of interventions through physical-psychosocial programs in youth sports activities.

Keywords : Adolescent Athletes, Quality of Life, Cardiovascular Fitness, WHOQOL-BREF, Wellbeing, Youth Football.

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