Maximal oxygen consumption of soccer players by different methods

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in professional soccer players. Twenty soccer players (24.1±0.81 years old) participated in of this study. All subjects performed two maximal field tests: a) Yo-Yo endurance test (T1) and b) Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test (T2) using portable telemetric ergospirometry. In addition, two maximal exercise tests on the treadmill with continuous (T3) and intermittent (T4) protocols were employed. TheVO2max was assessed by direct ergospirometry in T3 and T4. All results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Two-way ANOVA two way for repeated measurements was used to determine statistical differences (p < 0.05). The estimatedVO2max (ml.Kg-1.min-1) of the T1 test (54.6 ± 2.2) was significantly lower in relation to T2 (61.2 ± 3.3), T3 (62.2 ± 4.3) and T4 (63.7 ± 4.5) tests. Differences between the intermittent exercise protocols (T2 and T4) and the continuous exercise protocols (T1 and T3) were also observed. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that Yo-Yo field can be used in the training program, as a cheaper alternative, aiming the aerobic capacity determination.