Association between VO2max, anthropometrical measures and change of direction test in young soccer players

Abstract

Objective: The use of the aerobic system is especially relevant due to the duration of the soccer game. In fact, the correct development of the aerobic system benefits the soccer player giving greater energy efficiency because the continuous change of energy system due to the intermittent nature of the game causes a high consumption of glycogen. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate oxygen consumption by means of the Yo-Yo intermittent test and anthropometrical measures, and different COD (change of direction) tests in young soccer players and to observe their possible relationship. Methods: A total of forty-seven young male soccer players (age= 15.7 ± 1.2 years; height = 188.8 ± 5.8 cm, and body mass= of 75.7 ± 8.3 kg; 7.6 ± 2.0 years of experience) from the region of Baleares, Spain, performed the Yo-yo test and subsequently, COD was evaluated by tests in the following order (i) V-cut test; (ii) 505-COD test; and (iii) Illinois test. Results: A correlation analysis between VO2max and BMI revealed a moderate negative correlation, r=-0.35, p=0.01, and between VO2max and 505-COD, showed a large negative correlation, r=-0.55, p=0.001. Conclusions: The finding of the present study reveals that there is no relationship between VO2max and agility. Therefore, there is no single method to improve VO2max and agility since both are independent variables. The different agents involved should take this into account if they want to improve VO2max and plan some aerobic resistance exercises; and to improve agility they must plan agility exercises separately.