Variations in physical performance during a competitive season in Mexican female varsity soccer players by playing position

Abstract

Soccer is the most popular sport worldwide, with a recent increase in the number of women participating, demanding greater physical performance for this population according to the competition level. Nevertheless, available data regarding Mexican soccer players' physical performance are limited; therefore, this study aimed to investigate temporary changes in physical performance during a competitive season in university soccer players. Nineteen female players, divided into three player positions (defenders, midfielders, and forwards), participated in the study. All participants completed three evaluations (T1, T2, and T3) that included intermittent aerobic endurance performance (30-15 intermittent fitness test [IFT]), jump height (countermovement jump [CMJ]), linear speed (20-m and 40-m sprints), agility (modified T-test), and maximal strength (1RM-SQ). Regarding results, we found general changes during the season; among these, the 20-m sprint in T2 (ES = 0.60; 90% CI: 0.22; 0.97) and the 1RM-SQ in T2 (ES = 0.57; 90% CI: 0.16; 0.98) and T3 (ES = 1.04; 90%CI: 0.63;1.44) stand out. The main changes were in VO2max30-15IFT in midfielders (ES = -0.86; 90% CI: -1.49; -0.23) in T2 and 1RM-SQ in all positions in T2 and T3, with moderate to large changes. It is important to monitor physical ability during the season to prepare individualized training programs for each player's position.