Soccer specific testing of maximal oxygen uptake.

AIM

Endurance capacity in soccer players is important. A soccer specific test for direct measurement of maximal oxygen uptake does, however, not exist. The aim of this study was to evaluate maximal oxygen uptake in a soccer specific field test, compared to treadmill running.

METHODS

Ten male soccer players (age 21.9+/-3.0 years, body mass 73.3+/-9.5 kg, height 179.9+/-4.7 cm) participated in the study, and 5 endurance trained men (age 24.9+/-1.8 years, body mass 81.5+/-3.7 kg, height 185.6+/-3.1 cm) took part in a comparison of the portable and the stationary metabolic test systems. The soccer players accomplished a treadmill test and a soccer specific field test containing dribbling, repetitive jumping, accelerations, decelerations, turning and backwards running.

RESULTS

Maximal oxygen uptake was similar in field (5.0+/-0.5 L x min(-1)) and laboratory (5.1+/-0.7 L x min(-1)) tests, as were maximal heart rate, maximal breathing frequency, respiratory exchange ratio and oxygen pulse. Maximal ventilation was 5.4% higher at maximal oxygen uptake during treadmill running.

CONCLUSION

These findings show that testing of maximal oxygen uptake during soccer specific testing gives similar results as during treadmill running, and therefore serves as a valid test of maximal oxygen uptake in soccer players.