Ventilatory response to exercise of elite soccer players

Adriano Di Paco; Giosuè A. Catapano; Guido Vagheggini; Stefano Mazzoleni; Matteo Levi Micheli; Nicolino Ambrosino

doi:10.4081/mrm.2014.414

Ventilatory response to exercise of elite soccer players

Authors

Adriano Di Paco Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Weaning Center, Auxilium Vitae, Volterra, Pisa, Italy; Rehabilitation Bioengineering Laboratory, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna and Auxilium Vitae, Volterra
Giosuè A. Catapano Institute of Clinical Physiology, G. Monasterio Foundation/Clinical Research Council, Pisa
Guido Vagheggini Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Weaning Center, Auxilium Vitae, Volterra, Pisa, Italy; Rehabilitation Bioengineering Laboratory, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna and Auxilium Vitae, Volterra
Stefano Mazzoleni Rehabilitation Bioengineering Laboratory, ScuolaSuperioreSant’Anna and Auxilium Vitae, Volterra; The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa
Matteo Levi Micheli Physical Education, Sport and Health, University of Florence, Florence
Nicolino Ambrosino Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Weaning Center, Auxilium Vitae, Volterra, Pisa, Italy; Rehabilitation Bioengineering Laboratory, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna and Auxilium Vitae, Volterra

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4081/mrm.2014.414

Keywords:

Exercise testing, Field performance, Team sports, Training, Ventilatory parameters

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of ventilatory parameters in maximal exercise performance in elite soccer players.

Methods: From September 2009 to December 2012, 90 elite soccer players underwent evaluation of lung function test and ergospirometry by means of an incremental symptom-limited treadmill test. Results were analyzed according to i) maximal exercise velocity performed (Hi-M: high-performers, >18.65 km/h; Lo-M: low-performers, <18.65 km/h) and ii) usual role in the team.

Results: Hi-M showed higher peak minute ventilation (V_ Epeak: 158.3 ± 19.5 vs 148.0 ± 18.54 L/min, p = 0.0203), and forced expiratory volume at first second (5.28 ± 0.50 vs 4.89 ± 0.52 liters, p < 0.001) than Lo-M, independently of playing role. Moreover, a significant correlation between peak oxygen uptake and V_ E (r = 0.57, p < 0.001) was found.

Conclusions: Ventilatory response plays a role in the assessment of exercise capacity in elite soccer players.