[Changes of physical and functional characteristics in soccer players]

The purpose of this study was to examine the trends in selected physical cardiovascular and metabolic variables in 248 first division professional soccer players within a period of 27 years (1973-2000).

In a cross sectional study (panel) 198 Mexican players and 50 mainly from Brazil and Argentina were evaluated for physical examination, body composition, blood samples, EKG and maximal oxygen uptake on a treadmill. Data were categorized by decade (70's n = 66, 80's n = 84 and 90's n = 98) and analyzed for significant differences by ANOVAS (p < 0.05).

Value are presented in mean +/- standard deviation in chronological order. Age (years) 24 +/- 2, 26 +/- 2 and 27 +/- 3*. Weight (kg) 74 +/- 4, 73 +/- 4 and 74 +/- 5. Height (cm) 173 +/- 4, 175 +/- 4 and 176 +/- 5*. Body fat (%) 15 +/- 4, 12 +/- 4& and 10 +/- 4#*. Total cholesterol (mg/dL) 246 +/- 26, 220 +/- 24 and 198 +/- 20*. Triglycerides (mg/dL) 172 +/- 24, 190 +/- 26 and 147 +/- 24*#. Resting heart rate (bpm) 66 +/- 6, 60 +/- 4& and 54 +/- 5*#. VO2 max (mL.kg-1.min-1) 52 +/- 3, 54 +/- 2 and 57 +/- 2*. (& = p < 0.05 70's vs. 80's, * = p < 0.05 70's vs. 90's, # = p < 0.05 80's vs. 90's).

Our findings indicated that soccer players performing in the 90's are older and taller, lower body fat, lower blood in lipids profile, and higher cardiovascular fitness than those performing in the decade 70's and 80's. In particular these findings might be related to the improvement at international setting of the South American and Mexican soccer level. Despite the favorable changes and the personal claim of great skill in these players more physiological gains must be aimed and acquired in order to compete in similar circumstances with national teams of superior international levels.