Ventilatory response to exercise of elite soccer players
Adriano Di Paco1, Giosuè A Catapano, Guido Vagheggini
1Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Weaning Center, Auxilium Vitae, Volterra, Pisa, Italy. dipaco69@gmail.com.
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.
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