Physiological profiles of the Canadian Olympic Soccer Team

Physiological profiles of elite athletes are becoming increasingly important both for the sport scientist and coach, primarily to effectively develop training programs and to use as a motivational tool in the pursuit of excellence. Descriptive profiles were developed on 16 aspirants of the Canadian Olympic Soccer team during their training program at U.B.C. Selected strength measures were obtained from a Cybex II isokinetic dynamometer at 30 degrees sec-1. Metabolic variables were derived utilizing a Beckman metabolic cart interfaced with a Hewlitt Packard 3052A data acquisition system. Protocols involved were the following: VO2max (initial velocity 8.05 km X h-1, greater than 0.805 km X min-1); Anaerobic speed test (AST) (20% grade, 12.8 km X h-1). the nonlinear increase in excess CO2 was utilized to determine the anaerobic threshold (AT). (Table: see text). Recommendations emphasized maintenance of low body fat, increasing maximal aerobic power by approximately 10% and creating a hams/quads ratio of 60%. Also, a nutritional survey and periodic evaluation of iron status is necessary for the athletes.