Effects of football training on ventilatory and gas exchange kinetics to sinusoidal work load

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of football training on maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), ventilatory threshold (VT) and kinetics of ventilation and gas exchange variables to sinusoidal work load. The sinusoidal work load during cycling exercise was varied from 30 watts to 60% of VO2max (60% VO2max) with a period of 2 min. O2 uptake (VO2), CO2 output (VCO2), minute ventilation (VE) and heart rate (HR) were measured on a breath-by-breath basis using a computer system. Training periods were continued for 9 months. Six males who had no football experience were performed in which VO2max, VT, and the kinetics of each variable were measured for 3-month intervals (PRE, TR.3, TR.6, and TR.9). They usually underwent football training, such as sprint and strength training for 2-3 hours day-1, 6 days week-1. Mean VO2max was significantly increased at TR.3 and TR.6. VT was also significantly increased during the training period. The amplitude of VO2, VCO2, VE, and HR responses during sinusoidal exercise unchanged during the training period. Phase shifts to work load in VO2 and HR responses did not significantly change during the 9 months, but the phase shift in VCO2 and VE responses significantly continued increasing as the training intervals progressed. These results suggest that football training does not significantly affect the development of the kinetics of VO2 and HR during submaximal exercise, but that it dramatically increases VO2max and VT values.