Aerobic power across positions - an investigation into women's soccer performance.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to discern the disparities in the aerobic capacity of female athletes occupying various positions within a soccer team, and to understand the physical characteristics of the athletes in different positions. It is critical to understand that the physical demands for players vary depending on their positions on the field, a factor that greatly influences their training and gameplay.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study engaged a sample of 25 female soccer players, average age of 22.72 (±2.69 SD), all of whom were active participants in the Chinese Women's Super League. The sample was distributed across several playing positions, including forwards, midfielders, and defenders. To gather pertinent data on oxygen uptake, a progressive load test was administered on a treadmill, coupled with a gas analyzer to amass respiratory indices (JAEGER, Germany).

RESULTS: The study revealed that there was a notable variance in the maximum oxygen uptake among players in different positions. The midfielders exhibited the highest VO2 max at 63.24±7.04 ml/kg/min, followed by the forwards who averaged at 58.92±7.70 ml/kg/min, and finally the defenders who recorded the smallest average at 55.73±4.40 ml/kg/min.

CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of this study indicate that the positional role of a player in a team correlates with their aerobic capacity. Therefore, the positional demands significantly shape the player's physical characteristics, influencing their training and gameplay. This understanding is vital for the optimal conditioning of athletes in different positions in the sport of soccer.