Body Composition, Playing Position and VO2max in a Professional Mexican Soccer Team During Preseason

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Much of the preparatory conditioning for a sports season occurs in the preseason period. Body composition and aerobic conditioning are key factors that influence the physical make-up of professional soccer players. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between body composition, playing position and maximal work performance as measured through treadmill ergometry in a second division professional mexican soccer team during preseason. METHODS: Twenty-six male soccer players aged between 20 and 34 years of age were studied. Body composition was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Body height, weight and circumferences were measured as well. Maximal oxygen uptake, (VO2max), was estimated from treadmill running using the Bruce protocol. RESULTS: The results indicated a median VO2max of 54.6 ml/kg/min (SD 2.3). In general, body fat percent averaged 16.8 (SD 1.67). As for playing position, goalkeepers presented higher body fat percent (19.2+1.1) in comparison to outfield players (16+2.7). In addition, no high significant correlation was found between body fat percent and VO2max. CONCLUSIONS: This study found a significantly high body fat percentage for all playing positions and, most importantly, this study found lack in homogeneity in the team's aerobic physical condition as measured through VO2max during pre-season, with an average value lower than expected for professional soccer players (60 ml/kg/min). This information suggests that the amount of time avaliable to improve the team's physical condition during pre-season does not suffice to reach desired international standards. Based on these results, it can be concluded that there is a need for nutrition counseling and health education in mexican professional players and that players should be encouraged to maintain a physical conditionning program during off-season periods to attain desired season standards.