Increase In Body Mass Do Not Negatively Affect Aerobic Capacity In Elite Male Soccer Players

Abstract

Previous research has shown that an increase in body mass is unfoundedly linked to a decrease of aerobic capacity. The focal point of this decrease is a reduction in the maximal rate of oxygen utilization (VO2 max). PURPOSE: To measure the effect of a Resistance Training (RT) program and its expected gain in lean mass on aerobic capacity in soccer players. The hypothesis being that a gain in body mass obtained from resistance training (RT) will not be detrimental to aerobic capacity. METHODS: Eleven male soccer players from a U-19 team of the Elite Ivory Coast Training Academy (age:15.73 ± 1.21 years) took part in a 12-week, three times per week, RT program, while maintaining their regular soccer training program. The RT program included three different full-body workouts, with percentage of maximum repetition (RM) ranging from 75% to 87% of 1 RM. Participants bodyweight (BW) was recorded and bodyfat percentage (BF%) was measured using an Harpenden caliper and the Durin & Ramahan 4-site skinfold method. Participant VO2 max was extrapolated from the Carzola VAMÉVAL test. Differences between pre and post measures were calculated with a paired samples T-test. All statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 27. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 RESULTS: Results show a significant (p < 0.05) improvement of VO2max with base values starting at 58.84 ± 1.77 mL/kg/min and increasing to 60.07 ± 2.18 mL/kg/min after 12 weeks of RT even though mean BW significantly increased from 61.74 ± 4.66 kg to 62.55 ± 4.83 kg. Furthermore, mean lean body mass (LBM) increased significantly from 55.73 ± 4.21 kg to 57.62 ± 4.29 kg while BF% significantly decreased from 9.54 ± 1.13% to 7.66 ± 0.58 %. CONCLUSION: Results show that a RT protocol does not negatively impact aerobic capacity but rather potentially increases it. 12 weeks of RT and the increase in BW and LBM that resulted from it did not negatively affect aerobic capacity. However, further research should include a control group, to confirm without a doubt that an RT protocol can, in fact, improve VO2 max.