Abstract
Background: In order to optimize training in soccer, knowledge about the specific position fitness demands and characteristics is required. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine whether there are position specific differences in somatic, cardiorespiratory and autonomic cardiac profiles of professional senior Czech soccer players. Methods: All players (N = 120) were divided into six groups according to field positions: goalkeeper (GK; n = 11), external defenders (ED; n = 15), central defenders (CD; n = 18), external midfielders (EM; n = 18), central midfielders (CM; n = 24) and forwards (F; n = 34). Players underwent anthropometrical and heart rate variability (HRV) assessment, and a maximal incremental running test in order to obtain maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and heart rate. HRV variables were transformed using the natural logarithm (Ln). Results: GK and CD were significantly (p = .005) heavier than ED, EM, CM, and F; while F were significantly (p = .026) heavier than CM and EM. GK and CD were significantly (p = .008) taller than ED, EM, CM, F; and EM were significantly (p = .041) shorter than CM and F. The only significant (p = .043) difference in percentage of body fat was observed in CD compared with CM. A significantly (p = .021) lower VO2max was observed for GK compared with ED, CD, EM, CM, and F. Supine HRV was significantly (p = .039) lower for Ln LF/HF in GK compared with F. Standing HRV was significantly (p = .03) lower for Ln LF in CD compared with both ED and F, significantly (p = .028) higher for Ln LF/HF in ED compared with CD and EM. Conclusions: In soccer, specific positions are associated with different height, body mass and aerobic capacity. A lower VO2max and vagal activity in GK compared with other playing positions may not be considered as disadvantage for performance in this specific playing position.
Highlights
Elite performance in soccer represents a composite of high level physical performance characteristics that, in turn, depend upon a variety of anthropometrical and physiological properties, as well as on the training and health status of the individual athlete (MacArthur & North, 2005)
The only significant (p = .043) difference in % body fat (BF) was observed in central defenders (CD) compared with central midfielders (CM)
Based on the analysis of variance (ANOVA) result (Table 1), VO2max was significantly (p = .021) lower for GK compared with external defenders (ED), CD, external midfielders (EM), CM, F
Summary
Elite performance in soccer represents a composite of high level physical performance characteristics that, in turn, depend upon a variety of anthropometrical and physiological properties, as well as on the training and health status of the individual athlete (MacArthur & North, 2005). In soccer, is well known that different field positions require specific fitness characteristics (Magalhães Saleset al., 2014; Stølen, Chamari, Castagna, & Wisløff, 2005; Wisløff, Helgerud, & Hoff, 1998). From different playing position point of view, central defenders (CD) spend significantly more time walking and jogging (0–11 km ⋅ h–1) during matches and spend the least time in all other work-intensities and cover the least distance (Di Salvo et al, 2007). In order to optimize training in soccer, knowledge about the specific position fitness demands and characteristics is required. A significantly (p = .021) lower VO2max was observed for GK compared with ED, CD, EM, CM, and F. Supine HRV was significantly (p = .039) lower for Ln LF/HF in GK compared with F. A lower VO2max and vagal activity in GK compared with other playing positions may not be considered as disadvantage for performance in this specific playing position
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