Relationship between VO2max and anthropometric measures in semiprofessional female soccer players

• Published in: Journal of Physical Education and Sport 2024-04, Vol.24 (4), p.950-956
• Main Authors: Rodríguez-García, Lorena, Moreno-Vecino, Beatriz, Martín-Moya, Ricardo, Losa, José Alfonso Morcillo, González-Fernández, Francisco Tomás
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Body composition; Body mass index; Body Weight; Energy efficiency; Exercise; Females; Males; Maximum oxygen consumption; Morphology; Physical fitness; Physiology; Professional soccer; Soccer; Team Sports; Womens sports
• ISSN: 2247-8051; 2247-806X
• DOI: 10.7752/jpes.2024.04108

Problem Statement: Soccer requires significant utilization of aerobic system, owing to the continuous energetic demands and high glycogen consumption. The optimal functioning of this system is crucial for energy efficiency, which may be influenced by various anthropometric factors. While research has extensively explored male players, there is a notable dearth of studies concerning female footballers. Approach: Optimal functioning of this system depends on enhanced energy efficiency, which may be influenced by variations in anthropometric parameters. Despite ongoing research focusing on male players, there remains a gap in understanding among female soccer players. Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to examine the potential correlation between estimated oxygen consumption and anthropometric metrics among female semi-professional soccer players. Twenty-five participants from the Balearic Islands, Spain, with an average age of 21.87 years, height of 163.93 cm, weight of 61.78 kg, and 6.55 years of experience, were included. Anthropometric measurements were initially conducted, followed by the Yo-Yo test to assess maximum oxygen consumption. Correlation analyses were performed between maximum oxygen consumption, fat mass percentage, muscle mass percentage, bone mass percentage, body weight percentage, body mass index (BMI), and visceral fat percentage. Results: A correlation analysis performed between maximum oxygen consumption, percentage of fat mass, percentage of muscular mass, percentage of bone mass, and percentage of body weight and body mass index did not revealed a significant correlation, r=-0.16, p=0.46, r=0.03, p=0.88, r=0.01, p=0.94, r=0.05, p=0.83, and r=0.17, p=0.29, respectively. Nevertheless, there was a large negative correlation between maximum oxygen consumption and body mass index (r=-.49, p=0.01) and maximum oxygen consumption and visceral fat (r=-.39, p=0.05). Conclusions: Maintaining a normalized BMI and reducing visceral fat are crucial for achieving higher maximal oxygen consumption in female soccer players, potentially enhancing their performance. Strategies for optimizing oxygen consumption and reducing visceral fat may include cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and proper nutrition.