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PREDICTING VO2MAX USING BODY FAT PERCENTAGE IN PROFESSIONAL AND COLLEGIATE MALE SOCCER PLAYERS

Abstract

Cameron Matthew Horsfall1, Greg A. Ryan2, Hannah E. Ramirez1, Drew S. DeJohn1, Lucas Haaren1, Stephen J. Rossi1. 1Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA. 2Piedmont University, Demorest, GA.

BACKGROUND: The maximum amount of oxygen a body can use during exercise (VO2max) is an important indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness and overall athletic performance. Metabolic carts are a luxury that all levels of sport and athletics may not have the means to use. Body fat percentage (BF%) is something that is easily measurable by a professional and does not require tremendous amounts of time. Using BF%, it may be possible to predict VO2max levels in male soccer players of varying levels. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between BF% and VO2max values using two levels of male soccer players. METHODS: Thirty-six male (Professional: n=13; Collegiate: n=23) soccer players participated in this study. Each participant had three skinfold measurements (Chest, Abdomen, and Thigh) taken during preseason by trained exercise professionals. Each participant also ran a Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2 that was conducted by strength and conditioning professionals. VO2max for each participant was calculated from the Yo-Yo results. Pearson correlations were run on all variables to determine their relationship. Additionally, a stepwise linear regression was calculated to potentially predict VO2max based on the BF% variables. Significance of relationships was calculated at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: A significant, negative, strong correlation was found between BF% (11.4 ± 6.1%) and VO2max (56.6 ± 3.3 ml/kg/min, r = 0.70; p < 0.01) among collegiate soccer players. A significant regression equation was found (F (1,21) = 19.48, p < 0.01) with an adjusted R2 of 0.46. The prediction equation was VO2max = 60.813 - 0.372(BF%). 95% Cis were [55.137, 57.984] and [-0.548, -0.197] respectively. BF% was not a significant predictor (p = 0.28) of VO2max in professional players. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings, BF% is a significant predictor of VO2max and may be useful in determining VO2max in collegiate soccer players. BF% could predict ~48% of the variance in VO2max in this group. However, the ability of BF% to predict VO2max does not appear to be evident in professional players. It is possible that age, the higher level of competition, or a variety of other factors may influence VO2max in professional soccer players.

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