Ventilatory response to exercise of elite soccer players

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of ventilatory parameters in maximal exercise performance in elite soccer players. METHODS: From September 2009 to December 2012, 90 elite soccer players underwent evaluation of lung function test and ergospirometry by means of an incremental symptom-limited treadmill test. Results were analyzed according to i) maximal exercise velocity performed (Hi-M: high-performers, >18.65 km/h; Lo-M: low-performers, <18.65 km/h) and ii) usual role in the team. RESULTS: Hi-M showed higher peak minute ventilation ( [Formula: see text] : 158.3 ± 19.5 vs 148.0 ± 18.54 L/min, p = 0.0203), and forced expiratory volume at first second (5.28 ± 0.50 vs 4.89 ± 0.52 liters, p < 0.001) than Lo-M, independently of playing role. Moreover, a significant correlation between peak oxygen uptake and [Formula: see text] (r = 0.57, p < 0.001) was found. CONCLUSIONS: Ventilatory response plays a role in the assessment of exercise capacity in elite soccer players.