Comparative analysis between maximum oxygen uptake and anthropometric profile in soccer players and referees

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the VO2max and anthropometric profile of referees and professional soccer players. The population was composed by professional soccer players and referees, credited by Paranaense Soccer Federation (FPF). The sample was composed by 10 referees from FPF panel and 24 players from a team that operate in highest level of Paranaense championship, all male. Leger test (comes and goes) was used for field measurement of VO2max. Anthropometric variables analyzed were age, weight, height, and four skinfolds subscapular, triceps, suprailiac and calf. Regarding anthropometric parameters, the referees had a mean age of 33.7 ± 3.1 years, height 177.9 ± 9.1 cm, weight 82.8 ± 12.8 kg and body fat of 15.5 ± 3.7%. The players had a mean age of 24.1 ± 3.4 years, weight of 78.1 ± 8.1 kg, height 178.2 ± 7.4 cm and body fat of 10.8 ± 2.6%. Functional evaluation showed that the average VO2max from referees and players were 50.0 ± 1.3 and 56.7 ± 5.8 ml.kg-1min-1, respectively. There is significant difference between the age (p = 0.0001), body fat percentage (p = 0.0002) and VO2max (p = 0.0011). It can be concluded that the referees are older and have a VO2max less than the players. This coupled with higher body fat percentage of the referees is a factor that impairs their performance during the games