Reproducibility of maximum aerobic power (VO2max) among soccer players using a modified heck protocol.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the degree of reproducibility of maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) among soccer players, using a modified Heck protocol.


METHODS
2 evaluations with an interval of 15 days between them were performed on 11 male soccer players. All the players were at a high performance level; they were training for an average of 10 hours per week, totaling 5 times a week. When they were evaluated, they were in the middle of the competitive season, playing 1 match per week. The soccer players were evaluated on an ergometric treadmill with velocity increments of 1.2 km.h-1 every 2 minutes and a fixed inclination of 3% during the test. VO2max was measured directly using a breath-by-breath metabolic gas analyzer.


RESULTS
The maximum running speed and VO2max attained in the 2 tests were, respectively: (15.6 +/- 1.1 vs. 15.7 +/- 1.2 km.h-1; [P = .78]) and (54.5 +/- 3.9 vs. 55.2 +/- 4.4 ml.kg-1.min-1; [P = .88]). There was high and significant correlation of VO2max between the 2 tests with a 15-day interval between them [r = 0.97; P < .001].


CONCLUSIONS
The modified Heck protocol was reproducible, and the 15-day interval between the ergospirometric testing was insufficient to significantly modify the soccer players' VO2max values.
Santos-Silva
Paulo Roberto
PR
Laboratory for the Study of Movement, Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Fonseca
Alfredo José
AJ
Castro
Anita Weigand de
AW
Greve
Júlia Maria D'Andréa
JM
Hernandez
Arnaldo José
AJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012916:Soccer / Q000502:physiology*