title: VO2max characteristics of elite female soccer players, 1989-2007.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To quantify VO2max among female competitive soccer players as a function of performance level, field position, and age. In addition, the evolution of VO2max among world-class players over an 18-y period was quantified.
  
  
  METHODS
  Female players (N = 199, 22 ± 4 y, 63 ± 6 kg, height 169 ± 6 cm), including an Olympic winning squad, were tested for VO2max at the Norwegian Olympic Training Center between 1989 and 2007.
  
  
  RESULTS
  National-team players had 5% higher VO2max than 1st-division players (P = .042, d = 0.4), 13% higher than 2nd-division players (P < .001, d = 1.2), and 9% higher than junior players (P = .005, d = 1.0). Midfielders had 8% higher VO2max than goalkeepers (P = .048, d = 1.1). No significant differences were observed across outfield players or different age categories. There was a trend toward lower relative VO2max across time epochs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrated that VO2max varies across playing-standard level in women's soccer. No significant differences in VO2max were observed across outfield positions and age categories. Over time, there has been a slight negative development in VO2max among elite Norwegian soccer players.
authors: Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway.
authors: Thomas A
authors: TA
authors: Haugen
authors: Espen
authors: E
authors: Tønnessen
authors: Erlend
authors: E
authors: Hem
authors: Svein
authors: S
authors: Leirstein
authors: Stephen
authors: S
authors: Seiler
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D054874:Athletic Performance; D003163:Competitive Behavior; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009048:Motor Skills; D009664:Norway; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D064797:Physical Conditioning, Human; D012420:Running; D012916:Soccer; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult