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 (V˙Epeak: 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 V˙E (r = 0.57, p < 0.001) was found.


CONCLUSIONS
Ventilatory response plays a role in the assessment of exercise capacity in elite soccer players.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Weaning Center, Auxilium Vitae, Volterra, Pisa, Italy. dipaco69@gmail.com.
Adriano
A
Di Paco
Giosuè A
GA
Catapano
Guido
G
Vagheggini
Stefano
S
Mazzoleni
Matteo Levi
ML
Micheli
Nicolino
N
Ambrosino