A Retrospective Analysis of In-Season Conditioning

Indianapolis, IN

The purpose was to determine the effects of soccer position on physiologic profile. Dependent variables included aerobic capacity, flexibility, body fat percentage, agility, reaction time, sprint speed, power output, and distribution of fast-twitch and slow-twitch muscle fibers. It was hypothesized that (1) forwards will possess the greatest fast-twitch muscle fiber distribution: (2) midfielders will excel in aerobic capacity and agility: (3) defenders will excel in sprint speed and power output: (4) goalies will excel in reaction time. This study was approved by the Hanover College Institutional Review Board with regard to the use of human subjects. Thirteen female intercollegiate soccer players participated as subjects. Day 1: height, weight, flexibility, lean body mass and body fat (BodPod), and distribution of fast and slow twitch muscle fibers (Cybex Machine – endurance test). Day 2: agility (T-movement test), sprint speed (40-yard-dash) and power output (Cybex Machine – power test). Day 3: VO2max assessment estimated using the Bruce protocol treadmill test. Data collection is still ongoing and will be completed soon. Pilot data and preliminary findings suggest that soccer position may influence physiologic makeup. Players of the same position generally excelled on similar tests, suggesting that training and physical demands of various positions may mold players physiologically. A self-selection factor is also likely operating. Players with certain innate physiologic abilities self-select into a position because they feel comfortable and are initially successful. From there, training and physical demands further mold physiologic abilities.