Abstract
This study investigated the ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2) along with the
corresponding heart rates, velocities and % of V̇O2 max at which
these thresholds are reached in professional female soccer players. It also
examined positional differences in the aforementioned parameters. Thirty-three
professional players from two teams (age range 18–31 years) were recruited. The
players underwent maximal exercise testing on the treadmill for the detection of
VT1 (V̇E versus V̇O2 plot) and VT2 (V̇E versus V̇CO2
plot). The test began at a speed of 6km/h and was increased by 2 km/h every 3.15
minutes, with the inclination constant at 1%. Results indicated that the players
had an average V̇O2 max of 50.24
ml·kg− 1.min− 1. VT1 (% max) and VT2 (% max) were
shown at 72.87% and 91.26% of V̇O2 max, respectively. The respective
velocities at VT1 and VT2 were indicated at 10.85 km/h and 12.91 km/h,
respectively, while the average VV̇O2 max was 14.61 km/h. The average
heart rates at VT1, VT2 and V̇O2 max were 159.33, 185.15 and 192.85
beats per minute, respectively. Furthermore, analysis of variance ANOVA
indicated significant differences in velocity at V̇O2max. This study
provides important normative data regarding the ventilatory thresholds of female
soccer players.
Keywords
aerobic capacity - female football - training intensities - ventilatory thresholds