The aim of this study was to make an approach on the importance of the anaerobic threshold (AT) and the peak oxygen uptake in soccer players, and compare the results found in players to those existing in the specialized literature. An evaluation was made in 18 professional soccer players aged 24 ± 4; weight 72.5 ± 5.9 kg; height 176.5 ± 7.0 cm, and body surface 1.91 ± 0.15 m². Every athlete was evaluated after a 2 month training period. The soccer players were submitted to a maximum exercise test on treadmill, using incremental continuous protocol. The heart rate (HR) was recorded by means of an electrocardiograph (HeartWare) with 12 simultaneous leads and the arterial blood pressure (BP) by auscultation method. The pulmonary ventilation (V E), the oxygen uptake (VO2), the carbon dioxide production (VCO2) and the respiratory exchange rate (RER) were evaluated by means of the breath-by-breath spirometric computerized method (MedGraphics Corporation-MGC). The following results were verified in the AT: HR = 173.6 ± 8.6 bpm; VO2 = 55.78 ± 5.93 mlO2.kg-1.min-1; running velocity = 14.6 ± 1.0 km.h-1; maximum exercise: HR = 189.5 ± 11.4 bpm; V E = 134.1 ± 15.9 L.min-1; VO2 peak = 63.75 ± 4.93 mlO2.kg-1.min-1; maximum velocity = 17.8 ± 1.0 km.h-1; Borg scale = 18.3 ± 1.3 points. In conclusion, the results, when compared to those of specialized literature, proved the rate of AT and VO2 peak to be similar and even superior to several results published about such two variables in professional soccer players. Considering, however, the players' position, there is no definite consensus on the most adequate AT rates and VO2 peak in soccer players, but only suggestions.
Soccer players; Anaerobic thresholds; Maximum oxygen uptake; Spiroergometry; Sports Medicine
