Exploring physical and physiological transformations in Greek semi-professional soccer players during the competitive season

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine long-term variations in the physical condition and performance indices of male soccer players. Eighteen Greek male semi-professional soccer players aged 25 (±5.05) years, height 180.77 (±5.93) cm, weight 78.51 (±5.25) kg and body fat 10.5 (±1.67) with training experience of 7.22 ± 3.63 (y participated in the study and these players were actively engaged in the 3rd National Division of the Greek Championship. Three ergometric assessments were conducted at key intervals during the team's competitive season specifically at the start of preparation (SPR), end of preparation (EPR) and mid-season-MS) and without changing the training and competition schedule. The testing procedures were conducted in a standardized laboratory environment and the participants visited the laboratory twice in the first examination period, familiarized first with the protocol while on the second visit, the main protocol was performed. All tests were performed during the same time of the day to avoid any chronobiological effecτ. Significant differences in physical abilities were reflected in the mean value of body composition (decrease 2nd & 3rd vs 1st), maximal oxygen uptake VO2max (increase 2nd & 3rd vs 1st), velocity at maximal oxygen uptake vVO2max (increase 2nd & 3rd vs 1st), velocity at anaerobic threshold (increase 2nd & 3rd vs 1st), vertical jump (increase 3rd vs 1st) and % drop in speed (decrease 2nd & 3rd vs 1st). In conclusion, this study provides reference data for the evaluation of Greek semi-professional soccer players and the variation in the levels of large parameters can be observed during the competitive season. In this context, future research should expand the database and time period to draw even more secure conclusions.