Changes in the Anaerobic Threshold in an Annual Cycle of Sport Training of Young Soccer Players

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess changes in the anaerobic threshold of young soccer players in an annual training cycle. A group of highly trained 15-18 year old players of KKS Lech Poznań were tested. The tests included an annual training macrocycle, and its individual stages resulted from the time structure of the sports training. In order to assess the level of exercise capacities of the players, a field exercise test of increasing intensity was carried out on a soccer pitch. The test made it possible to determine the 4 millimolar lactate threshold (T LA 4 mmol · l-1) on the basis of the lactate concentration in blood [LA], to establish the threshold running speed and the threshold heart rate [HR]. The threshold running speed at the level of the 4 millimolar lactate threshold was established using the two-point form of the equation of a straight line. The obtained indicators of the threshold running speed allowed for precise establishment of effort intensity used in individual training in developing aerobic endurance. In order to test the significance of differences in mean values between four dates of tests, a non-parametric Friedman ANOVA test was used. The significance of differences between consecutive dates of tests was determined using a post-hoc Friedman ANOVA test. The tests showed significant differences in values of selected indicators determined at the anaerobic threshold in various stages of an annual training cycle of young soccer players. The most beneficial changes in terms of the threshold running speed were noted on the fourth date of tests, when the participants had the highest values of 4.01 m · s-1 for older juniors, and 3.80 m · s-1 for younger juniors. This may be indicative of effective application of an individualized programme of training loads and of good preparation of teams for competition in terms of players’ aerobic endurance.

Variations in important aerobic fitness parameters and physical characteristics during two consecutive preseason periods in adolescent soccer players

“…The percentage change in running velocity at AnT observed here (3.27%) is quite similar to that of the previous study by Sliwowski et al [27] (4.40%) that evaluated running velocity at a fixed blood lactate concentration of 4mmol -1 after the completion of two consecutive competitive seasons in soccer players of similar chronological age. This parameter is considered quite important as it translates to increased running velocity during a submaximal effort test.…”

“…Moreover, the importance of the AnT evaluation has been denoted as most of the runs performed during a soccer game are closely associated with its corresponding intensity [4]. In most soccer studies, the AnT determination included running velocity at a fixed blood lactate concentration value [34,26,12,10,27]. However, several methodological issues may arise during its determination [36].…”

“…Interestingly, apart from studies conducted by brady et al [26], clark et al [15] and Sliwowski et al [27], the available data in soccer only concerns seasonal alterations. Furthermore, during adolescence, significant variations often occur in parameters related to aerobic fitness [28] and physical characteristics [18] due to physical growth and maturation.…”

Anthropometric and physiological characteristics of Melanesian futsal players: a first approach to talent identification in Oceania

“…According to the literature, top-level Spanish and Brazilian futsal players [ 1 , 2 ] have higher mean height (1.77 m and 1.76 m) and body mass (75.4 kg and 74.5 kg) than MEL-G. It is well known that height and body mass are reasonable predictors for participation in and success at the highest level in soccer [ 12 , 13 , 36 ]. While no data for the Melanesian players of the OFC were revealed in Wong's review [ 12 ], other confederations showed systematically higher heights for soccer players in comparison with the present study results, with a mean of 1.81 m for all confederations.…”

Changes in the Level of Motor Preparation of Professional Soccer Players in Training

“…In the past, Śledziewski reported lower values for the Polish Football Premier League than those in the group studied, and the average threshold speed in his study was 13.0 km/h [21]. A noticeably higher baseline level (13.6 km/h) and significant improvement (14.4 km/h) was observed among 19 juniors on the KKS Lech Poznań S.A. team [22], which is significantly better than the results of the Radomiak players. Similar results were obtained by McMillan in a study of a nine-person team of 18-year-old footballers who had an average speed of 13.6 km/h before the start of the preparatory period and 14.7 km/h after this period.…”