Aerobic and anaerobic profiles, heart rate and match analysis in older soccer players

The aim of the present study was to provide aerobic (maximal oxygen consumption--VO2max) and anaerobic [jump tests: counter-movement jump (CMJ) and bounce jump (BJ); and running tests: 10 m sprint and 10 m dribbling the ball (10 mDB)] profiles of older soccer players (n = 12), and heart rate (HR), blood lactate accumulation (La) and match analysis (individual motor activity and team behaviour) aspects of a soccer match. The maximal aerobic test values were: HRmax, 154 +/- 14 beat min(-1); maximal power, 160 +/- 24 W; VO2peak, 36.3 +/- 11.3 ml kg(-1) min(-1); peak La, 8.2 +/- 1.8 mM. Jump test values were: CMJ, 21.2 +/- 4.5 cm; BJ, 17.3 +/- 4.8 cm. Running performances were: 10 m sprint, 2.06 +/- 0.36 s; 10 mDB, 2.17 +/- 0.21 s. Running showed similar values in the two halves (first half, 82%; second half, 88%), while walking lasted longer during the second half. Regarding the technical aspects of the match, 42% of the consecutive passes made in possession of the ball exceeded three passes, indicating that their play was structured in a cooperative manner. Older soccer players succeeded in maintaining good aerobic and anaerobic physical capability.