Comparison Of Physical Characteriostics In Greek Female And Male Elite Soccer Players

Introduction
Physical fitness of high-level male soccer players has been studied intensively, whereas less information exists about
the physical capacities of elite female soccer players (Davis and Brever 1993; Bunc and Psotta 2003). In addition, no
data have been presented so far for Greek elite female soccer players. The purpose of the present study was to
investigate the physical characteristics in elite female soccer players and examine the difference between male and
female soccer players at the same level of competition.

Methods
Thirteen female and fifteen male soccer players from the Greek first national division participated in the study.
Anthropometric characteristics (body mass, height, body fat), flexibility (Sit and Reach test), anaerobic capacity
(Wingate test) and VO2max using an incremental exercise protocol on the treadmill were measured. Data were
statistically analysed by independent t-test.

Results
Mean and standard deviation values for male and female soccer players as well as their percent difference

Discussion/Conclusions
The results of the present study suggest that the physical characteristics of our female players were somewhat lower
than those of other female players reported in the literature. Τhe anaerobic capacity , however, as indicated by the high
lactate and the low peak power values was poor. The male players revealed higher aerobic and anaerobic power as
compared to female ones, even when the obtained values were expressed in lean body mass. These data indicate a
moderate trained group of female soccer players and point out the need for more intense training in order to improve
physical fitness.

References
[1]. Davis AJ, Brever J. Applied physiology of female soccer players. Sports Med 1993; 3: 180-189.
[2]. Bunc V, Psotta R. Functional characteristics of the Czech top female soccer players. Proceedings of the Fifth
World Congress of Science and Football. Lisbon, Portugal 2003; p.182.

NOTA: Iconografia no anexo

Arquivo