Ventilatory thresholds in professional female soccer players

This study investigated the ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2) along with the corresponding heart rates, velocities and % of V̇O₂ max at which these thresholds are reached in professional female soccer players. It also examined positional differences in the aforementioned parameters. Thirty-three professional players from two teams (age range 18-31 years) were recruited. The players underwent maximal exercise testing on the treadmill for the detection of VT1 (V̇E versus V̇O₂ plot) and VT2 (V̇E versus V̇CO₂ plot). The test began at a speed of 6km/h and was increased by 2 km/h every 3.15 minutes, with the inclination constant at 1%. Results indicated that the players had an average V̇O₂ max of 50.24 ml·kg^{- 1}.min^{- 1}. VT1 (% max) and VT2 (% max) were shown at 72.87% and 91.26% of V̇O₂ max, respectively. The respective velocities at VT1 and VT2 were indicated at 10.85 km/h and 12.91 km/h, respectively, while the average VV̇O₂ max was 14.61 km/h. The average heart rates at VT1, VT2 and V̇O₂ max were 159.33, 185.15 and 192.85 beats per minute, respectively. Furthermore, analysis of variance ANOVA indicated significant differences in velocity at V̇O₂max. This study provides important normative data regarding the ventilatory thresholds of female soccer players.