Predicting functional status in football players: reference range, normative values, and standardization of the Hooper index

The purpose of the study is to determine the range of reference values for the 'Hooper Index', which will be considered normal for predicting the functional status of 14-15-year-old football players. Research methods and organization. The study involved athletes representing a top-level football academy according to the classification of the Russian Football Union. Player testing was conducted using a special questionnaire developed based on the recommendations of Hooper and McKinnon, during the morning time period (7:00–9:00). The assessment of the functional state of the football players’ aerobic capacity was carried out using a submaximal interval running test and heart rate monitoring. Research results and conclusions. The upper limit of the reference interval has been standardized at the general preparatory, specialized preparatory, and competitive stages. The calculated regression model predicted a significant influence of the subjective predictor on the recovery of heart rate by the end of the first minute during a repeat test load in 71% of football players.