The Influence of Body Fat Percentage on Physiological Responses and Performance in Professional Soccer Players During a Soccer Game Simulation Protocol on a Treadmill

< 0.05). In conclusion, the theory of a uniform ideal (~10 ± 2%) of BF% in elite soccer is not supported by the present study. This study suggests that when muscle mass and fitness levels of the soccer players are maintained at high levels during the competitive period, BF% represents a highly individualized characteristic rather than a uniform target across players. However, a higher BF% increased resting and exercising blood glucose concentrations, even in highly trained professional soccer players, without concomitant effects on metabolism or fuel oxidation during match play.