The objective of this study was to estimate the oxygen uptake (VO2) in elite youth soccer players using measures of heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPEs). Forty-six regional-level male youth soccer players (~13 years) participated in 2 VO2max tests. Data for HR, RPE, and VO2 were simultaneously recorded during the VO2max tests with incremental running speed. Regression equations were derived from the first VO2max test. Two weeks later, all players performed the same VO2max test to validate the developed regression equations. There were no significant differences between the estimated values in the first test and actual values in the second test. During the continuous endurance exercise, the combination of percentage of maximal HR (%HRmax) and RPE measures gave similar estimation of %VO2max (R2 = 83%) in comparison to %HRmax alone (R2 = 81%). However, the estimation of VO2 using combined %HRmax and RPE was not satisfactory (R2 = 45-46%). Therefore, the use of %HRmax (without RPE) to estimate %VO2max could be a useful tool in young soccer players during field-based continuous endurance testing and training. Specifically, coaches can use the %HRmax to quantify internal loads (%VO2max) and subsequently implement continuous endurance training at appropriate intensities. Furthermore, it seems that RPE is more useful as a measure of internal load during noncontinuous (e.g., intermittent and sprint) exercises but not to estimate %VO2max during continuous aerobic exercise (R2 = 59%).
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