The aims of this study were (a) to assess and correlate interval shuttle run test (ISRT) performance, maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), running economy (RE), running velocity at the first rise in blood lactate concentrations above baseline (vLT) and running velocity at 4 mmol/L blood lactate concentration (v4) in professional soccer players and (b) to investigate whether a correlation exists between the respective results of time to exhaustion (Tlim) from continuous and intermittent endurance tests, respectively. Eleven male professional field soccer players (mean ± SD: age 23.8 ± 3.0 years, VO2max 58.2 ± 4.9 ml/kg/min) completed a continuous Incremental Test with lactate measurements to determine vLT and v4, a continuous Ramp Test with gas exchange analysis to determine VO2max and RE, and an intermittent ISRT to determine intermittent endurance capacity during the first week of preseason preparation. There were significant correlations between ISRT performance and VO2max (r = 0.70, p < 0.05), and between Tlim in both continuous endurance tests (r = 0.89, p < 0.01). Between all other variables no significant correlations were found overall (best r = 0.60, p > 0.05). The assessment of all values of VO2max, RE, vLT, and v4 should be included when investigating aerobic endurance performance among groups or over time in professional soccer players. Although VO2max, RE, vLT, and v4 have been regarded as important factors of aerobic performance in endurance related sports, the present data revealed that VO2max was the only factor, which correlated with intermittent endurance capacity in professional soccer players. Hence, VO2max should be increased through soccer-specific training interventions including universal agility components. The Tlim in continuous and intermittent endurance tests differs and is therefore an independent endurance performance factor in professional soccer players.
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