Males and Female have shown to have different body compositions and VO2 max values. When addressing VO2 values it is beneficial to normalize to fat free mass (FFM) when comparing across groups as fat mass does not play a role in metabolism and FFM is correlated with higher VO2 values. When comparing across athletic populations it is even more important to normalize to FFM as body statures differ significantly between sports and position to position. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate difference in VO2 maxes between college male and female soccer players. Methods: Fourteen male (age 20.7 ± 1.3 years; mass 73.7 ± 10.7 kg; height 181.5 ± 6.7 cm) and 14 female (age 19.9 ± 1.2 years; mass 64.1 ± 4.3 kg; height 169.5 ± 4.9 cm) Division I soccer players performed a ramp VO2 max protocol on a treadmill and had body composition analyzed via Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry. Results: There was significant difference (P < 0.001) for all anthropometric values (height, mass, % body fat, & FFM). There was significant difference in both relative (ml/kg/min), and absolute values (L/min) but when normalized to fat free mass (ml/kg-FFM/min) there was no significant difference in VO2 values. See table. Conclusions: The significant differences in anthropometric measurements were consistent with the literature that males are larger and leaner than female, however, when VO2 max is normalized to FFM the difference in VO2 values are not present. This indicates that both males and female soccer players FFM utilizes similar levels of oxygen. It appears that the biggest underling mechanism for higher VO2 levels is FFM in which college male soccer players have more of and thus high levels of performance. Practical Application: These finding are important as males and females body compositions are different but maintain the ability to consume oxygen at the same levels. When evaluating VO2 values in athletic populations it is recommended to normalize to FFM when available.
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