BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical fitness and performance parameters of elite and professional footballers, and for these results to form a guide for training programs for amputee footballers at the amateur or professional level to be able to reach elite level. METHODS: A total of 24 footballers with extremity amputation were separated into 2 groups as elite (N.=12) and professional (N.=12). Using field tests, the footballers were evaluated in respect of body composition, anaerobic and aerobic strength, speed, muscular endurance and balance. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was determined between the footballers included in the study in respect of the number of days engaged in sport and the number of training sesions per week (P>0.05). Of the parameters used to evaluate aerobic and anaerobic strength, the vertical jump distance and relative strength measurement values were determined to be statistically significantly higher in the elite players than in the professional players (P<0.001 for all). In the evaluation of the muscle strength, endurance and balance parameters, the push-up test, trunk flex muscle strength and quadriceps endurance values were determined to be statistically significantly higher in the elite footballers (P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.008, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: One of the ultimate aims of footballers to be an elite football player requires the highest level of physical performance and technical capabilities. The results of this study have clearly shown the differences between elite and professional players with amputations. These findings can be of guidance for professional footballers and trainers to be able to reach maximal performance.
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