Purpose: Aerobic capacity, typically assessed by maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), is an essential factor influencing endurance and overall performance in football. This study examined the relationship between changes in body composition and VO2 max in elite youth football players over six months using Vameval field tests and bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody 270). Methods: Fifteen elite male youth football players (~14-15 years old) completed two assessments: post-season (June 2023) and mid-season (January 2024). VO2 max was indirectly estimated using the Vameval test. Body composition variables—including body mass, skeletal muscle mass (SMM), and body fat mass (BFM)—were measured using the InBody 270 analyzer. Paired samples t-tests assessed intra-individual changes between the two time points, while Pearson correlation coefficients examined the relationships between changes in VO2 max and changes in body composition. Results: The analysis showed significant individual differences in VO2 max between June and January. Players who decreased BFM generally experienced improvements or maintained their VO2 max, whereas those who increased BFM showed declines. There were strong negative correlations between changes in BFM and VO2 max (r ˜ -0.70), as well as between changes in body mass and VO2 max (r ˜ -0.60). Additionally, changes in SMM exhibited a moderate positive correlation with VO2 max (r ˜ 0.35). Conclusion: This study suggests that improvements in body composition, especially reductions in body fat, are associated with positive changes in aerobic capacity. Regular monitoring of both VO2 max and body composition provides valuable information for tailoring training programs and improving performance in youth football.
© Copyright 2025 Journal of Physical Education and Sport. University of Pitesti. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.