The impact of locomotor characteristics on jumping ability and VO2max in professional soccer players

Abstract

Introduction and Objective. The purpose of the study was to analyze the differences in locomotor profiles in professional football players and their relationship with performance in jumping and maximum oxygen consumption (VO₂max). Methodology. 23 players from the Second Division of the Belgian league (27.6 ± 4.2 years old; 182.5 ± 6 cm; 77.29 ± 7.16 kg) performed the countermovement jump test (CMJ), a 30-meter sprint and the 30-15 IFT test to estimate VO₂max. Players are classified in Speed, Hybrid and Endurance profiles. Results. The descriptive analyzes showed the highest values of maximum aerobic speed (VAM) in the Endurance profile (5.98 ± 0.29), maximum sprint speed (MSS) in the Speed profile (9.59 ± 0.49), anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) (3.96 ± 0.21) and CMJ also in the Speed profile (40.55 ± 5.97), while the VO₂max was higher in the Resistance profile (58.57 ± 2.95). The CMJ showed a significant contribution to the variation of the VAM in resistance players (Spearman's rho = - 0.804; p = 0.029), and in the Velocity group the VO₂max was strongly associated with the VAM (Spearman's = 0.872; p = 0.054) and the MSS (Spearman's = 0.900; p = 0.083). Conclusions. The results suggest that locomotor profiles are linked to specific neuromuscular and aerobic attributes. Individualized training based on locomotor characteristics can improve performance by enhancing specific strengths. Additional investigations are recommended to examine the long-term effects of personalized interventions on physical profiles and football performance.