Abstract
2/2013
vol. 30
Original paper
CHANGES IN THE ANAEROBIC THRESHOLD
IN AN ANNUAL CYCLE OF SPORT TRAINING
OF YOUNG SOCCER PLAYERS
Biol. Sport 2013;30:137-143
Online publish date: 2014/07/22
The aim of the study was to assess changes in the anaerobic threshold of young soccer players in
an annual training cycle. A group of highly trained 15-18 year old players of KKS Lech Poznań were tested. The
tests included an annual training macrocycle, and its individual stages resulted from the time structure of the
sports training. In order to assess the level of exercise capacities of the players, a field exercise test of increasing
intensity was carried out on a soccer pitch. The test made it possible to determine the 4 millimolar lactate
threshold (T LA 4 mmol · l-1) on the basis of the lactate concentration in blood [LA], to establish the threshold
running speed and the threshold heart rate [HR]. The threshold running speed at the level of the 4 millimolar
lactate threshold was established using the two-point form of the equation of a straight line. The obtained
indicators of the threshold running speed allowed for precise establishment of effort intensity used in individual
training in developing aerobic endurance. In order to test the significance of differences in mean values between
four dates of tests, a non-parametric Friedman ANOVA test was used. The significance of differences between
consecutive dates of tests was determined using a post-hoc Friedman ANOVA test. The tests showed significant
differences in values of selected indicators determined at the anaerobic threshold in various stages of an annual
training cycle of young soccer players. The most beneficial changes in terms of the threshold running speed
were noted on the fourth date of tests, when the participants had the highest values of 4.01 m · s-1 for older
juniors, and 3.80 m · s-1 for younger juniors. This may be indicative of effective application of an individualized
programme of training loads and of good preparation of teams for competition in terms of players’ aerobic
endurance.
an annual training cycle. A group of highly trained 15-18 year old players of KKS Lech Poznań were tested. The
tests included an annual training macrocycle, and its individual stages resulted from the time structure of the
sports training. In order to assess the level of exercise capacities of the players, a field exercise test of increasing
intensity was carried out on a soccer pitch. The test made it possible to determine the 4 millimolar lactate
threshold (T LA 4 mmol · l-1) on the basis of the lactate concentration in blood [LA], to establish the threshold
running speed and the threshold heart rate [HR]. The threshold running speed at the level of the 4 millimolar
lactate threshold was established using the two-point form of the equation of a straight line. The obtained
indicators of the threshold running speed allowed for precise establishment of effort intensity used in individual
training in developing aerobic endurance. In order to test the significance of differences in mean values between
four dates of tests, a non-parametric Friedman ANOVA test was used. The significance of differences between
consecutive dates of tests was determined using a post-hoc Friedman ANOVA test. The tests showed significant
differences in values of selected indicators determined at the anaerobic threshold in various stages of an annual
training cycle of young soccer players. The most beneficial changes in terms of the threshold running speed
were noted on the fourth date of tests, when the participants had the highest values of 4.01 m · s-1 for older
juniors, and 3.80 m · s-1 for younger juniors. This may be indicative of effective application of an individualized
programme of training loads and of good preparation of teams for competition in terms of players’ aerobic
endurance.
Keywords
soccer, lactate threshold, threshold speed, threshold heart rate
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