Tracking changes in maximal oxygen consumption with the heart rate index in female collegiate soccer players

Michael R. Esco, Ronald L. Snarr, Andrew Flatt, Matthew Leatherwood, Adam Whittaker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if the HRindex Method (VO2max = [6 x HRindex-5] x 3.5, where HRindex = HRmax/HRrest) was accurate for tracking changes in VO2max following 8-weeks of endurance training among collegiate female soccer players. Predicted VO2max via the HRindex Method and observed VO2max from a maximal exercise test on a treadmill were determined for a group of female soccer athletes (n = 15) before and following an 8-week endurance training protocol. The predicted (pVO2max) and observed (aVO2max) values were compared at baseline and within 1-week post-training. Change values (i.e., the difference between pre to post) for each variable were also determined and compared. There was a significant difference between aVO2max before (43.2 ± 2.8 ml.kg.min-1) and following (46.2 ± 2.1 ml.kg.min-1) the 8-week training program (p < 0.05). However, pVO2max did not significantly change following training (pre = 43.4 ± 4.6 ml.kg.min-1, post = 42.9 ± 4.1 ml.kg.min-1, p = 0.53). Furthermore, the correlation between the change in aVO2max and the change in pVO2max was trivial and non-significant (r = 0.30, p = 0.28). The HRindex Method does not appear to be suitable for predicting changes in VO2max following 8-weeks of endurance training in female collegiate soccer players.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)103-111
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Human Kinetics
Volume42
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2014

Keywords

  • aerobic fitness
  • athletes
  • sports
  • women

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