Comparison analysis between playing positions in the 30-15 IFT test in male professional soccer players

Abstract

Objective: To compare results of the 30-15 IFT intermittent fitness test between different playing positions in a professional soccer team and to provide reference data for similar populations. Methods: 29 adult soccer players (21.83 ± 3.11 years) from a professional club in Chile. Results: Goalkeepers had a mean and standard deviation in the VIFT of 19.9 ±0.8, defenders 21.3 ±1.2, forwards 21.4±1.6, wingers 21.4 ±0.8 and midfielders 22.1 ±0.5. There were large significant differences (F=2.458; p=0.073 and η²p=0.291), specifically between goalkeepers with fullbacks and midfielders. For VO2máx goalkeepers had a mean and standard deviation of 53 ±3.1, defenders 56.1 ±1.9, forwards 56.9 ±2.9, wingers 56.3 ±2.3 and midfielders 58.1 ±0.7. There were large significant differences between groups (F=3.085; p=0.035 and η²p=0.34), specifically there were differences between goalkeepers with forwards and midfielders. Conclusion: There are differences in physical performance between players according to playing position, being wingers and midfielders who presented significant values in comparison with goalkeepers and in estimated VO2máx., forwards and midfielders showed significant differences with goalkeepers.