FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT AREA   

Medicina dello Sport 2009 December;62(4):425-34

Copyright © 2010 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English, Italian

Lipidic power (FAT Max) determined by indirect calorimetry and Léger’s test in female competitive soccer players

Russo G. ¹, Veca M. ², Licciardi A. ², Pomara F. ³, Arcelli E. ⁴, Gravante G. ²

¹ Department of Dismot, Motor Science Faculty, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy 2 Human Physiology Unit, Department of Sperimental Medicine, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy 3 Medeor Hospital, Palermo, Italy 4 Motor Science Faculty, University of Milan, Italy

AIM: Oxidation of fatty free acids is higher during physical activity at 55-75% of maximum oxygen consumption (V.O2max). To determine individual maximum fat oxidation (FAT Max), several previous studies have utilized graded ergometric tests in experimental laboratory settings. The aims of our study were to determine in a sample of female competitive soccer players both V.O2max and FAT Max by means of a field test (Léger’s Speed Run Test).
METHODS: The study sample was nine women (mean age 22±6.8 years; body-mass index [BMI] 21.96±1.67). Each subject underwent Léger’ test until exhaustion. The variables (exhaustion time [Et] maximal running speed [Vmax], cardiac and metabolic values [HR, V.O2, RER, FAT] were recorded by indirect calorimetry.
RESULTS: Et 7.19±1.48; Vmax 11.9±0.9 (km/h); FAT Max 0.73±0.28 g/min, equal to 72.87±20.30% of bioenergetic substrates. The mean FAT Max was reached in 1.24±0.43 min from the start of the test at a mean speed of 8.9±0.4 km/h at a mean intensity of 84.23±6.81% HR Max and 69.69±14.15% V.O2max. There was a significant correlation between V.O2max and FAT Max values; linear regression analysis showed a negative significant correlation betweenV.O2FAT Max and FAT Max with RER at rest. Our findings are CONCLUSIONS: With this experimental field protocol, both cardiorespiratory fitness and maximum lipidic power (FAT Max) can be determined.