Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between maximal aerobic capacity (VO(2max)) and repeated sprint ability (RSA) in a group of professional soccer players.
Methods: Forty-one professional soccer players (age 23 ± 4 yrs, height 180.0 ± 5.3 cm, weight 79.6 ± 5.3 kg) were required to perform tests to assess RSA and VO(2max) on two separate days with at least 48 hr rest between testing sessions. Each player performed a treadmill test to determine their VO(2max) and a test for RSA involving the players completing 6 × 40 m sprints (turn after 20 m) with 20 s active recovery between each sprint.
Results: There was a significant negative correlation between body mass normalised VO(2max) and mean sprint time (RSAmean) (r = -0.655; P < 0.01) and total sprint time (RSAtotal) (r = -0.591, P < 0.01).
Conclusion: Results of the current study indicate that VO(2max) is one important factor aiding soccer players in the recovery from repeated sprint type activities.