Objective: In this cross-sectional study, we compared Spanish division one (n = 114) and division two (n = 80) soccer players in terms of their cardio-respiratory response during recovery following a maximum laboratory effort test.
Approach: Following the maximum laboratory effort protocol, we measured oxygen consumption ([Formula: see text]), heart rate (HR), and ventilation ([Formula: see text]) during recovery.
Main results: Over the first 60 s of recovery, no significant differences were seen in either [Formula: see text] (28.7 versus 28.3 ml/kg/m, in division one and two players, respectively), HR, or [Formula: see text] (p > 0.05). After 90 s, however, significant differences appeared between the players of the two divisions (p < 0.01), although not among playing positions. Significant differences in [Formula: see text] (21.1 versus 26.0 ml/kg/m, in division one and two players, respectively) and HR were still apparent at 180 s into the recovery period. The change in professional soccer players' cardio-respiratory values over the recovery period following maximum effort are independent of the position played, but are associated with the division in which a player competes. Second division players show significantly higher [Formula: see text] and HR values than first division players at 180 s into the recovery period.
Significance: These differences might influence performance in soccer and in other athletes whose sports require intermittent bouts of maximum effort and consequently times to repeat high-intensity efforts as short as possible.