Physical and Physiological Characteristics of Cameroon Professional Soccer Players According to Their Competitive Level and Playing Position

摘要

The present study aimed to determine the physical performances and physiological aptitudes of the soccer players of the first (L1) and second (L2) leagues of the Cameroon professional championship. One hundred and seventy-five male professional soccer players, including 91from L1 and 84 from L2, participated in the study. Their age, anthropometric parameters (height and weight), physical performances (short-distances sprint times, squat jump) and physiological parameters such as maximum oxygen consumption (VO_(2max)), blood lactate accumulation (BLA) and heart rate (HR) were assessed. No significant age difference was observed between of L1 and L2 (23.33.6 vs 23.641.00 years) soccer players. L1 soccer players were taller and heavier than those of L2. According to the playing position, a significant difference in weight (76.07.6 vs 72.28.2 kg) and height (179.17.2 vs 175.87.3 cm) was observed between L1 and L2 midfield players. VO_(2max) of L2 players (56.46.9mlO_2/L/kg) was better than that of L1 players (53.84.3 mlO_2/L/kg), as well as the BLA (8.22.3vs 9.72.9 mmol/L). L2attackers showed significant higher VO_(2max) (p0.05) compared to L1 players at the same position. The BLA rate was higher (p0.01) in midfielders compared to defenders or attackers in each league. Soccer players of L1 were heavier, taller and had better physical aptitude with lower physiological response compared to those of L2. Globally, male Cameroon professional soccer players have average age of 23.43,8 years; high of 177.47,2 cm and weight 74.17.9 kg. These findings suggest that male Cameroon professional soccer players have good physical characteristic but lower physiological aptitudes. This may explain the poor performance of local teams during international competitions.