Comparison of the Aerobic and Anaerobic Power of Iran's National Soccer and Beach Soccer Team Players.

Background: The purpose of this research was to compare some selected physiological variables among Iran's national soccer and beach soccer team players. Methods: Twenty eight members of Iran's national soccer and beach soccer team players with an average age of 26 ± 2.60 and 28.4 ± 4.73 years, respectively were selected. The mean height of soccer and beach soccer players were 180 ± 7.2 and 177.3 ± 5.47 cm, respectively. The corresponding values for weight were 77.35 ± 8.72 and 74.21 ± 5.47 kg, respectively. After height and weight measurements, the participants were informed about the process and method of accomplishing tests by the researchers. Some tests, such as Conconi and Bosco tests, were performed to measure aerobic and anaerobic power and thershold. Independet t-test was used to compare the variables. Findings: There were no significant differences in the aerobic power (aerobic power at anaerobic threshold) of the national soccer and beach soccer team players (P = 0.07). There was a significant difference in anaerobic power of soccer and beach soccer team players (P = 0.005). Conclusion: Based on the present study, there is a difference in the aerobic power of the national soccer and beach soccer players which can be due to the kind of activities, skills structure, conditions of the fields, and training conditions. Considering the relation between anaerobic power and aerobic power, weakening of one is expected to affect the other. Since both of these factors are important for the performance of soccer players, they should be promoted among national team players. Therefore, their exercises should be selected based on the level of capabilities of each participant and the specific needs in matches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]