Pure maximal glycolytic rate and metabolic contributions during a maximal sprint test across various positions in highly trained football players.

PURPOSE: Football is a high-intensity intermittent sport in which glycolytic metabolism plays a critical role in the sprint performance of football players. Therefore, this study aimed to compare pure maximal glycolytic rate (PνLa.max), and metabolic contributions across different positions in highly trained football players.

METHODS

Thirty male highly trained football players were recruited and classified into three positional groups: forward (FW, n = 10), midfielder (MF, n = 10), and defender (DF, n = 10). All participants completed three exercise tests, each performed either on a 127-meter indoor track or within a laboratory setting. During the 10-second maximal sprint test (10-s MST), oxygen uptake and blood lactate concentrations (La⁻) were measured and used to determine PνLa.max and metabolic contributions (phosphagen; WPCr, glycolytic; WGly, and oxidative; Woxi). Additionally, maximal oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]O₂max), lactate thresholds (LTs), and running speeds at specific La⁻ values were assessed using a ramp and step test on a motorized treadmill.

RESULTS

PνLa.max values were significantly greater in FW and DF compared to MF (P = 0.0065, d = 1.60, d = 1.55, respectively). Peak La- (P = 0.0044, d = 1.74; P = 0.0046, d = 1.65), ΔLa- (P = 0.0067, d = 1.59; P = 0.0099, d = 1.57), and WGly (P = 0.0296, d = 1.49; P = 0.0105, d = 1.50) measured in kJ during the 10-s MST were also elevated for FW and DF relative to MF. No significant differences were observed in [Formula: see text]O₂max or LTs among the groups. Moreover, a moderate positive correlation was found between PνLa.max and sprint distance attained during the 10-s MST.

CONCLUSION

The assessment of PνLa.max enables a more accurate characterization of positional demands and may aid in the formulation of position-specific training interventions.