Seasonal changes in physical performance–related variables in women NCAA Division III soccer players

BACKGROUND: Periodical testing during the competitive season is critical for optimal performance in soccer. In this study, we investigated seasonal changes in women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III soccer players utilizing laboratory-based physical performance tests and game global positing system (GPS) metrics. METHODS: Fourteen field players volunteered to participate in this study. VȮ_2max, 20, and 40-m sprints, the pro-agility test, and the Wingate anaerobic test were performed before the start of the regular season (BOS) and 12 weeks later following the last game of the season (EOS). GPS data was collected during the playing season and analyzed as an average during the BOS (first three games of the season), MOS (the middle three games of the season), and EOS (the last three games of the season). RESULTS: From BOS to EOS there was a significant (P<0.05) decrease in % body fat and fat mass, an increase in lean body mass, an increase in VȮ_2max, and a decrease in pro-agility test time. GPS data were not significantly (P>0.05) different between BOS, MOS, and EOS. CONCLUSIONS: This cohort appears to improve some of the laboratory-based physical performance but not game GPS metrics during the competitive soccer season. Likely, these findings represent poor pre-season conditioning, leading to a competitive disadvantage during the playing season.