Paper Title: Cardiovascular and Physiological Spectrum of Footballers Across Competitive Levels
Author:
Abstract:
Football is a high-intensity intermittent sport, with players requiring anaerobic bursts of energy as well as moderate to high amounts of aerobic activity, making it highly dependent on cardiovascular fitness. Physiological profiles of Indian players at district, inter college and University levels are influenced by variation in level of training, quality of training and intensity of competition. To enhance performance, prevent injuries and guide talent development it is necessary to identify these differences. A cross-sectional comparative study was done among 30 male footballers(males) age group 18-28 yrs, equally divided into three groups as district, inter-college and University. Parameters studied were Body Mass Index (BMI), VC, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), resting heart rate (RHR), blood pressure and oxygen saturation (SpO2). Standard instruments (spirometer, sphygmomanometer, pulse oximeter, Queens College Step Test) were used to collect the data. Statistical analyses were performed using one way ANOVA with Tukey's HSD test. University-level players showed the highest VC (4.08 ± 0.09 L) and VO2 max (54.2 ± 0.79 ml/kg/min) (p < 0.001) with the lowest BMI, RHR (65.3 ± 1.06 bpm), diastolic pressure and SpO2 (99%). Systolic pressure was also significantly different (p = 0.048). Higher levels of training and competition exposure enhances the efficiency of the physiological system. Protocols for structured conditioning, monitoring and recovery will be required at the lower levels to help lower level players bridge the gap and talent pool deepens.
Keywords:Blood pressure, Cardiovascular fitness, Football players,
DOI Link – https://doi.org/10.63431/AIJITR/3.II.2026.1-14
Review By – Dr. Parimal Sarkar and Dr. Amit Adhikari