The purpose of this study was to determine and compare parameters of aerobic capacity as an indicator of physical predispositions in three youth soccer teams of different performance levels in Yo-Yo IRT1 (Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1). The screened sample consisted of the national team (n=14, age: 16.5 +- 0.3 years, body weight: 68.3 +- 7.9, body height: 177. 2 +- 7.1 and body fat: 9.2 +- 1.9 %), the best league team (n=16, age: 16.4 +- 0.3 years, body weight: 70.6 +- 8.3 kg, body height: 178.8 +- 6.4 cm and body fat: 9.5 +- 2.1 %.) and the worst league team (n=14, age: 16.6 +- 0.4 years, body weight: 65.6 +- 8.2 kg, body height: 176.1 +- 6.4 cm and body fat: 8.8 +- 2.4 %).
To evaluate aerobic parameters, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (Yo-Yo IRT1) was used. Based on post-hoc analysis of means in the observed groups we found out significantly longer run distances in NT (national team) and BLT teams (best league team) when compared to WLT team (worst league team) (p<0.01).
Comparison of maximum heart rate (HRmax) or heart rate recorded 1 minute after load, respectively, did not indicate any significant difference. Conversely, when comparing the percentage decrease in HRmax we revealed significant differences between the groups (p<0.05).
The assumption of significant difference in VO2max between players of higher performance level (NTand BLT) in comparison to players of lower performance level (WLT) was confirmed at a significance level of α LESS-THAN OR EQUAL TO 0.01. The study showed differences in levels of monitored parameters in Yo-Yo test between the team of different performance levels.
A high level of monitored parameters is necessary for performing high-intensity physical activities on intermittent character throughout the match.