Playing for breath: How particulate pollution affects cardiorespiratory performance in youth soccer under the “cleaner air, better game” initiative

Abstract

This research was financed by the research projects program of the “Instituto Estudios Giennenses en el área de conocimiento Ciencias Naturales y Tecnología” (Diputación provincial de Jáen, España). Departamento de Educación Física y Deportiva de la Universidad de Granada.The UEFA campaign “Cleaner Air, Better Game” initiated in 2021 highlights the detrimental effects of particulate pollution on cardiorespiratory fitness and overall performance in soccer players. This study examined variations in maximal oxygen uptake ( ˙VO2max) among 92 young soccer players from two villages with differing pollution levels. Utilizing a longitudinal design with pre- and post-exposure measurements, participants were divided into an experimental group (EG, n=46) from a polluted area and a control group (CG, n=46) from a cleaner environment. Evaluations were conducted using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test to determine ˙VO2max. The EG exhibited a significant improvement of 12.35% in ˙VO2max compared to 1.97% in the CG, with statistical significance at p < 0.001. Initial ˙VO2max levels were lower in the EG (t=2.589; p < 0.05), but post-test values surpassed those of the CG (t=-3.380; p < 0.01). These findings suggest that high particulate pollution adversely impacts ˙VO2max in young soccer players. Future research should explore longterm effects of air quality on athletic performance and develop strategies to mitigate pollution exposure during training.Diputación provincial de Jaén, EspañaUniversidad de Granad