Condition of Football Players During and After the Season as Indicated by Cardiovascular and Strength Tests

Previous studies of the physiological condition of athletes have furnished evidence indicating that strenuous and persistent activity modifies cardiovascular function and increases body strength. The modifications in cardiovascular function which come as a result of activity remain only as long as the activity continues. Further investigation was conducted in this study with specific attention given to the cardiovascular and strength modifications of football players during, immediately following, and several weeks after the season. This study utilized two previously validated cardiovascular tests: namely, the Harvard Step Test and the Carlson Fatigue Test. Roger’s strength test, which also has been previously validated, was utilized to measure the strength of the subjects. Data were obtained from the results of these tests which were administered to nine freshmen football players who volunteered to participate in this study. Utilization of these data will appear in the ensuing chapters