Comparison of pre- and postseason fitness levels of female collegiate soccer athletes

There is a paucity of information on the physiological characteristics of a small college female soccer player. Hence, the purpose of this study was to collect and analyze fitness data and compare changes from pre- to postseason period. Seven subjects were assessed for pre- and postseason changes in following components of fitness testing: aerobic and anaerobic capacities, flexibility, nutrition and body composition. The results showed a significant increase (p \u3c 0.05) in aerobic capacity, and significant decreases in percent of body fat, fat mass and in the dietary intake of calcium and protein from pre- to postseason. These results indicate that an off-season and enhanced seasonal training program that encompasses nutritional counseling and a formal strengthening and stretching program would be beneficial for this population