Air pollution exposure, health and performance in elite female soccer players

Introduction Acute exposure to air pollution negatively affects athletes’ ability to perform at their best, with a more pronounced impact observed in females. Despite this, the representation of female-only cohorts is lacking. This study investigates how exposure to air pollution impacts performance and well-being of an elite female soccer team. Methods Comprehensive data on external, internal, and subjective load variables were combined with the concentrations of three major air pollutants (Particulate Matter >10 µm and Oxidant (Ox = Ozone + Nitrogen Dioxide) during soccer training and matches in the 2022–23 season. Linear mixed-effects models assessed performance parameters such as distance ran, heart rate, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), accounting for confounding factors such as weather and menstrual cycle phase. Results No significant impairments in the physical or physiological demands of athletes were observed with increasing pollution concentrations, nor did athletes’ well-being appear to be disturbed. However, RPE increased by 0.84 units ( p < .001) if athletes played soccer when exposed to Ox levels above 98.3 (µg/m 3 ). Interestingly, this undesirable increase in RPE was mitigated if athletes were also exposed to high levels of Ox in the seven sessions leading up to this event (−0.5 units, p < .001). Discussion While objective performance measures remained largely unaffected by moderate levels of air pollution, players subjectively experienced a heightened sense of effort. Additionally, an acclimation effect was observed regarding preceding Ox exposure, whereby accounting for pre-event exposure levels to Ox appeared to mitigate the negative impact of high Ox levels on RPE.