Key result
Foreign first division football players in Cyprus exhibited significantly greater VO2 max values and hamstring torques compared to native Cypriot players.
Why the study?
It was unclear whether the selection of foreign players in the Cypriot league could be partially explained by differences in lower body strength, Vo2 max, and anthropometric characteristics compared to Cypriot players.
Observational (n=425)
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Foreign professional football players in Cyprus exhibit greater age, body mass, VO2 max, and hamstring strength compared to native Cypriot players, potentially explaining their preferential selection.
Background Football is undoubtedly one of the most popular sports not only in Cyprus but also worldwide. One of the main issues in the Cypriot league is the selection of a large number of foreigh players. It is unclear whether player selection can be at least partially explained by a difference in lower body strength, Vo2 max and anthropometric characteristics between foreign and Cypriot players. The current study aimed to investigate and compare the aforementioned variables between Cypriots and foreign players. Methods Four hundred and twenty five first division players (Cypriots n=252, foreigners n=173) took part in this study. Results It was indicated that Cypriot players were significantly younger and lighter compared to foreign players. Despite the differences in body weight, no significant differences were identified with regards to the percentage of BF between the two groups. The isokinetic testing revealed that Cypriot players generated significantly lower torques (at slow isokinetic speeds) in the hamstring muscles compared to foreign football players. The cardiopulmonary exercise testing revealed that foreign players had significantly greater Vo2max values. Conclusions Foreign players were older, which may provide some explanation as to why first division teams select them instead of the Cypriot players. Furthermore, it was indicated that foreign players exhibit greater hamstring torques, which is an essential component for explosiveness, balance and stabilization. Coaches and trainers should aim at improving those parameters of Cypriot players, something that could enable these players to gain more participation time in games, which could in turn increase their chances of securing a position.
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Parpa et al. (2018) conducted an observational in Healthy football players (n=425). Foreign nationality vs. Cypriot nationality was evaluated on VO2 max (mL/kg/min) (p=<0.05). Foreign first division football players in Cyprus exhibited significantly greater VO2 max values and hamstring torques compared to native Cypriot players.
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