ABSTRACT
Whilst the physiques of players have changed, is this reflected in physiological measurements such as maximal oxygen uptake? Apor (1988) showed the importance of aerobic fitness in players in the Hungarian leagues with overall average values for
being correlated with finishing position in the league. Nevertheless average values have not increased much since then, at least in . There are fewer players with lower values, endurance capabilities are improved, players are faster and have reduced adiposity. Nevertheless values are not homogenous across teams, varying according to positional roles (Bangsbo, 1994; Reilly et al., 2000).
