Citius, Altius, Fortius: secular trends of physical and fitness parameters of professional soccer players in first division of Greece (1981-2013).

Background: Over the past several decades, soccer has undergone significant evolution, reflected by increasing physical demands and distinct anthropometric characteristics among elite players worldwide. This study examines long-term trends in anthropometric and physiological characteristics of professional soccer players of Greece first division from 1981 to 2013.

Methods: A repeated cross-sectional study was conducted, analyzing data from 850 male players, aged 18-40, competing in Greece's top soccer league. Participants were divided into five groups based on evaluation periods (1981-1989, 1990-1995, 2000-2004, 2005-2010, and 2011-2013). Anthropometric measurements included height, body mass, and body fat percentage, while physiological assessments included maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max), minute ventilation (VE), anaerobic power (Wingate Test), and vertical jump height (countermovement jump, CMJ). Data were analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests, with correlations assessed and adjusted for anthropometrics.

Results: Over time, significant increases were observed in height (η²=0.089, P<0.001), V̇O2max (η²=0.281, P<0.001), anaerobic power output (η²=0.732, P<0.001), and CMJ height (η²=0.160, P<0.001), while body fat percentage declined significantly (η²=0.085, P<0.001) from 1981 to 2013. Positive correlations were found between V̇O2max, anaerobic power, and CMJ performance.

Conclusions: The observed improvements in anthropometric and physiological characteristics among Greek soccer players reflect the increased physical demands of modern soccer over a period of about 30 years. Increased aerobic and anaerobic capacities, along with improved body composition, indicate the impact of advancements in training and selection practices. Future research should investigate how various training practices and individual internal and external factors affect performance outcomes.