Playing for breath: How particulate pollution affects cardiorespiratory performance in youth soccer under the “cleaner air,better game” initiative

Abstract

The UEFA campaign “Cleaner Air, Better Game” initiated in 2021 highlights the detrimental effects of particulate pollution on cardiorespiratory fitness and overall performance in soccer players. This study examined variations in maximal oxygen uptake ( $\dot{\mathrm{V}}{\mathrm{O}}_2$ max) among 92 young soccer players from two villages with differing pollution levels. Utilizing a longitudinal design with pre- and post-exposure measurements, participants were divided into an experimental group (EG, n = 46) from a polluted area and a control group (CG, n = 46) from a cleaner environment. Evaluations were conducted using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test to determine $\dot{\mathrm{V}}{\mathrm{O}}_2$ max. The EG exhibited a significant improvement of 12.35% in $\dot{\mathrm{V}}{\mathrm{O}}_2$ max compared to 1.97% in the CG, with statistical significance at p < 0.001. Initial $\dot{\mathrm{V}}{\mathrm{O}}_2$ max levels were lower in the EG (t = 2.589; p < 0.05), but post-test values surpassed those of the CG (t = -3.380; p < 0.01). These findings suggest that high particulate pollution adversely impacts $\dot{\mathrm{V}}{\mathrm{O}}_2$ max in young soccer players. Future research should explore long-term effects of air quality on athletic performance and develop strategies to mitigate pollution exposure during training.