RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Fitness assessment of English league soccer players through the competitive season. JF British Journal of Sports Medicine JO Br J Sports Med FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine SP 103 OP 109 DO 10.1136/bjsm.13.3.103 VO 13 IS 3 A1 V. Thomas A1 T. Reilly YR 1979 UL http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/13/3/103.abstract AB A battery of 26 tests was administered to professional soccer players (n = 31) at 3 points during the competitive season. Significant changes from start to mid-season were limited to improved muscular power, increased resting heart rate (fH), decreased force expiratory flow (FEF) and ankle mobility. No further changes with the duration of the competitive season were observed. Differences between squads were predominantly cardiac function measures at mid-season, and strength, muscular power and limb girths at the end of the season. The First Team squad had consistently less fat and poorer ankle mobility. It seems that mean fitness levels remain relatively stable during the playing season, though the measures significantly discriminating between the top and reserve squads fluctuate.