FACTORS INFLUENCING CARDIOVASCULAR RESPONSES DURING SMALL-SIDED SOCCER GAMES PERFORMED WITH RECREATIONAL PURPOSES
The aim of this study was to examine the influence of players' number and pitch size on the heart rate responses during small-sided games of university students who engage in recreational activity. Main effect was found for players' number and pitch size. Mean HR was significantly higher in 3x3 game than in 4x4, 5x5, 6x6 (<i>p</i> < 0,05). The influence of pitch size factor was significant when number of players were less to four (<i>з</i><sup><i>2</i></sup><i>=</i>0,323, <i>p</i> < 0,017). The results demonstrate that the number of players is a more influential factor than pitch size itself. In this regard, the dose-responses criteria should be considered for prescribing small-sided games as a mean for enhancing cardiovascular fitness.