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Monitoring Load, Recovery, and Performance in Soccer Players

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A special issue of Sports (ISSN 2075-4663).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2023) | Viewed by 32663

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Eduard Bezuglov

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Guest Editor

Department of Sports Medicine and Medical Rehabilitation, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of the Russia Federation, 119991 Moscow, Russia
Interests: soccer; post-exercise recovery; elite athletes; sports injuries; hormonal responses; testing in soccer; talent Identification

Dr. Ryland Morgans

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Guest Editor

Department of Sports Medicine and Medical Rehabilitation, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of the Russia Federation, 119991 Moscow, Russia
Interests: coaching science; training; training and match demands; recovery methods; immunological; hormonal responses; soccer

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Various factors contribute to elite performance and recovery in soccer. Additionally, numerous methods are employed to track and monitor athletes’ performances and their subsequent recovery periods. These methods have gained acceptance in the elite soccer environment; still, practitioners continuously seek to gather appropriate data supporting player-centred decision-making processes to further enhance performance.

While many of these training and recovery methods have been implemented to improve technical and physical performances in acute and chronic periods, there is still a need to optimize athletic excellence and provide practitioners with contemporary methods for data collection, analysis, interpretation and intervention. It is vital that practitioners have up-to-date, useable and applicable information about a variety of techniques so that optimal protocols may be selected and employed according to the needs of differing athletic populations. This Special Issue will supplement the existing body of knowledge providing contemporary research on various aspects of elite adult soccer.

Dr. Eduard Bezuglov
Dr. Ryland Morgans
Guest Editors

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Keywords

soccer
match performance
testing in soccer
talent identification
coaching science
training and match demands
recovery methods
hormonal responses

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 4228 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Time Course of Performance Indexes, Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Muscle Damage Markers after a Female Futsal Match

by Athanasios Souglis, Dimitrios I. Bourdas, Aristotelis Gioldasis, Ioannis Ispirlidis, Anastassios Philippou, Emmanouil Zacharakis, Alexandros Apostolidis, Georgios Efthymiou and Antonios K. Travlos

Sports 2023, 11(7), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11070127 - 29 Jun 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1863

Abstract

Background: Our aims were to investigate the time-course effects of a futsal match on performance, oxidative stress, and muscle damage markers, as well as inflammatory and antioxidant responses during a 6-day post-match period. Methods: Thirty-four female high-level futsal players were assessed on several oxidative stress, inflammation, subjective muscle soreness, subjective rate perceived exertion, and performance tests before a futsal match, immediately after, and 24 h to 144 h after. Results: Counter movement jump, 20 m, and 10 m sprints performance significantly decreased immediately after the match (p < 0.05) and returned to baseline 72 h post-match (p > 0.05). Delayed onset muscle soreness peaked 24 h post-match and rate perceived exertion peaked post-match (p < 0.05) and returned to baseline 96 h post-match (p > 0.05). Inflammatory biomarkers peaked at 24 h (p < 0.05) and remained significantly elevated for 72 h after the match (p < 0.05). Muscle damage biomarkers peaked at 24 h (p < 0.05) and remained significantly (p < 0.05) elevated for at least 72 h after the match. Oxidative stress markers peaked at 24 h–48 h (p < 0.05) and returned to baseline 120 h post-match (p > 0.05). In respect to antioxidant responses, these peaked at 24 h–48 h post-match (p < 0.05) and returned to baseline 120 h after the match (p > 0.05). Conclusions: A single futsal match induces short/mid-term changes in performance, inflammation, oxidative stress, and muscle damage markers for about 72 h–96 h post-match. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring Load, Recovery, and Performance in Soccer Players)

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12 pages, 927 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Blood Flow Restriction Is Not Useful as Soccer Competition Recovery in Youth Male National-Level Soccer Players: A Crossover Randomised Controlled Trial

by Christian Castilla-López and Natalia Romero-Franco

Sports 2023, 11(5), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11050099 - 7 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2751

Abstract

In soccer, blood flow restriction (BFR) is used to optimise between-match recovery. However, the benefits are unclear. This study evaluated the effects of BFR as a recovery strategy after a competition on countermovement jump (CMJ) height, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and the wellness of soccer players. Forty national-level soccer players were allocated into two conditions: BFR (an active recovery session wearing a BFR device, 24 h after a competition) or NoBFR (the same recovery without BFR). CMJ, RPE and wellness were evaluated the day (CMJ and RPE) or the morning (wellness) before the competition; just after the competition (CMJ and RPE); and 24, 48 (wellness) and 72 h later. After 4 weeks, the players changed conditions. All players showed impaired CMJ (p = 0.013), RPE (p < 0.001) and wellness (p < 0.001) after the match compared with the baseline. The CMJ returned to the baseline 24 h later and wellness returned 48 h later. Only in the BFR condition did the RPE remain impaired 24 h after the match, which was also the moment after finishing the BFR recovery session (p < 0.001). BFR during active recovery does not provide any additional benefits compared with traditional exercise modalities to recover CMJ, RPE and wellness in youth national-level soccer players. BFR could even induce an immediate higher RPE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring Load, Recovery, and Performance in Soccer Players)

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12 pages, 273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ability of Countermovement Jumps to Detect Bilateral Asymmetry in Hip and Knee Strength in Elite Youth Soccer Players

by Hailey L. Wrona, Ryan Zerega, Victoria G. King, Charles R. Reiter, Susan Odum, Devon Manifold, Karyn Latorre and Timothy C. Sell

Sports 2023, 11(4), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11040077 - 31 Mar 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3634

Abstract

Clinicians frequently assess asymmetry in strength, flexibility, and performance characteristics as a method of screening for potential musculoskeletal injury. The identification of asymmetry in countermovement jumps may be an ideal method to reveal asymmetry in other lower extremity characteristics such as strength that otherwise may require additional testing, potentially reducing the time and burden on both the athlete and clinicians. The present study aims to examine the ability of asymmetry in both the single-leg and two-leg countermovement jump tests to accurately detect hip abduction, hip adduction, and eccentric hamstring strength asymmetry. Fifty-eight young male elite soccer players from the same professional academy performed a full battery of functional performance tests which included an assessment of hip adductor and abductor strength profiles, eccentric hamstring strength profiles, and neuromuscular performance and asymmetries during countermovement jumps. Bilateral variables attained from both the single-leg and two-leg countermovement jump tests included concentric impulse (Ns), eccentric mean force (N), and concentric mean force (N) computed by the VALD ForceDecks software. Average maximal force (N) was calculated bilaterally for the strength assessments. Asymmetry was calculated for each variable using 100 × |(right leg − left leg)/(right leg)| and grouped into three categories: 0 to <10%, 10% to <20%, and 20% or greater. Analyses were performed for the two higher asymmetry groups. The accuracy to detect strength asymmetry was assessed as the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for positive and negative tests. The outcomes from the accuracy assessments suggest that the single-leg countermovement jump concentric impulse variable at the 20% threshold is indicative of a youth male soccer player having hip adduction strength asymmetry while also demonstrating more accuracy and applicability than the two-leg countermovement jump concentric impulse variable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring Load, Recovery, and Performance in Soccer Players)

13 pages, 663 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Increasing the Number of Substitutions on Physical Performance during Periods of Congested Fixtures in Football

by Abraham García-Aliaga, Adrián Martín-Castellanos, Moisés Marquina Nieto, Diego Muriarte Solana, Ricardo Resta, Roberto López del Campo, Daniel Mon-López and Ignacio Refoyo

Sports 2023, 11(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11020025 - 19 Jan 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3618

Abstract

(I) This study aimed to evaluate the impact on physical demands induced by FIFA’s new rule implemented based on the number of substitutions caused by COVID-19. (II) Sixty-six matches were analysed in peak periods (microcycles of three matches in a week) in the competition period before and after the pandemic. The variables collected were organised by team (22 from LaLiga^TM SmartBank 2019–2020) for a total of 132 team records and 1077 player performance reports using a multi-camera tracking system and Mediacoach^® software. Physical performance variables were analysed in the first half, second half and whole match, thus determining the individual and collective performances of the team. (III) This study shows how, despite the increase in substitutions allowed with the new rule, physical performance increased in some variables in the congested periods (e.g., total distance run and distance run in the first and second halves). Additionally, the players’ physical performance involved in a substitution was greater than it was for players who completed the game. (IV) The new substitution rule helps to maintain and even improve physical performance. This measure could improve intensity levels in both individual and team performance. It could even safeguard the physical integrity of the players by reducing the risk of injury, as fewer players have to play the full match. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring Load, Recovery, and Performance in Soccer Players)

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10 pages, 987 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cardiorespiratory, Metabolic, and Performance Changes from the Effects of Creatine and Caffeine Supplementations in Glucose—Electrolyte-Based Sports Drinks: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

by Kunanya Masodsai, Thanachai Sahaschot and Rungchai Chaunchaiyakul

Sports 2023, 11(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11010004 - 22 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4090

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the additive effects of creatine and caffeine on changes in the cardiorespiratory system, metabolism, and performance of soccer players. Seventeen male soccer players randomly ingested three sports drinks comprising the following: glucose–electrolyte-based (Drink 1, control; D1), glucose–electrolyte-based drink + 5 g creatine (Drink 2; D2), and glucose–electrolyte-based drink + 5 g creatine + 35 mg caffeine (Drink 3; D3) during a 15 min recovery period after the modified Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST) on a standard outdoor soccer field. Then, a 20-m repeated intermittent sprinting activity was performed. The results showed no significant differences in cardiorespiratory and gas exchange variables. The non-significant levels of blood glucose concentrations among drinks with higher blood lactate concentrations were detected in parallel with increased heart rate during intermittent sprinting as a result of exercise intensities. Significantly longer sprinting time was found in D3 than D1 (p < 0.05), with no significant differences between D2 and D3. From this study, we conclude that the additive effect of caffeine–creatine supplements in a glucose–electrolyte drink during the 15 min recovery period enhances repeated 20-m high-intensity running in soccer players with no negative effect on cardiorespiratory functions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring Load, Recovery, and Performance in Soccer Players)

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15 pages, 2166 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Monitoring Internal Training Intensity Correlated with Neuromuscular and Well-Being Status in Croatian Professional Soccer Players during Five Weeks of the Pre-Season Training Phase

by Josip Maleš, Ibrahim Ouergui, Danijela Kuna, Frane Žuvela, Andrea De Giorgio and Goran Kuvačić

Sports 2022, 10(11), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports10110172 - 2 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2203

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the changes in internal training intensity, well-being, and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance and to determine their relationship across five weeks of the pre-season training phase in professional soccer players. A total of 22 professional male soccer players (age = 21.7 ± 4 years, body height = 185.9 ± 6.3 cm, body weight = 79 ± 6.3 kg, BMI = 22.8 ± 1.4 kg·m⁻²; VO_2max = 52.9 ± 3.2) from the Croatian Second League voluntary participated in this study. The players spent 2230 ± 117 min in 32 technical/tactical and strength/conditioning training sessions, mostly at the low intensity zone (61%), and played 8 friendly matches at a high intensity (>90%). A one-way repeated measure of analysis ANOVA revealed a significant difference between weeks in CMJ performance (F_(1,22) = 11.8, p < 0.001), with CMJ height in weeks 4 and 5 being likely to very likely higher than that noted in week 1. Moreover, significant differences between weeks were found in all internal training intensity measures (average [F_(1,22) = 74.8, p < 0.001] and accumulated weekly internal training intensity [F_(1,22) = 55.4, p < 0.001], training monotony [F_(1,22) = 23.9, p < 0.001], and training strain [F_(1,22) = 34.5, p < 0.001]). Likewise, differences were observed for wellness status categories (fatigue [F_(1,22) = 4.3, p = 0.003], sleep [F_(1,22) = 7.1, p < 0.001], DOMS [F_(1,22) = 5.7, p < 0.001], stress [F_(1,22) = 15.6, p < 0.001]), mood [F_(1,22) = 12.7, p < 0.001], and overall well-being status score (F_(1,22) = 13.2, p < 0.001). Correlation analysis showed large negative correlations between average weekly internal training intensity and fatigue (r = −0.63, p = 0.002), DOMS (r = −0.61, p = 0.003), and WBI (r = −0.53, p = 0.011). Additionally, fatigue was significantly associated (large negative correlation) with accumulated weekly internal training intensity (r = −0.51, p = 0.014) and training strain (r = −0.61, p = 0.003). Small, but non-significant, correlations were found between CMJ performance and wellness status measures. These findings highlight the utility and simplicity of monitoring tools to improve athletes’ performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring Load, Recovery, and Performance in Soccer Players)

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10 pages, 1629 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reliability and Validity of a Novel Reactive Agility Test with Soccer Goalkeeper-Specific Movements

by Yosuke Abe, Hisataka Ambe, Tomoyasu Okuda, Masao Nakayama and Noriteru Morita

Sports 2022, 10(11), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports10110169 - 31 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3171

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a reactive agility test with soccer goalkeeper (GK)-specific movements (G-RAT) and to examine the reliability and validity of college-aged GKs. We designed a five-branch star-shaped course with diving and ball-catching movements under reactive conditions. In the setup, a start–goal line was set on the top of a branch and 3.5 m away from the center of the star-shaped setting. Content validity was assessed by six experts, and the item-content validity index (I-CVI) was calculated. Thirty-three male GKs performed the test trial twice. One test trial of G-RAT consists of three shuttles from the start–goal line to diving and ball-catching. For the reactive condition, GKs were instructed on which ball directions should dive when their body trunk reached 1.5 m away from the start–goal line. GKs were classified into regular (R) or non-regular (NR) groups. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to assess the reliability and predictive power as convergent validity. The I-CVI was 0.83, which was greater than the acceptable level of 0.78. The ICC value was 0.94 (p < 0.01; 95% confidence interval (95%CI), 0.88–0.97). The GKs completed the test 14.3 ± 0.7 and 15.3 ± 1.0 s in the R and NR group (p < 0.01; Cohen’s d = 0.89), respectively. The area under the curves of G-RAT was 0.80 (95%CI, 0.64–0.96). These results show that a GK-specific agility test under reactive conditions would have sufficient reliability and both content and convergent validity in college-aged GKs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring Load, Recovery, and Performance in Soccer Players)

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10 pages, 647 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Physical Demands of Match-Play in Academy and Senior Soccer Players from the Scottish Premiership

by Ryland Morgans, Eduard Bezuglov, Patrick Orme, Kyler Burns, Dave Rhodes, John Babraj, Rocco Di Michele and Rafael Franco Soares Oliveira

Sports 2022, 10(10), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports10100150 - 8 Oct 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4529

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess the physical match performance among senior and youth soccer players from an elite Scottish Premiership club during the 2021/2022 season. Twenty-two first team (25.9 ± 4.5 years, 78.3 ± 8.2 kg, 1.82 ± 0.07 cm) and 16 youth players (16.8 ± 0.9 years, 70.1 ± 6.8 kg, 177 ± 5.8 cm) were examined. A selection of physical match performance variables were measured using a global positioning system. Linear mixed-effect regressions revealed for all examined variables no significant differences between first team and U-18 players and no significant differences between playing level by position interaction. Across both teams, Centre Backs compared to Wing Backs, showed a 295 m (p < 0.01) lower high-intensity distance, and performed on average 36 fewer very-high intensity decelerations (p = 0.03). Comparing to Wide Midfielders, Centre Backs showed lower total (1297 m, p = 0.01), high-intensity (350 m, p = 0.01), and sprint (167 m, p < 0.01) distances. Sprint distance was also lower in Centre Backs vs. Strikers (118 m, p = 0.03), and in Central Midfielders vs. both Strikers (104 m, p = 0.03) and Wide Midfielders (154 m, p = 0.01). The present findings highlight the physical match performance of elite Scottish players and provide useful information within the context of understanding how methods of physical development of youth soccer are implemented in different countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring Load, Recovery, and Performance in Soccer Players)

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11 pages, 970 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biochemical and Physical Performance Responses to a Soccer Match after a 72-Hour Recovery Period

by Diego Marqués-Jiménez, Julio Calleja-González, Iñaki Arratibel-Imaz and Nicolás Terrados

Sports 2022, 10(10), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports10100140 - 22 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2683

Abstract

The physiological and neuromuscular responses at 72 h post-match are not widely researched, despite evidence showing substantial changes in recovery markers at 72 h post-match. Consequently, the aim of this study was to determine the biochemical and physical performance responses to a soccer match after a 72-h recovery period. Male soccer players of a semiprofessional team participated in this study. Before playing a friendly match, blood values of testosterone, cortisol, the testosterone-to-cortisol ratio and urea were collected and the squat jump and the Bangsbo Repeated Sprint Ability test were performed. These measurements were considered as baseline (pre match) and were obtained again after a 72-h recovery period. Results indicate that physical performance at 72 h post-match was similar to baseline (squat jump: p = 0.974; total Repeated Sprint Ability time: p = 0.381; Repeated Sprint Ability fatigue index: p = 0.864). However, perturbations in the biochemical milieu derived from the soccer match metabolic and physiological stress were still evident at this time point. While no significant differences compared to pre match were obtained in testosterone and urea concentrations after the recovery period, cortisol and testosterone-to-cortisol ratio values were significantly higher (14.74 ± 3.68 µg/dL vs. 17.83 ± 2.65 µg/dL; p = 0.045; ES 0.92 [0.00; 1.84], very likely) and lower (39.08 ± 13.26 vs. 28.29 ± 7.45; p = 0.038; ES −0.96 [−1.89; −0.04], very likely), respectively. In conclusion, soccer players have similar physical performance to the pre match after a 72-h recovery period, even with signs of biochemical and physiological stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring Load, Recovery, and Performance in Soccer Players)

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9 pages, 555 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Association between Internal and External Training Load Indicators in Elite Soccer; Multiple Regression Study

by Sime Versic, Toni Modric, Borko Katanic, Mario Jelicic and Damir Sekulic

Sports 2022, 10(9), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/sports10090135 - 6 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2695

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the external training load (ETL) variables that are most influential on the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) during elite soccer training. The participants (n = 29) were adult male soccer players from a single team that competed in Croatia’s highest national soccer competition in the 2021/2022 season. Data were collected using the 10 Hz Global Positioning System from 66 training sessions, and a total of 1061 training observations were undertaken. The univariate and multivariate relationships among the predictors (ETL variables) and the criterion (sRPE) were assessed using forward stepwise multiple regressions and Pearson’s correlations, respectively. ETL variables explained 63% of the variance in the sRPE (Multiple R = 0.79; p < 0.01), and the model was successfully cross-validated. The significant partial regressors were total distance (β = 0.66), metres per minute (β = −0.47), high-intensity accelerations (β = 0.22) and decelerations (β = 0.18), and sprint distance (β = 0.14). All ETL variables were significantly correlated with the sRPE (all p < 0.01), with the highest correlations found for total distance covered (r = 0.70) and high-intensity accelerations and decelerations (r = 0.62 and 0.65, respectively). Such results show that (i) the total distance and acceleration rates during the training sessions are the most important predictors of the sRPE, and (ii) a combination of different ETL variables predicts the sRPE better than any individual parameter alone. This study shows that both the volume and intensity of training are related to players’ internal responses. The findings ultimately provide further evidence to support the use of sRPE as a global measure of training load in soccer players. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring Load, Recovery, and Performance in Soccer Players)

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