Latest research in football - week 12 - 2018

#1 Evaluation of Seasonal Changes in Fitness, Anthropometrics, and Body Composition in Collegiate Division Ii Female Soccer Players
Reference: J Strength Cond Res. 2018 Mar 22. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002578. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Peart AN, Nicks CR, Mangum M, Tyo BM
Summary: The purpose of this study was to investigate anthropometrics, body composition, aerobic and anaerobic fitness of collegiate Division II female soccer players throughout a calendar year. Eighteen (20 ± 0.9y) NCAA division II female soccer players from the same team participated in the study. Anthropometrics and body composition variables were assessed in addition to the Counter Movement Jump (CMJ), Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAT), and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Data were collected over five time points: end of competitive seasons (ECS1 and ECS2), beginning of off-season (BOS), end of off-season (EOS), and pre-season (PS). Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) were conducted to compare test scores among all five data collection points. Where appropriate, Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used to determine which points were significantly different. Hip circumference (HC) decreased significantly (p < 0.001) from EOS (98.47 ± 6.5 cm) to PS (94.46 ± 6.8 cm). Fat mass (FM) (12.73 ± 5.4 kg) was significantly different in ECS2 compared to BOS and EOS means (p ≤ 0.05) and percentage of body fat (%BF) (20.08 ± 5.44) significantly different in ECS2 compared to ECS1, BOS, and EOS means (p ≤ 0.05), while fat-free mass (FFM) was maintained from ECS1 to ECS2. CMJ, WAT, and VO2peak performance did not significantly change from ECS1 to ECS2. Anthropometrics and body composition results are similar to previous studies measuring Division II to professional female soccer players. CMJ results remained consistent and are comparable to results on Division I female soccer players. Coaches and researchers can use these data to help design and evaluate training programs throughout a calendar year.


#2 The Effect of Match-Factors on the Running Performance of Elite Female Soccer Players
Reference: J Strength Cond Res. 2018 Mar 22. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002584. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Trewin J, Meylan C, Varley MC, Cronin J, Ling D
Summary: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of match-factors on the match-running of elite female soccer players. Players from the same women's national team (n = 45) were monitored during 47 international fixtures (files = 606) across four years (2012-2015) using 10-Hz global positioning system devices. A mixed model was used to analyse the effects of altitude, temperature, match-outcome, opposition ranking and congested schedules. At altitude (>500 m) a small increase in the number of accelerations (ES = 0.40) and a small decrease in total distance (ES = -0.54) was observed, whereas at higher temperatures there were decreases in all metrics (ES = -0.83 to -0.16). Playing a lower-ranked team in a draw resulted in a moderate increase in high-speed running (ES = 0.89), with small to moderate decreases in total distance and low-speed running noted in a loss or a win. Winning against higher-ranked opponents indicated moderately higher total distance and low-speed running (ES = 0.75), compared to a draw. Whilst the number of accelerations were higher in a draw against lower-ranked opponents, compared to a win and a loss (ES = 0.95 and 0.89 respectively). Practitioners should consider the effect of match-factors on match-running in elite female soccer.


#3 Sequencing Effects of Plyometric Training Applied Before or After Regular Soccer Training on Measures of Physical Fitness in Young Players
Reference: J Strength Cond Res. 2018 Mar 22. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002525. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Ramirez-Campillo R, Alvarez C, Gentil P, Loturco I, Sanchez-Sanchez J, Izquierdo M, Moran J, Nakamura FY, Chaabene H, Granacher U
Summary: The objective was to compare the effects of short-term (i.e., 7 week) plyometric training applied before (PJT-B) or after (PJT-A) soccer practice on components of physical fitness in young soccer players, a single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted. Post-pubertal boys aged 17.0±0.5 years were allocated to three groups: PJT-B (n=12), PJT-A (n=14), and control (CON; n=12). The outcome measures included tests to evaluate 20-m speed, standing long jump [SLJ], squat jump [SJ], countermovement jump [CMJ], and drop jump [DJ], 20-m multistage shuttle running speed [MSSRT], and Illinois change of direction speed [ICODT]. While the CON performed soccer-specific training, the PJT-A and PJT-B groups conducted the same soccer-specific sessions but replaced ∼11% of their time with plyometric training. The PJT-B group performed plyometric exercises after a warm-up program, and the PJT-A group conducted plyometric exercises ∼10 minutes after the completion of soccer training. Analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were used to detect differences between groups in all variables for pre- and post-training tests. Main effects of time (all p<.01; d=0.19-0.79) and group x time interactions (all p<.05; d=0.17-0.76) were observed for all examined variables. Post hoc analyses revealed significant increases in the PJT-B group (SLJ: 9.4%, d=1.7; CMJ: 11.2%, d=0.75; 20-m MSSRT: 9.0%, d=0.77) and the PJT-A group (SLJ: 3.1%, d=0.7; CMJ: 4.9%, d=0.27; 20-m MSSRT: 9.0%, d=0.76). Post hoc analyses also revealed significant increases in the PJT-B group (20-m speed: -7.4%, d=0.75; 20-cm DJ reactive strength index: 19.1%, d=1.4; SJ: 6.3%, d=0.44; ICODT results: -4.2%, d=1.1). In general, our study revealed that plyometric training is effective in improving measures of physical fitness in young male soccer players when combined with regular soccer training. More specifically, larger training induced effects on physical fitness were registered if plyometric training was conducted prior to soccer specific training.


#4 Postactivation Potentiation Following Acute Bouts of Plyometric versus Heavy-Resistance Exercise in Collegiate Soccer Players
Reference: Biomed Res Int. 2018 Feb 7;2018:3719039. doi: 10.1155/2018/3719039. eCollection 2018.
Authors: Sharma SK, Raza S, Moiz JA, Verma S, Naqvi IH, Anwer S, Alghadir AH
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5820625/pdf/BMRI2018-3719039.pdf
Summary: Postactivation potentiation is referred to as an acute and temporary enhancement of muscle performance resulting from previous muscle contraction. The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effect of plyometric exercise (PLY) and heavy-resistance exercise (RES) on the blood lactate level (BLa) and physical performance. Fourteen male collegiate soccer players were randomized to perform either RES or PLY first and then crossed over to perform the opposite intervention. PLY consisted of 40 jumps, whereas RES comprised ten single repetitions at 90% of one repetition maximum. BLa and physical performance (countermovement jump height and 20-m sprint) were measured before and at 1 and 10 min following the exercise. No significant difference was observed in the BLa for both exercises (PLY and RES). Relative to baseline, countermovement jump (CMJ) height was significantly better for the PLY group after 1 min (P = 0.004) and after 10 min (P = 0.001) compared to that of the RES group. The 20-m sprint time was significantly better for PLY at 10 min (P = 0.003) compared to that of RES. The present study concluded that, compared to RES, PLY causes greater potentiation, which leads to improved physical performance.


#5 Aerobic fitness in professional soccer players after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Reference: PLoS One. 2018 Mar 22;13(3):e0194432. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194432. eCollection 2018.
Authors: Almeida AM, Santos Silva PR, Pedrinelli A, Hernandez AJ
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5864031/pdf/pone.0194432.pdf
Summary: Although anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is considered a successful procedure in restoring knee stability, few studies have addressed the issue of aerobic capacity after ACL surgery. Soccer players need technical, tactical and physical skills to succeed, such as good knee function and aerobic capacity. Our purpose is to evaluate aerobic fitness in ACL injured professional football players and six months after ACL reconstruction compared to a control group. Twenty athletes with ACL injury were evaluated and underwent ACL reconstruction with hamstrings autograft, and were compared to twenty healthy professional soccer players. The methods used to evaluate aerobic fitness were maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and ventilatory thresholds with a treadmill protocol, before and six months after surgery, compared to a control group. Knee function questionnaires, isokinetic strength testing and body composition evaluation were also performed. Median ACL-injured patients age was 21 years old, and controls 20.5 years old. (n.s.). Preoperative VO2max in the ACL injured group was 45.2 ± 4.3 mL/kg/min, postoperative 48.9 ± 3.8 mL/kg/min and controls 56.9 ± 4.2 mL/kg/min. (p< .001 in all comparisons). Body composition evaluation was similar in all situations. Knee function questionnaires and quadriceps peak torque deficit improved after surgery but were significantly lower compared to controls. Aerobic fitness is significantly reduced in professional soccer players with ACL injury, and six months of rehabilitation was not enough to restore aerobic function after ACL reconstruction, compared to non-injured players of the same level.


#6 Validation of Field Methods to Assess Body Fat Percentage in Elite Youth Soccer Players
Reference: Int J Sports Med. 2018 Mar 21. doi: 10.1055/s-0044-101145. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Munguia-Izquierdo D, Suarez-Arrones L, Di Salvo V, Paredes-Hernandez V, Alcazar J, Ara I, Kreider R, Mendez-Villanueva A
Summary: This study determined the most effective field method for quantifying body fat percentage in male elite youth soccer players and developed prediction equations based on anthropometric variables. Forty-four male elite-standard youth soccer players aged 16.3-18.0 years underwent body fat percentage assessments, including bioelectrical impedance analysis and the calculation of various skinfold-based prediction equations. Dual X-ray absorptiometry provided a criterion measure of body fat percentage. Correlation coefficients, bias, limits of agreement, and differences were used as validity measures, and regression analyses were used to develop soccer-specific prediction equations. The equations from Sarria et al. (1998) and Durnin & Rahaman (1967) reached very large correlations and the lowest biases, and they reached neither the practically worthwhile difference nor the substantial difference between methods. The new youth soccer-specific skinfold equation included a combination of triceps and supraspinale skinfolds. None of the practical methods compared in this study are adequate for estimating body fat percentage in male elite youth soccer players, except for the equations from Sarria et al. (1998) and Durnin & Rahaman (1967). The new youth soccer-specific equation calculated in this investigation is the only field method specifically developed and validated in elite male players, and it shows potentially good predictive power.


#7 Cardiac deformation parameters and rotational mechanics by cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking in pre-adolescent male soccer players
Reference: Cardiol Young. 2018 Mar 21:1-3. doi: 10.1017/S1047951118000343. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Malek LA, Barczuk-Falęcka M, Brzewski M
Summary: The purpose of the study was to analyse whether prolonged and regular physical training in children leads to changes in myocardial systolic deformation and rotational mechanics. For that purpose, cardiac MRI feature tracking was performed retrospectively in 35 pre-adolescent male soccer players and 20 matched controls. There were no changes in global strain, but left ventricular twist and apical rotation were greater in soccer players, which adds to the features of paediatric athlete's heart.


#8 Effect of Core Muscle Strengthening Exercises (Including Plank and Side Plank) on Injury Rate in Male Adult Soccer Players: A Systematic Review
Reference: Sportverletz Sportschaden. 2018 Mar;32(1):35-46. doi: 10.1055/a-0575-2324. Epub 2018 Mar 20. [Article in German; Abstract available in German from the publisher]
Authors: Blasimann A, Eberle S, Scuderi MM
Summary: Soccer is seen as highly intensive sport with an increased injury rate. Male adults are the players with the highest injury incidence. Accordingly, the importance of core muscle strengthening to prevent injury has increased in the past few years. Up to date, core muscle strengthening plays an important role in different prevention programs, such as the "FIFA 11 +". The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effect of core muscle strengthening on injury rate in male adult soccer players, including at least the known and easy exercises "plank" and "side plank", on injury rate in male adult soccer players. The databases PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane Library, SPORTDiscus and Cinahl were searched systematically. Included studies had to comprise exercises for core muscles as an intervention (as a part of a prevention program) for adult male soccer players. The control group had to continue their usual exercise routine. The exercises "plank" and "side plank" were mandatory elements of the training program. The number of injuries and/or the injury rate (per 1000 hours) were defined as outcomes. The quality of the included studies was assessed with the PEDro scale and the Risk of Bias tool. Seven studies with 2491 participants in total could be included. Two studies found a significant decrease in the injury rate in the intervention group (p < 0.05, p < 0.001 respectively). In two studies, no significance level was reported, but the training showed preventive effects in the intervention group. In the other three studies, no significant changes in the injury rate were found (p > 0.05). The seven included studies differed greatly with respect to the applied methods, the chosen interventions and the obtained results. Furthermore, core muscles were never trained separately but were always part of a program containing other preventive elements. Therefore, it was difficult to compare the studies. However, prevention programs including strengthening exercises for core muscles tend to positively affect the injury rate. Based on the literature found, the research question cannot definitively be answered. In the future, further studies are needed which investigate the effect of isolated core muscle training on the injury rate of soccer players.


#9 In-season monitoring of hip and groin strength, health and function in elite youth soccer: Implementing an early detection and management strategy over two consecutive seasons
Reference: J Sci Med Sport. 2018 Mar 14. pii: S1440-2440(18)30071-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2018.03.004. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Wollin M, Thorborg K, Welvaert M, Pizzari T
Summary: The primary purpose of this study was to describe an early detection and management strategy when monitoring in-season hip and groin strength, health and function in soccer. Secondly to compare pre-season to in-season test results. Twenty-seven elite male youth soccer players (age: 15.07±0.73years) volunteered to participate in the study. Monitoring tests included: adductor strength, adductor/abductor strength ratio and hip and groin outcome scores (HAGOS). Data were recorded at pre-season and at 22 monthly intervals in-season. Thresholds for alerts to initiate further investigations were defined as any of the following: adductor strength reductions >15%, adductor/abductor strength ratio <0.90, and HAGOS subscale scores <75 out of 100 in any of the six subscales. Overall, 105 alerts were detected involving 70% of players. Strength related alerts comprised 40% and remaining 60% of alerts were related to HAGOS. Hip adductor strength and adductor/abductor strength ratio were lowest at pre-season testing and had increased significantly by month two (p<0.01, mean difference 0.26, CI95%: 0.12, 0.41N/kg and p<0.01, mean difference 0.09, CI95%: 0.04, 0.13 respectively). HAGOS subscale scores were lowest at baseline with all, except Physical Activity, showing significant improvements at time-point one (p<0.01). Most (87%) time-loss were classified minimal or mild. In-season monitoring aimed at early detection and management of hip and groin strength, health and function appears promising. Hip and groin strength, health and function improved quickly from pre-season to in-season in a high-risk population for ongoing hip and groin problems.


#10 Exploring the effects of mental and muscular fatigue in soccer players' performance
Reference: Hum Mov Sci. 2018 Apr;58:287-296. doi: 10.1016/j.humov.2018.03.004. Epub 2018 Mar 15.
Authors: Coutinho D, Goncalves B, Wong DP, Travassos B, Coutts AJ, Sampaio J
Summary: This study examined the effects of induced mental and muscular fatigue on soccer players' physical activity profile and collective behavior during small-sided games (SSG). Ten youth soccer players performed a 5vs5 SSG under three conditions: a) control, playing without any previous activity; b) muscular fatigue, playing after performing a repeated change-of-direction task; c) mental fatigue, playing after completing a 30 min Stroop color-word task. Players' positional data was used to compute time-motion and tactical-related variables. The muscular fatigue condition resulted in lower distances covered in high speeds (∼27%, 0.3; ±0.5) than the control condition. From the tactical perspective, the muscular fatigue condition resulted in lower distance between dyads and players spent ∼7% more time synchronized in longitudinal displacements than the control condition (0.3; ±0.3). Additionally, players spent ∼14% more time synchronized with muscular fatigue than with mental fatigue (0.7; ±0.3). The mental fatigue condition resulted in a very likely more predictable pattern in the distance between dyads than in muscular fatigue condition (0.4; ±0.2). Also, the mental fatigue possibly decreased the teams' stretch index when compared with control (0.2; ±0.3) and likely increased compared with muscular fatigue (0.5; ±0.5). The better levels of longitudinal synchronization after muscular fatigue, might suggest the usage of tactical-related tasks after intense exercise bouts. The lower physical performance and time spent longitudinally synchronized after mental fatigue, should alert to consider this variable before matches or training activities that aim to improve collective behavior.


#11 Is Bony Hip Morphology Associated With Range of Motion and Strength in Asymptomatic Male Soccer Players?
Reference: J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2018 Mar 16:1-29. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2018.7848. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Mosler AB, Agricola R, Thorborg K, Weir A, Whiteley RJ, Crossley KM, Holmich P
Summary: Study Design Cross-sectional cohort study. Background Athletes with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome have cam and/or pincer morphology, pain on orthopaedic testing, and often have reduced hip range of motion (ROM) and strength. However, cam and pincer morphology are also common in asymptomatic hips. Therefore, it is currently unknown whether the ROM and strength deficits observed in athletes with FAI syndrome result from the variance in their bony hip morphology or hip condition. Objectives To investigate the relationship between musculoskeletal screening findings and bony hip morphology in asymptomatic male soccer players. Methods Male professional soccer players in Qatar were screened specifically for hip/groin pain in 2 consecutive seasons. The screening battery included: pain provocation, ROM and strength tests, and hip radiographs. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses using generalised estimating equations evaluated the relationship between musculoskeletal screening findings and each bony hip morphological variant (cam, large cam, pincer, and acetabular dysplasia). Results Asymptomatic hips with cam and large cam morphology were associated with lower ROM in internal rotation and bent knee fall out, and a higher likelihood of pain on provocation testing. Pincer morphology was associated with lower abduction ROM and higher abduction strength. Acetabular dysplasia was associated with higher abduction ROM. Each association was weak and demonstrated poor or failed discriminatory power. Conclusion Bony hip morphology is associated with hip joint ROM and abduction strength, but musculoskeletal screening tests have a poor ability to discriminate between the different morphologies.


#12 Higher compliance to a neuromuscular injury prevention program improves overall injury rate in male football players
Reference: Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2018 Mar 19. doi: 10.1007/s00167-018-4895-5. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Silvers-Granelli HJ, Bizzini M, Arundale A, Mandelbaum BR, Snyder-Mackler L
Summary: The 11+ injury prevention program has been shown to decrease injury rate. However, few studies have investigated compliance and if it is correlated to time loss. The purpose of this study was to (1) analyze how differences in compliance may impact injury rate and (2) if compliance may impact time loss due to injury. This study was a Level 1 prospective cluster randomized controlled trial conducted in NCAA men's football (soccer) teams that examined the efficacy of the 11+ injury prevention program. The two outcome variables examined were number of injuries and number of days missed from competition. Twenty-seven teams (n = 675 players) used the 11+ program. Compliance, injuries and time loss were recorded. There were three compliance categories, low (LC, 1-19 doses/season), moderate (MC, 20-39 doses/season), and high (HC, > 40 doses/season). There was a significant difference among the groups for injuries, p = 0.04, pη2  = 0.23. The LC group [mean (M) = 13.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 9.82-16.68, injury rate (IR) = 10.35 ± 2.21] had a significantly higher injury rate than the HC group (M = 8.33, 95%CI 6.05-10.62, IR = 10.35 ± 2.21), p = 0.02. The MC group (M = 11.21, 95%CI 9.38-13.05, IR = 8.55 ± 2.46) was not significantly different than the LC group, p = 0.29, but was significantly greater than the HC group, p = 0.05. When examined as a continuous variable, compliance was significantly negatively related to injury rate (p = 0.004). It was also significantly negatively related to number of days missed (p = 0.012). When compliance was high, there was a significant reduction in injury and time loss. This evidence reinforces the importance of consistent injury prevention program utilization. Clinically, these findings have important implications when discussing the importance of consistent utilization of an injury prevention protocol in sport.


#13 Training Effects of the FIFA 11+ Kids on Physical Performance in Youth Football Players: A Randomized Control Trial
Reference: Front Pediatr. 2018 Mar 5;6:40. doi: 10.3389/fped.2018.00040. eCollection 2018.
Authors: Pomares-Noguera C, Ayala F, Robles-Palazon FJ, Alomoto-Burneo JF, Lopez-Valenciano A, Elvira JLL, Hernandez-Sanchez S, De Ste Croix M
Summary: The objective was to analyze the training effects of the FIFA 11+ kids on several parameters of physical performance in male youth football players. Twenty-three youth players were randomized within each team into two groups (control vs. intervention). The intervention group performed the FIFA 11+ kids programme 2 times a week for 4 weeks; the control groups completed their normal warm-up routines. Thirteen physical performance measures {range of motion (hip, knee, and ankle joints), dynamic postural control (measured throughout the Y balance test), 20 m sprint time, slalom dribble with a ball, agility, vertical jumping height [counter movement jump (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ)], horizontal jump distance, accuracy when volleying a ball [measured throughout the Wall Volley test]} were assessed. All physical performance parameters were compared via magnitude-based inference analysis. Significant between-group differences in favor of the FIFA 11+ players were found for dynamic postural control {anterior [mean and 90% confidence intervals (CI) = 1 cm, from -1.6 to 3.5 cm] and posteromedial (mean and 90% CI = 5.1 cm, from -1.8 to 12 cm) and posterolateral (mean and 90% CI = 4.8 cm, from 0.6 to 9.0 cm) distances}, agility run (mean and 90% CI = 0.5 s, from -0.9 to 0 s), vertical jump height [CMJ (mean and 90% CI = 3.1 cm, from 0.2 to 6.1 cm) and DJ (mean and 90% CI = 1.7 cm, from -0.5 to 3.9 cm)], and horizontal jump distance (mean and 90% CI = 2.5 cm, from -8 to 15 cm). The control groups showed better performance in 20 m sprint time (mean and 90% CI = -0.05 s, from -0.11 to 0.07) and wall volley tests (mean and 90% CI = 0.2, from -0.2 to 0.6) compared to the intervention group. The main findings of this study suggest that just 4 weeks of implementation of the FIFA 11+ kids produces improved physical performance compared with traditional warm-up routines in youth soccer players.