Latest research in football - week 30 - 2018

#1 The competence-supportive and competence-thwarting role of athlete leaders: An experimental test in a soccer context
Reference: PLoS One. 2018 Jul 11;13(7):e0200480. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200480. eCollection 2018.
Authors: Fransen K, Vansteenkiste M, Vande Broek G, Boen F
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6040764/pdf/pone.0200480.pdf
Summary: The aim of this experiment was to study the growth-promoting and adverse impact of athlete leaders' competence-supportive and-thwarting behavior on the motivation and performance of team members. Male soccer players (N = 144; MAge = 14.2) were allocated to ad-hoc teams of five soccer players. These teams participated in two sessions, being randomly exposed to an athlete leader who acted either competence-supportive, competence-thwarting, or neutral during the second session. When the athlete leader was competence-supportive (versus competence-thwarting), his teammates' intrinsic motivation and performance increased (versus decreased) compared with the control condition. The leader's impact on intrinsic motivation was fully accounted for by team members' competence satisfaction. These findings recommend coaches to invest in the competence-supportive power of their athlete leaders to establish an optimally motivating and performance-enhancing team environment.


#2 Match Running Performance of Elite Soccer Players: V[Combining Dot Above]O2max and Players Position Influences
Reference: J Strength Cond Res. 2018 Jul 9. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002646. [Epub ahead of print]
Author: Metaxas TI
Summary: The aims of this study were (a) to assess the relationship between laboratory-measured VO2max with total distance covered in a soccer match, (b) to assess the relationship between laboratory-measured VO2max with the distance covered at a different running intensity in a soccer match, (c) to quantify different intensity running in various playing positions, and (d) to determine the differences of running performance between halves. Analyzed match running performance of the Greek elite (n = 14) soccer players using a global positioning system within the second division professional league. No correlation was found between VO2max and match running performance at any velocity. The players covered greater distances in the first half at all speed levels except walking. In the first half, they covered a greater distance than in the second half (1,533 vs. 1,297 m, p < 0.001; 879 vs. 708 m, p < 0.001; 433 vs. 359 m, p < 001; 185 vs. 152 m, p < 0.01; 81.4 vs. 65.5 m, p < 0.001) when jogging, running, high-intensity running, fast running, sprint and total, respectively. Wide players covered greater distances at fast running (p < 0.001) and sprint zone than the players who played at the axon of the field (348 vs. 297 and 186 vs. 113 m, respectively). In addition, midfielders covered a greater distance at high-intensity running zone and at fast running zone than the defenders and forwards (1,768 vs. 1,372 m, p < 0.01 and 1,768 vs. 1,361 m, p < 0.01; 686 vs. 878 m, p < 0.01 and 709 vs. 878 m, p < 0.05, respectively). The results demonstrate that match running performance and the distance covered depends on the tactical role of each player in the team. These data provide valuable information for coaches regarding the running profile of the Greek elite soccer players that could be used to design a more effective training program.


#3 Relationships Between Eccentric and Concentric Knee Strength Capacities and Maximal Linear Deceleration Ability in Male Academy Soccer Players
Reference: J Strength Cond Res. 2018 Jul 9. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002739. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Harper DJ, Jordan AR, Kiely J
Summary: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between maximal linear deceleration ability, and knee flexor (KF) and knee extensor (KE) strength. Fourteen male academy soccer players completed a 30-m linear sprint, a maximal linear deceleration test, and eccentric and concentric KF and KE contractions in both dominant leg (DL) and nondominant leg (NDL) at slower (60°·s) and faster (180°·s) angular velocities on an isokinetic dynamometer. Maximal linear deceleration ability was evaluated using distance-to-stop (DEC-DTS) and time-to-stop (DEC-TTS), with isokinetic peak torque representing KF and KE strength capacity. Relationships were established using Pearson's correlation coefficients (r) with magnitude-based inferences used to describe the uncertainty in the correlation. Both concentric KE and KF strength at 180°·s in the NDL had the highest correlations with deceleration ability (r = -0.76 and r = -0.78, respectively). In the DL, concentric KE and KF strength at 180°·s also had very likely large correlations with deceleration ability (r = -0.54 and -0.55, respectively). All correlations between eccentric KF strength and deceleration ability were unclear. At 180°·s, correlations between eccentric KE strength and deceleration ability were also unclear; however, at 60°·s, both DL (r = -0.63 to -0.64) and NDL (r = -0.54 to -0.55) had very likely large correlations with deceleration ability. These findings provide novel insights into the unilateral KF and KE strength capacities underpinning the ability to decelerate rapidly from high-sprint velocities.


#4 Creative decision making and visual search behavior in skilled soccer players
Reference: PLoS One. 2018 Jul 10;13(7):e0199381. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199381. eCollection 2018.
Authors: Roca A, Ford PR, Memmert D
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6039007/pdf/pone.0199381.pdf
Summary: The ability to produce creative solutions is a key part of expert performance. The aim of this study was to identify the visual search behaviors that underpin superior creative performance of skilled soccer players during simulated 11-a-side match play. Players (N = 44) were required to interact with a representative life-size video-based simulation of attacking situations whilst in possession of the ball. Clips were occluded at a key moment and they were required to play the ball in response to each situation presented. Moreover, they were required to name other additional actions they could execute for each situation. Creative performance on the task was measured using the three criteria of originality, flexibility, and fluency of decisions. Visual search behaviors were examined using a portable eye-movement registration system. Players were classified as most- (n = 11) or least-creative (n = 11) based on their performance on the representative task. The most-creative players produced more appropriate, original, flexible, and fluid decisions compared to least-creative players. The creativity-based differences in judgment were underpinned by differences in visual search strategy. Most-creative players employed a broader attentional focus including more fixations of shorter duration and towards more informative locations of the display compared with least-creative players. Moreover, most-creative players detected teammates in threatening positions earlier in the attacking play. Creative performance is underpinned by different underlying visual processes when compared to less-creative performance, which appears to be crucial in facilitating more creative solutions.


#5 Association between trunk pain and lower extremity pain among youth soccer players: a cross-sectional study
Reference: BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2018 Jul 6;10:13. doi: 10.1186/s13102-018-0102-8. eCollection 2018.
Authors: Sogi Y, Hagiwara Y, Yabe Y, Sekiguchi T, Momma H, Tsuchiya M, Kuroki K, Kanazawa K, Koide M, Itaya N, Yoshida S, Yano T, Itoi E, Nagatomi R
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6035452/pdf/13102_2018_Article_102.pdf
Summary: Soccer is a high-intensity sport with a high injury rate. Among youth soccer players, lower extremity pain is a major problem that could be associated with trunk function. This study investigated the association between lower extremity pain and trunk pain among youth soccer players. A cross-sectional study involving youth soccer players participating in the Miyagi Amateur Sports Association was conducted using a self-reported questionnaire. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between trunk pain and lower extremity pain. Covariates were sex, age, body mass index, height increase, number of days of training per week, practice time per day on weekdays or weekends, competition levels, frequency of participation in games, and previous injuries. The final study population comprised 1139 youth soccer players (age, 6-15 years; male, 94.2%). Lower extremity pain with concomitant trunk pain occurred in 61.8% (42/68). Trunk pain was significantly associated with lower extremity pain (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 6.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.99-11.67). Back pain and hip pain were significantly associated with knee pain (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 7.63 [3.70-15.76] and 3.84 [1.89-7.83], respectively), ankle pain (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 9.03 [4.42-18.44] and 5.43 [2.77-10.62], respectively), and both knee and ankle pain (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 13.67 [6.01-31.09] and 5.98 [2.56-13.97], respectively). Trunk pain was associated with lower extremity pain among youth soccer players. Clinicians and coaches should consider comorbidities while treating those players.


#6 Influence of Situational Variables, Team Formation, and Playing Position on Match Running Performance and Social Network Analysis in Brazilian Professional Soccer Players
Reference: J Strength Cond Res. 2018 Jul 4. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002725. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Aquino R, Carling C, Palucci Vieira LH, Martins G, Jabor G, Machado J, Santiago P, Garganta J, Puggina E
Summary: The purpose of this study was to investigate the independent and interactive effects of situational variables, opposition team formation, and playing position on running performance and network analysis in Brazilian professional soccer players (n = 22). Global positioning system technology was used to determine total distance covered, mean speed, maximum running speed, and distance covered in 6 speed ranges. Social network analysis was used to assess interpersonal coordination (team interactions characterized as successful passes [n = 3,033] between teammates). Observations of match running performance (n = 129) and network analysis (n = 108) were obtained. The main results were: (a) no interactive effects between team formation and playing position were observed for running and network variables (unclear to possibly); (b) matches played at home or against "weaker" opponents presented greater running demands and individual/global metrics of network analysis (likely to almost certain); (c) match outcome demonstrated influence only for running performance; matches in which the reference team won resulted in higher values than in matches lost; (d) when the reference team competed in 1-4-4-2 formation, this resulted in greater running demands than 1-4-2-3-1 formation (likely to almost certain); (e) reduced values of running performance variables were reported in central defenders compared with other positions. Central/external midfielders reported greater closeness/betweenness centrality, outdegree, and eigenvector compared with central/external defenders and forwards (likely to almost certain). The results from this study provide practical information to potentially impact on physical, tactical, and technical training.


#7 Isometric Midthigh Pull Characteristics in Elite Youth Male Soccer Players: Comparisons by Age and Maturity Offset
Reference: J Strength Cond Res. 2018 Jul 4. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002673. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Morris RO, Jones B, Myers T, Lake J, Emmonds S, Clarke ND, Singleton D, Ellis M, Till K
Summary: The purpose of this study was to (a) provide comparative isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) force-time characteristics for elite youth soccer players and (b) determine the effect of age and maturation on IMTP force-time characteristics. Elite male youth soccer players (U12 n = 51; U13 n = 54; U14 n = 56; U15 n = 45; U16 n = 39; and U18 n = 48) across 3 maturity offset groups (Pre n = 117; circa n = 84; and Post-peak height velocity n = 92) performed 2 maximal IMTP trials on a portable force platform (1,000 Hz). Absolute and relative values for peak force (PF) and impulse over 100 and 300 ms were analyzed. A full Bayesian regression model was used to provide probable differences similar to that of a frequentist p value. Advanced age and maturation resulted in superior IMTP force-time characteristics. Peak force demonstrated high probabilities of a difference between all consecutive age groups (p > 0.95). For absolute and relative impulse (100 and 300 ms), only 2 consecutive age groups (U14-15's and U16-18's) demonstrated high probabilities of a difference (p > 0.95) with large effects (d = 0.59-0.93). There were high probable differences between all maturity offset groups for PF and impulse with medium to large effects (d = 0.56-3.80). These were also reduced when expressed relative to body mass (relative PF and relative impulse). This study provides comparative IMTP force-time characteristics of elite male youth soccer players. Practitioners should consider individual maturation status when comparing players given the impact this has on force expression.


#8 Running Intensities in Elite Youth Soccer by Age and Position
Reference: J Strength Cond Res. 2018 Jul 4. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002728. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Duthie GM, Thornton HR, Delaney JA, Connolly DR, Serpiello FR
Summary: The purpose of this investigation was to examine differences between the peak running speed, acceleration, and metabolic power of elite youth soccer across a range of age levels by position. Ninety-six elite junior soccer players were assessed between 2015 and 2017. Ninety-six elite junior soccer players (at time of match: age, 15.8 ± 0.9 years; body mass, 69.1 ± 8.0 kg) were assessed during 61 games within the 2015, 2016, and 2017 season, for a total of 441 individual match observations (4.8 ± 3.3 matches per player, range 1-13). Participants were classified by age group: under 15 (U15, n = 121, 14.7 ± 0.3 years), under 16 (U16, n = 176, 15.8 ± 0.3 years), or under 17 (U17, n = 144, 16.7 ± 0.4 years), and according to their playing position: Attacker (ATT), Defender (DEF), Mid-Fielder (MID), or Wide (WIDE). Participants wore global positioning system units during each match, where speed (m·min), acceleration/deceleration (m·s), and metabolic power (Pmet) were established. A 1- to 10-minute moving average was applied to establish the intercept (c) and slope (n) of running intensity variables as a power law y = cx relationship. Linear mixed models were used to examine differences in the intercept and slope between age group and player position. There were no substantial differences in peak (intercept) or decline (slope) in running intensity between playing levels. Several differences were observed in the peak running speeds (m·min), particularly peak running speeds of ATT and DEF being substantially lower than the MID. Despite variability between positions, we suggest that the magnitude of these differences would not warrant the prescription of different running intensities across positions at the elite junior level. These findings describe the peak running intensities of elite junior soccer, useful in the monitoring and prescription of training to ensure that players are prepared for the most demanding periods of competition.


#9 Influence of opponent standard on activity profile and fatigue development during preseasonal friendly soccer matches: a team study
Reference: Res Sports Med. 2018 Jul 9:1-12. doi: 10.1080/15438627.2018.1492400. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Rago V, Silva J, Mohr M, Randers M, Barreira D, Krustrup P, Rebelo A
Summary: We examined the influence of competitive standard of the opponent on activity profile and fatigue during preseason friendly soccer matches. Time motion analysis was performed in a male professional soccer team (N = 14) during six friendly games played against professional, semi-professional and amateur-level opponents (PL, SPL and AL). The reference team covered higher acceleration distance, acceleration and deceleration > 2 m· s-2 distance against PL than AL (ES = 0.77 to 0.91). Acceleration and deceleration distance > 2 m· s-2 was also higher (ES = 0.66 to 0.84) against SPL than AL. Greater decreases in total distance, distance> 16 km· h-1 and > 22 km· h-1, total acceleration and deceleration, acceleration and deceleration distance > 2 m· s-2 (ES = 0.84 to 2.20) were also observed during PL compared to AL opponent. Playing against a stronger opponent seems to be more physically demanding, with special emphasis on events related with change of velocity (accelerations and decelerations). Declines in physical performance appear more evident against a higher opponent.


#10 Monitoring collegiate soccer players during a congested match schedule: Heart rate variability versus subjective wellness measures
Reference: Physiol Behav. 2018 Jul 5;194:527-531. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.07.001. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Rabbani A, Baseri MK, Reisi J, Clemente FM, Kargarfard M
Summary: The aims of this study were a) to examine within-group changes of wellness and heart rate variability measures and b) to compare their sensitivity to a congested match schedule in collegiate soccer players (n = 8). Wellness (Hooper index and its subsets) and heart rate variability (Ln rMSSD, SDNN) measures were assessed after selected low-load (training sessions) and high-load (a congested match schedule) phases. Session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) was computed for training and match sessions. A very likely large difference in accumulated sRPE was observed between low-load and high-load phases (+148.4%, 90% confidence interval CI [87.3; 229.5%]); effect size, ES, 2.16 [1.49; 2.82]. While the Hooper index showed an almost certainly moderate increase (+49.8%, [33.9; 67.5%]), ES, 1.05 [0.76; 1.34], heart rate variability measures (i.e., Ln rMSSD and SDNN) only changed with a possible trivial effect (range -2.1; 8.2%, [-7.1; 16.7%]), ES, -0.15; 0.15 [-0.50; 0.44]. The Hooper index showed a moderately higher sensitivity than Ln rMSSD to a congested match schedule (34.7%, [26.9; 41.6%], ES, 0.81 [0.60; 1.03]). Relationships between changes in the Hooper index and some of its subsets (∆Hooper index, ∆sleep, and ∆fatigue), with changes in mean sRPE (∆sRPE) were very large (range r = 0.72; 0.89). However, small associations were observed between changes in heart rate variability (∆Ln rMSSD, and ∆SDNN) and ∆sRPE (range r = -0.21; 0.10). This study suggests the use of subjective wellness indices, instead of heart rate variability measures, to monitor collegiate soccer players during congested match schedules.