Latest research in footbal - week 42 - 2018

#1 Muscle Damage-Based Recovery Strategies Can Be Supported by Predictive Capacity of Specific Global Positioning System Accelerometry Parameters Immediately a Post-Soccer Match-Load
Reference: J Strength Cond Res. 2018 Oct 22. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002922. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: da Silva CD, Machado G, Fernandes AA, Teoldo I, Pimenta EM, Marins JCB, Garcia ES
Summary: Soccer match-load can be linked to recovery kinetic markers. However, match variability hinders the magnitude of relationship between parameters of interest. Therefore, we examined the correlation between 21 global positioning system accelerometry (GPS-A) parameters and changes in serum creatine kinase (CK) concentrations, muscle soreness (MS), and perceptive recovery quality (PRQ) assessed at baseline (1 h before) and post (0 minute, 2, 4, and 24 hours) a standardized 90-minute match-simulation in 12 university players. Global positioning system accelerometry (15 Hz) data were tested as manufacturer and configurable thresholds. Four GPS-A parameters showed moderate to very large correlations with CK changes at all time points (average speed [avgSP, r = 0.75 to r = 0.84]; running symmetry foot strikes [RSfst, r = 0.53-0.63]; running series [RunS, r = 0.53-0.61]; and acceleration distance [AccD ≥ 1.5 m·s; r = 0.46-0.61]). Sprint count (≥2 m·s), AccD (≥2.5 m·s) and speed exertion (SpEx) had a moderate to large correlation (r = 0.46-0.56) with CK changes from 2 to 24 hours. Changes in MS at 0 minute had large correlation with avgSP (r = 0.53) and moderate with deceleration distance (≥-2 and ≥-3 m·s; r = 0.47, r = 0.48, respectively). The PRQ changes had moderate inverse correlation with avgSP at 0 minute (r = -0.39) and SpEx at 2 h (r = -0.69). Our results suggest that during a simulated soccer protocol with a standard workload, only the avgSP has practical application for predicting CK changes over 24 hours, allowing for a decision-making toward a postgame recovery based on previously known CK cutoff points. Global positioning system accelerometry parameters and subjective variables did not demonstrate relevant correlation.


#2 Influence of Night Soccer Matches on Sleep in Elite Players
Reference: J Strength Cond Res. 2018 Oct 22. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002906. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Nédélec M, Dawson B, Dupont G
Summary: This study examined the impact of night matches on the sleep/wake behavior of elite soccer players participating in the UEFA Champions League and French Ligue 1. A mixed method approach was used, combining objective sleep assessment with wrist activity monitors, and a survey to ascertain the sleep complaints after night matches (kick off after 18:00 hours). Most players (90%) indicated worse sleep in the nights after evening matches than after training days. Objective time in bed (-01:39 hours; effect size [ES] = 1.7; p < 0.001) and total sleep time (-01:32 hours; ES = 1.4; p < 0.001) were both lower after night matches than after training days. Night matches had a marked influence on sleep quantity later that night, both objectively and subjectively. The survey revealed that players may not have appropriate methods for better managing their sleep after night matches. It is yet to be determined whether players may benefit from individualized sleep interventions in these circumstances.


#3 Movement Economy in Soccer: Current Data and Limitations
Reference: Sports (Basel). 2018 Oct 23;6(4). pii: E124. doi: 10.3390/sports6040124.
Authors: Dolci F, Hart NH, Kilding A, Chivers P, Piggott B, Spiteri T
Summary: Soccer is an intermittent team-sport, where performance is determined by a myriad of psychological, technical, tactical, and physical factors. Among the physical factors, endurance appears to play a key role into counteracting the fatigue-related reduction in running performance observed during soccer matches. One physiological determinant of endurance is movement economy, which represents the aerobic energy cost to exercise at a given submaximal velocity. While the role of movement economy has been extensively examined in endurance athletes, it has received little attention in soccer players, but may be an important factor, given the prolonged demands of match play. For this reason, the current review discusses the nature, impact, and trainability of movement economy specific to soccer players. A summary of current knowledge and limitations of movement economy in soccer is provided, with an insight into future research directions, to make this important parameter more valuable when assessing and training soccer players' running performance.

#4 Seasonal Changes in the Physical Performance of Elite Youth Female Soccer Players
Reference: J Strength Cond Res. 2018 Oct 24. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002943. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Emmonds S, Sawczuk T, Scantlebury S, Till K, Jones B
Author information
Summary: This study investigated the seasonal change in physical performance of 113 (Under 10: U10 [n = 20], U12 [n = 30], U14 [n = 31], and U16 [n = 32]) elite youth female soccer players. Players completed testing pre-, mid-, and post-season, including speed (10- and 30-m sprint), change of direction (CoD; 505 test), power (countermovement jump [CMJ]), strength (isometric midthigh pull), and aerobic capacity (Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 [YYIRL1]). A general linear model was used to evaluate the change in physical characteristics and the influence of covariates (baseline performance; change in maturity status) on each characteristic across the season. U10's speed and CoD performance decreased from pre-post season, whereas relative strength likely improved. U12's relative strength very likely improved; however, 10-m sprint performance decreased. Relative strength likely decreased, whereas 30-m sprint and CoD time very likely improved in U14's. U16's likely improved relative strength, CMJ, and 10-m sprint, and very likely improved 30-m sprint and CoD from pre-post season. U12-U16's improved YYIRL1 performance pre-post season. Strength and conditioning coaches working with U10-U12 players should look to develop speed, lower-body power, and CoD ability as part of structured strength and conditioning sessions as well as within warm-ups before pitch-based sessions. With U14-U16 players' manipulation of small-sided games combined with short-duration high-intensity running drills may provide an efficient training stimulus to develop the aerobic system while concurrently developing technical/tactical skills. Findings of this study provide a basis for the implementation of strategies to enhance the long-term athletic development of youth female soccer players.


#5 The influence of different exercise intensities on kicking accuracy and velocity in soccer players
Reference: J Sport Health Sci. 2017 Dec;6(4):462-467. doi: 10.1016/j.jshs.2015.10.001. Epub 2015 Oct 20.
Authors: Ferraz R, van den Tillar R, Marques MC
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6189251/pdf/main.pdf
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different exercise intensities induced by a soccer specific protocol on kicking performance in soccer players. Twelve semi-professional male soccer players participated in this study and performed maximal instep kicks before and after the implementation of an exercise protocol to determine the influence of different intensities upon kicking ball velocity and the target-hitting accuracy. Analysis of variance designs with repeated measures showed that maximal ball velocity was affected only after the most intense circuit (F(6, 66) = 2.3; p = 0.041; η 2 = 0.18), while accuracy was not affected in the protocol (F(6, 66) = 0.19; p = 0.98; η 2 = 0.02). Low and moderate intensities did not affect accuracy or kicking ball velocity. These findings suggest that kicking ball velocity is influenced by high-exercise intensities. Low and moderate exercise intensities do not affect the performance of the kick, and intensity does not influence accuracy. Otherwise, it is possible that other mechanisms (not only physiological) may influence players during the exercise.


#6 Effects of soccer training on health-related physical fitness measures in male adolescents
Reference: J Sport Health Sci. 2018 Apr;7(2):169-175. doi: 10.1016/j.jshs.2017.10.009. Epub 2018 Jan 3.
Authors: Hammami A, Randers MB, Kasmi S, Razgallah M, Tabka Z, Chamari K, Bouhlel E
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6180556/pdf/main.pdf
Summary: The aims of this study were to (1) investigate the health-related physical fitness profile of untrained adolescent boys in comparison to adolescent soccer players, (2) determine the intensity and enjoyment of 6 v 6 and 4 v 4 small-sided games, and (3) evaluate the health-related effects of a short-period of soccer training in the untrained group. Forty-one adolescent boys (untrained, n = 24: age = 15.9 ± 0.6 years; trained, n = 17: age = 15.7 ± 0.7 years) were recruited. For Purpose 1, the players (n = 17) and the untrained (n = 24) boys were tested for speed, jumping power, postural balance, flexibility, and aerobic capacity. After baseline testing, Purposes 2 and 3 were addressed by randomly assigning the untrained boys to either a soccer-training group (small-sided games, 2 sessions per week for 8 weeks) or to a control group, followed by identical retesting. At baseline, physical fitness was higher (p < 0.001) in trained players than in untrained for aerobic fitness, sprinting, jumping power, and postural balance. Small-sided games using 6 v 6 or 4 v 4 elicited similar heart rate (HR) (mean:  ~ 85% peak heart rate, HRpeak), rate of perceived exertion, and enjoyment responses. Over 8 weeks, the between-group analysis revealed that soccer training had a large beneficial effect on postural balance (45%) when compared with control group with unclear effects on other fitness parameters. Adolescent soccer players had markedly higher physical fitness compared with untrained adolescents. Small-sided soccer games practiced by untrained adolescents elicited high exercise intensity. While 8 weeks of twice-weekly soccer training sessions induced significant improvement in postural balance, the short duration of the study was not sufficient to result in between-group differences in sprint and jump performance or aerobic fitness.


#7 Injuries in Spanish female soccer players
Reference: J Sport Health Sci. 2018 Apr;7(2):183-190. doi: 10.1016/j.jshs.2016.09.002. Epub 2016 Sep 21.
Authors: Del Coso J, Herrero H, Salinero JJ
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6180559/pdf/main.pdf
Summary: Epidemiologic research to learn the incidence, type, location, and severity of female soccer injuries and the risk factors for sustaining a sport injury is the first step in developing preventive policies. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of injuries in the population of female soccer players in Spain. The injuries incurred by 25,397 female soccer players were registered by the medical staff of the Spanish Football Federation during 1 season. A standardized medical questionnaire was used to classify the injury according to type, severity, location, and injury mechanism. A total of 2108 injuries was reported with an incidence of 0.083 injuries per player per season. Most injuries were in the lower limbs (74.0%), mainly affecting knee (30.4%) and ankle joints (17.9%). The proportion of injuries derived from contact with another player was higher during matches (33.7%) than during training (11.4%; p < 0.001). Noncontact injuries were classified as severe more frequently than were contact injuries (51.0% vs. 42.6%; p < 0.001). A higher incidence of injury was found in adult soccer players (≥18 years) vs. their counterparts younger than18 years (0.094 vs. 0.072 injuries per player per year, respectively; p < 0.001). There were no differences between age groups in any other injury variable (e.g., type, mechanism, location, or severity; p > 0.05). Most female soccer injuries were located at the knee and ankle; the injury mechanism determined the playing time lost; and the player's age did not affect injury characteristics.


#8 Training load and schedule are important determinants of sleep behaviours in youth-soccer players
Reference: Eur J Sport Sci. 2018 Oct 24:1-9. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2018.1536171. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Whitworth-Turner CM, Di Michele R, Muir I, Gregson W, Drust B
Summary: The current study examined how sleep may be influenced by the scheduling of training and match load within 10 youth-soccer players. Sleep was measured over a 14-day in-season period using a commercially available wireless sleep monitor. Each collected sleep variable; lights out, sleep latency, total sleep time wake after sleep onset and final awakening, was compared for the specific day within the training schedule (e.g. match day [MD], day after match [MD + 1]) and to training/match load (high-speed distance (>5.5 m/s) [HSD] and rating of perceived exertion. The data were analysed using mixed models and effect sizes, to describe the magnitude of effects that training schedule and training load may have on sleep. A reduction of sleep duration was observed on the day after the match (MD + 1) in relation to the training days preceding the match (MD-2: -65 min, ES: 0.89 ± 0.79; MD-1 -61 min, ES: 0.82 ± 0.64) and reduction on match day (+45 min; ES: 1.91 ± 1.69). This may suggest youth-soccer players actively change their sleep scheduling behaviours in relation to the imposed soccer schedule. Increased high-speed running (for every 100 m) showed a small increase to total sleep time (+9 min; ES: 0.48 ± 0.31). This may suggest that increases in training load may be associated with small increases in sleep quantity. Such observations may highlight that the type of day and the associated load within the training microcycle may have important consequences for sleep within youth-soccer players.


#9 The acute effects of plyometric and sled towing stimuli with and without caffeine ingestion on vertical jump performance in professional soccer players
Reference: J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2018 Oct 22;15(1):51. doi: 10.1186/s12970-018-0258-3.
Authors: Guerra MA Jr, Caldas LC, De Souza HL, Vitzel KF, Cholewa JM, Duncan MJ, Guimarães-Ferreira L
Download link: https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s12970-018-0258-3
Summary: Post-activation potentiation (PAP) is the phenomenon by which muscular performance is enhanced in response to a conditioning stimulus. PAP has typically been evidenced via improved counter movement jump (CMJ) performance. This study examined the effects of PAP, with and without prior caffeine ingestion, on CMJ performance. Twelve male professional soccer players (23 ± 5 years) performed two trials of plyometric exercises and sled towing 60 min after placebo or caffeine ingestion (5 mg.kg- 1) in a randomized, counterbalanced and double-blinded design. CMJ performance was assessed at baseline and 1, 3 and 5 min after the conditioning stimulus (T1, T3 and T5, respectively). Two way ANOVA main effects indicated a significant difference in jump height after the PAP protocol (F[3, 11] = 14.99, P < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.577). Analysis also indicated a significant difference in CMJ performance across conditions, with caffeine eliciting a greater response (F[1, 11] = 10.12, P = 0.009, partial η2 = 0.479). CMJ height was increased at T1, T3 and T5 in caffeine condition (5.07%, 5.75% and 5.40%, respectively; P < 0.01) compared to baseline. In the placebo condition, jump performance was increased at T3 (4.94%; P < 0.01) only. Jump height was higher in caffeine condition on T1, T3 and T5 (P < 0.05) but not on baseline (P > 0.05) compared to placebo. The results of this study suggest that acute plyometric and sled towing stimuli enhances jump performance and that this potentiation is augmented by caffeine ingestion in male soccer players.


#10 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural and Alpha-Ketoglutaric Acid as an Ergogenic Aid During Intensified Soccer Training: A Placebo Controlled Randomized Study
Reference: J Diet Suppl. 2018 Oct 22:1-12. doi: 10.1080/19390211.2018.1494662. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Gatterer H, Böcksteiner T, Müller A, Simi H, Krasser C, Djukic R, Schroth R, Wallner D
Summary: Intensified training may lead to fatigue or even a state of overreaching with temporary reductions in performance. Any aid helping to prevent these consequences and to better tolerate such a training regime would be of great importance. 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) and α-ketoglutaric acid (α-KG) supplementation has been suggested to support favorable training outcomes but its effectiveness to facilitate adaptations during an intensified training period has never been investigated. During an in-season competition break (2 weeks), seventeen young outfield soccer players (age:14.7 ± 0.4 yr) performed a 9-day lasting shock microcyle including 5-7 repeated sprint exercise sessions in addition to the regular training (∼6 sessions/wk) and match (1-2 matches/wk) schedule. Before the training period a treadmill test to exhaustion, a YOYO intermittent recovery level 2 (YYIR2) and a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test were performed. The treadmill test was repeated 3 days after the shock microcycle whereas the YYIR2 and the RSA test on day 10 after the training. Magnitude based inference analysis showed likely positive effects of the 5-HMF/α-KG compared to the control group for changes in the maximal running velocity (+0.3 ± 0.7 vs. -0.3 ± 0.8 km/h) and running velocity at lactate turn-point 1 (+0.2 ± 0.4 vs. -0.2 ± 0.6) and lactate turn-point 2 (+0.4 ± 0.4 vs. -0.2 ± 0.6 km/h, for the 5-HMF/α-KG and placebo group, respectively). Training improved YYIR2 performance (+180 ± 67 vs. +200 ± 168m) and RSA (mean time: -0.1 ± 0.1 vs. -0.1 ± 0.1s, for the 5-HMF/α-KG and placebo group, respectively) in both groups and to the same extent. In conclusion, an in-season shock microcyle including repeated sprint training improves YYIR2 performance and RSA in youth soccer players. Supplementation with 5-HMF/α-KG did not modify training adaptations but led to likely positive exercise performance responses shortly after the intensified training regime.


#11 The association between physical performance and match-play activities of field and assistants soccer referees
Reference: Res Sports Med. 2018 Oct 20:1-15. doi: 10.1080/15438627.2018.1534117. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Castillo D, Cámara J, Lozano D, Berzosa C, Yanci J
Author information
Summary: The aims of this study were to compare the external and internal match responses and fitness performance of national field referees (FRs) and assistant referees (ARs), and to examine the relationships between these fitness measures and physical and physiological responses during match play. Forty-four national soccer match officials (e.g. FRs and ARs) participated in this study. The distance covered and the VO2max in Yo-Yo Intermittent recovery test (YYIR1) and the 30 m sprint test correlated with high speed and high intensity activities during match play in FRs (r = -0.48-0.63, moderate to large, very likely to most likely, p < 0.05). In addition, YYIR1 performance was related to high accelerations (r = 0.41, moderate, likely, p < 0.05) and high decelerations (r = 0.44, moderate, very likely, p < 0.05) for FRs. Better sprint and cardiovascular fitness could be relevant to the performance of FRs during match play.


#12 Analyzing the Components of Emotional Competence of Football Coaches: A Qualitative Study from the Coaches' Perspective
Reference: Sports (Basel). 2018 Oct 23;6(4). pii: E123. doi: 10.3390/sports6040123.
Authors: Lee H, Wäsche H, Jekauc D
Summary: Emotional Competence (EC) is regarded as a fundamental skill for sports coaches. However, the applications of EC in football coaching are not well understood. This study analyzed the specific emotional processes football coaches experience. We interviewed 18 football coaches and analyzed the interview transcripts by using a systematic analysis process based on Grounded Theory principles. We derived a model from this analysis that comprises a four-phase process: emotional triggers, emotional experiences, emotion regulation strategies, and emotional consequences. In this model, we identified four categories which act as triggers of emotions in football coaches. These emotions can be positive or negative and are manifested at three levels. However, the coaches vary in their capability to perceive emotions. Our model also shows that coaches' emotion regulation strategies influence the effect of emotional experiences. Experienced emotions promote consequences with psychological and social implications for coaches and may influence their perception of future situations. In short, the process seems to be circular. This finding suggests that the ability to deal with emotions is an important aspect for football coaches.


#13 Modelling home advantage for individual teams in UEFA Champions League football
Reference: J Sport Health Sci. 2017 Sep;6(3):321-326. doi: 10.1016/j.jshs.2015.12.008. Epub 2015 Dec 24.
Authors: Goumas C
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6189255/pdf/main.pdf
Summary: Home advantage (HA) is well documented in a wide range of team sports including association football (soccer). Although much attention has been paid to differences in the overall magnitude of HA between football competitions and across time, few studies have investigated HA at the team level. A novel method of estimating HA for individual teams, based solely on home performance, was used to compare HA between the highest performing teams and countries in the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League over a 10-year period (2003/2004 to 2012/2013). Away disadvantage (AD) was also estimated based on each team's performance away from home. Poisson regression analysis was used to estimate covariate adjusted HA and AD in terms of the percentage of goals scored at home (HA) and conceded away from home (AD). When controlling for differences in team ability, HA did not vary significantly between the 13 selected teams. There was evidence (p < 0.1), however, of between-team variation in AD, ranging from 45% (away advantage) to 68% (away disadvantage). When teams were grouped into the 11 selected countries, both HA and AD varied significantly (p < 0.02) between countries: HA ranged from 52% for Turkish teams to 70% for English teams, while AD ranged from 52% (France) to 67% (Turkey). Differences in style of play and tactical approaches to home and away matches may explain some of the variation in HA and AD between teams from different countries.