Latest research in football - week 22 -2019

#1 The Benefits of a Challenge Approach on Match Day: Investigating Cardiovascular Reactivity in Professional Academy Soccer Players
Reference: Eur J Sport Sci. 2019 Jun 6:1-32. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2019.1629179. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Dixon JG, Jones MV, Turner MJ
Summary: This study assessed physiological (cardiovascular) and psychological (confidence, control, and approach focus) data in professional academy soccer players prior to performance in competitive matches. A challenge state is characterised by an increase in cardiac output (CO), and a decrease in total peripheral vascular resistance (TPR). Data were collected from 37 participants, with 19 of these providing data on two separate occasions. Performance was measured using coach and player self-ratings. Challenge reactivity was positively, and significantly, associated with performance. Participants who demonstrated blunted cardiovascular (CV) responses performed significantly worse than participants who displayed either challenge or threat reactivity. There was mixed consistency in CV reactivity for those participants whose data were collected on more than one occasion, suggesting that some participants responded differently across the competitive matches. The association between self-report data and CV responses was weak. This study supports previous research demonstrating that challenge reactivity is associated with superior performance.


#2 First-Stance Phase Force Contributions to Acceleration Sprint Performance in Semi-Professional Soccer Players
Reference: Eur J Sport Sci. 2019 Jun 6:1-23. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2019.1629178. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Wdowski MM, Gittoes MJR
Summary: Sprint running is a key determinant of player performance in soccer that is typically assessed and monitored using temporal methods. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between ground reaction force kinetics at the first step and sprint running performance in soccer players in order to enhance the development of training and assessment methods. Nineteen semi-professional soccer players participated (mean ± s: age 21.1 ± 1.9 years, body mass 79.4 ± 7.3 kg and stature 1.79 ± 0.06 m). The participants completed 20 m acceleration sprint runs as timing gates recorded split times between 0-5 m, 5-10 m, 10-15 m, 15-20 m and 0-20 m. A force plate captured vertical, anteroposterior and mediolateral ground reaction force data (1000 Hz) of the first right foot strike stance phase. Ground reaction force metrics, including peak anteroposterior propulsive force (r = 0.66 to 0.751; P = 0.000 to 0.002), peak vertical ground reaction force (r = 0.456 to 0.464; P = 0.045 to 0.05), average medial-lateral/anteroposterior orientation angle (r =-0.463; P = 0.023), and average anteroposterior/vertical orientation angle (r =-0.44; P = 0.03) were correlated with one or all split times between 0-5 m, 5-10 m, 10-15 m, 15-20 m and 0-20 m. Acceleration sprint running in soccer requires minimised mediolateral and increased anteroposterior loading in the stance phase. Multi-component ground reaction force measures of the first step in acceleration sprint runs are important for developing performance assessments, and understanding force application techniques employed by soccer players.


#3 Body composition, strength static and isokinetic, and bone health: comparative study between active adults and amateur soccer players
Reference: Einstein (Sao Paulo). 2019 May 30;17(3):eAO4419. doi: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2019AO4419. [Article in English, Portuguese]
Authors: Tavares ÓM, Duarte JP, Werneck AO, Costa DC, Sousa-E-Silva P, Martinho D, Luz LGO, Morouço P, Valente-Dos-Santos J, Soles-Gonçalves R, Conde J, Casanova JM, Coelho-E-Silva MJ
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6533075/pdf/2317-6385-eins-17-03-eAO4419.pdf
Summary: The purpose was to compare tissue composition, total and regional bone mineral content and bone mineral density, static hand grip and knee joint isokinetic strength between amateur soccer players and Control Group. Cross-sectional study. Air displacement plethysmography was used to estimate body volume and, in turn, density. Body composition, bone mineral content and bone mineral density were assessed for the whole body and at standardized regions using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Static grip strength was assessed with an adjustable dynamometer, and peak torque derived from isokinetic strength dynamometer (concentric muscular knee actions at 60°/s). Magnitude of the differences between groups was examined using d-Cohen. Compared to healthy active adults, soccer players showed larger values of whole body bone mineral content (+651g; d=1.60; p<0.01). In addition, differences between groups were large for whole body bone mineral density (d=1.20 to 1.90; p<0.01): lumbar spine, i.e. L1-L4 (+19.4%), upper limbs (+8.6%) and lower limbs (+16.8%). Soccer players attained larger mean values in strength test given by static hand grip protocol (+5.6kg, d=0.99; p<0.01). Soccer adequately regulates body composition and is associated better bone health parameters (bone mineral content and density at whole-body and at particular sites exposed to mechanical loadings).


#4 Exploring simulated driving performance among varsity male soccer players
Reference: Traffic Inj Prev. 2019 Jun 5:1-6. doi: 10.1080/15389588.2019.1601715. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Tremblay M, Lavallière M, Albert WJ, Boudreau SR, Johnson MJ
Summary: It is documented that male athletes display riskier behaviors while driving (as well as in life in general) than female athletes and nonathletes. However, the literature has reported that athletes show better driving ability than nonathletes. This paradox between behaviors and abilities motivated the present study to further understand the collision risk of varsity athletes. The current study estimates the performance differences between varsity male soccer players and male undergraduate nonathletes on (1) a driving task and (2) three perceptual-cognitive tasks (associated with collision risk prediction; i.e., Useful Field of View [UFOV] test). Thirty-five male undergraduate students (15 varsity soccer players, 20 undergraduate nonathletes) took part in this study. Driving performance was assessed during 14 min of urban commuting using a driving simulator. While completing the simulated driving task and UFOV test, the physiological responses were monitored using an electrocardiograph (ECG) to document heart rate variability (HRV). Varsity soccer players showed more risky behaviors at the wheel compared to their nonathlete student peers. Varsity soccer players spent more time over the speed limit, committed more driving errors, and adopted fewer safe and legal behaviors. However, no difference was observed between both groups on driving skill variables (i.e., vehicle control, vehicle mobility, ecodriving). For subtests 1 and 2 of the UFOV (i.e., processing speed, divided attention), both groups performed identically (i.e., 17 ms). The nonathlete group tended to perform better on the selective attention task (i.e., subtest 3 of UFOV test; 63.2 ± 6.2 ms vs. 87.2 ± 10.7 ms, respectively; this difference was not significant, P = .76). Preventive driving measures should be enforced in this high-risk population to develop strategies for risk reduction in male team athletes.


#5 Methodological Issues in Soccer Talent Identification Research
Reference: Sports Med. 2019 Jun 3. doi: 10.1007/s40279-019-01113-w. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Bergkamp TLG, Niessen ASM, den Hartigh RJR, Frencken WGP, Meijer RR
Download link: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007%2Fs40279-019-01113-w.pdf
Summary: Talent identification research in soccer comprises the prediction of elite soccer performance. While many studies in this field have aimed to empirically relate performance characteristics to subsequent soccer success, a critical evaluation of the methodology of these studies has mostly been absent in the literature. In this position paper, we discuss advantages and limitations of the design, validity, and utility of current soccer talent identification research. Specifically, we draw on principles from selection psychology that can contribute to best practices in the context of making selection decisions across domains. Based on an extensive search of the soccer literature, we identify four methodological issues from this framework that are relevant for talent identification research, i.e. (1) the operationalization of criterion variables (the performance to be predicted) as performance levels; (2) the focus on isolated performance indicators as predictors of soccer performance; (3) the effects of range restriction on the predictive validity of predictors used in talent identification; and (4) the effect of the base rate on the utility of talent identification procedures. Based on these four issues, we highlight opportunities and challenges for future soccer talent identification studies that may contribute to developing evidence-based selection procedures. We suggest for future research to consider the use of individual soccer criterion measures, to adopt representative, high-fidelity predictors of soccer performance, and to take restriction of range and the base rate into account.


#6 Effects of plyometric jump training on the physical fitness of young male soccer players: Modulation of response by inter-set recovery interval and maturation status
Reference: J Sports Sci. 2019 Jun 3:1-8. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2019.1626049. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Ramirez-Campillo R, Alvarez C, Sanchez-Sanchez J, Slimani M, Gentil P, Chelly MS, Shephard RJ
Summary: The effects of plyometric jump training on the physical fitness of male youth (age = 10-17 years) soccer players was examined in relation to inter-set recovery intervals and the maturity of the players in a single-blind, randomized-and controlled crossover trial. Jumping tests and kicking velocities were measured before (T0), after a 6 week control period (T1), after 6 weeks of plyometrics (T2), after 6 weeks of wash-out (T3), and after a further 6 weeks of plyometrics (T4). Subjects were divided into pre- and post- peak-height-velocity (PHV) groups, and were randomly assigned to 30 s or 120 s inter-set intervals during periods T2 and T4. Any changes in jumping and maximum kicking velocities during T1 and T3, had trivial effect sizes (0.01-0.15), but small to moderate improvements (effect size = 0.20-0.99) were observed in both groups during T2 and T4. Gains in pre-PHV players were similar for the two inter-set intervals, but gains in post-PHV players were greater (p < 0.05) with an inter-set recovery of 120 s than with a 30 s recovery. We conclude that plyometric jump training improves the physical fitness of adolescents, irrespective of their maturity, but that in older individuals gains are greater with a longer inter-set recovery interval.


#7 How Does the Adjustment of Training Task Difficulty Level Influence Tactical Behavior in Soccer?
Reference: Res Q Exerc Sport. 2019 Jun 3:1-14. doi: 10.1080/02701367.2019.1612511. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Machado JC, Barreira D, Teoldo I, Travassos B, Júnior JB, Santos JOLD, Scaglia AJ
Summary: This study aimed to investigate if player tactical skill level and age category influence team performance and player exploratory behavior in tasks with different difficulty levels. In total, 48 youth male soccer players participated in the study (U15, n = 24, mean age = 13.06 ± 1.53 years; U17, n = 24, mean age = 16.89 ± 0.11 years). Player tactical skills were evaluated through the System of Tactical Assessment in Soccer (FUT-SAT), allowing them to be organized into three groups according to tactical efficiency: Higher tactical skill level (Group 01), Intermediate tactical skill level (Group 02), and Lower tactical skill level (Group 03). Next, Group 01 and Group 03 of both categories performed six Small-Sided and Conditioned Games (SSCG) each, namely three High difficulty SSCGs and three Low difficulty SSCGs. Team performance and players' exploratory behavior were analyzed through the Offensive Sequences Characterization System and Lag Sequential Analysis, respectively. We found that team performance and players' exploratory behavior were influenced both by the age and tactical skill level of the players, as well as by task difficulty level. Therefore, in an attempt to improve player performance, practitioners must carefully manipulate key task constraints to adapt training task difficulty levels to player age and tactical skill level.


#8 Influence of Whole-Body Electrostimulation on the Deformability of Density-Separated Red Blood Cells in Soccer Players
Reference: Front Physiol. 2019 May 9;10:548. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00548. eCollection 2019.
Authors: Filipovic A, Bizjak D, Tomschi F, Bloch W, Grau M
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6530393/pdf/fphys-10-00548.pdf
Summary: Red blood cell nitric oxide synthase (RBC-NOS) dependent NO production positively affects RBC deformability which is known to improve oxygen supply to the working tissue. Whole-body electrostimulation (WB-EMS) has been shown to improve maximum strength, sprinting and jumping performance, and to increase deformability in elite soccer players during the season. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether WB-EMS affects RBC turnover which might affect overall deformability of circulating RBC by rejuvenation of the RBC population and if this might be related to improved endurance capacity. Thirty male field soccer players were assigned in either a WB-EMS group (EG, n = 10), a training group (TG, n = 10), or a control group (CG, n = 10). EG performed 3 × 10 squat jumps superimposed with WB-EMS twice per week in concurrent to 2-4 soccer training sessions and one match per week. TG only performed 3 × 10 squat jumps without EMS in addition to their soccer routine and the CG only performed the usual soccer training and match per week. Subjects were tested before (Baseline) and in week 7 (wk-7), with blood sampling before (Pre), 15-30 min after (Post), and 24 h after (24 h post) the training. Endurance capacity was determined before and directly after the training period. The key findings of the investigation indicate an increase in young RBC in the EG group along with improved overall RBC deformability, represented by decreased SS1/2:EImax Ratio. Analysis of the different RBC subfractions revealed improved RBC deformability of old RBC during study period. This improvement was not only observed in the EG but also in TG and CG. Changes in RBC deformability were not associated to altered RBC-NOS/NO signaling pathway. Endurance capacity remained unchanged during study period. In summary, the effect of WB-EMS on RBC physiology seems to be rather low and results are only in part comparable to previous findings. According to the lower training volume of the present study it can be speculated that the soccer specific training load in addition to the WB-EMS was too low to induce changes in RBC physiology.


#9 Comparison of Selected CD45+ Cell Subsets' Response and Cytokine Levels on Exhaustive Effort Among Soccer Players
Reference: J Med Biochem. 2019 May 11;38(3):256-267. doi: 10.2478/jomb-2018-0029. eCollection 2019 Jul.
Authors: Kostrzewa-Nowak D, Buryta R, Nowak R
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6534948/pdf/jomb-38-256.pdf
Summary: Immunological alterations may led to the reduction in capacity and endurance levels in elite athletes by e.g. increased susceptibility to infections. There is a need to explain the impact of intensive physical effort on the CD4+ memory T cell subsets. Fourteen participants median aged 19 years old (range 17-21 years) were recruited form Pogoń Szczecin S.A., soccer club. They performed progressive efficiency test on mechanical treadmill until exhaustion twice: during preparatory phases to spring and autumn competition rounds. We examined the influence of exhaustive effort on the selected CD45+, especially CD4+ memory T cell subsets and inflammation markers determined before, just after the test and during recovery time. Significant changes in total CD45+ cells and decrease in T lymphocytes percentage after the run was observed. Significant fluctuations in T cells' distribution were related not only to the changes in Th or Tc subsets but also to increase in naïve T cell percentage during recovery. Increase in TNF-α and IL-8 post-exercise, IL-6 and IL-10 plasma levels in recovery was also found. The novel finding of our study is that the run performed on mechanical treadmill caused a significant release of CD4+ T naïve cells into circulation. Post-exercise increase in circulating NK cells is related with fast biological response to maximal effort. However, at the same time an alternative mechanism enhancing inflammation is involved.


#10 Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a common co-morbidity, but less frequent primary dementia in former soccer and rugby players
Reference: Acta Neuropathol. 2019 Jun 1. doi: 10.1007/s00401-019-02030-y. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Lee EB, Kinch K, Johnson VE, Trojanowski JQ, Smith DH, Stewart W
Download link: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007%2Fs00401-019-02030-y.pdf
Summary: Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is reported at high prevalence in selected autopsy case series of former contact sports athletes. Nevertheless, the contribution of CTE pathology to clinical presentation and its interaction with co-morbid neurodegenerative pathologies remain unclear. To address these issues, we performed comprehensive neuropathology assessments on the brains of former athletes with dementia and considered these findings together with detailed clinical histories to derive an integrated clinicopathological diagnosis for each case. Consecutive, autopsy-acquired brains from former soccer and rugby players with dementia were assessed for neurodegenerative pathologies using established and preliminary consensus protocols. Thereafter, next of kin interviews were conducted to obtain detailed accounts of the patient's clinical presentation and course of disease to inform a final, integrated clinicopathological diagnosis. Neuropathologic change consistent with CTE (CTE-NC) was confirmed in five of seven former soccer and three of four former rugby players' brains, invariably in combination with mixed, often multiple neurodegenerative pathologies. However, in just three cases was the integrated dementia diagnosis consistent with CTE, the remainder having alternate diagnoses, with the most frequent integrated diagnosis Alzheimer's disease (AD) (four cases; one as mixed AD and vascular dementia). This consecutive autopsy series identifies neuropathologic change consistent with preliminary diagnostic criteria for CTE (CTE-NC) in a high proportion of former soccer and rugby players dying with dementia. However, in the majority, CTE-NC appears as a co-morbidity rather than the primary, dementia causing pathology. As such, we suggest that while CTE-NC might be common in former athletes with dementia, in many cases its clinical significance remains uncertain.


#11 Enhanced sprint performance analysis in soccer: New insights from a GPS-based tracking system
Reference: PLoS One. 2019 May 31;14(5):e0217782. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217782. eCollection 2019.
Authors: Reinhardt L, Schwesig R, Lauenroth A, Schulze S, Kurz E
Download link: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0217782&type=printable
Summary: The aim of this investigation was to establish the validity of a GPS-based tracking system (Polar Team Pro System, PTPS) for estimating sprint performance and to evaluate additional diagnostic indices derived from the temporal course of the movement velocity. Thirty-four male soccer players (20 ± 4 years) performed a 20 m sprint test measured by timing gates (TG), and while wearing the PTPS. To evaluate the relevance of additional velocity-based parameters to discriminate between faster and slower athletes, the median-split method was applied to the 20-m times. Practical relevance was estimated using standardized mean differences (d) between the subgroups. Differences between the criterion reference (TG) and PTPS for the 10 and 20 m splits did not vary from zero (dt10: -0.01 ± 0.07 s, P = 0.7, d < -0.1; dt20: -0.01 ± 0.08 s, P = 0.4, d < -0.2). Although subgroups revealed large differences in their sprint times (d = -2.5), the average accelerations between 5 and 20 km/h as well as 20 and 25 km/h showed merely small effects (d < 0.5). Consequently, analyses of velocity curves derived from PTPS may help to clarify the occurrence of performance in outdoor sports. Thus, training consequences can be drawn which contribute to the differentiation and individualization of sprint training.


#12 Epidemiology of injuries in professional football: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Reference: Br J Sports Med. 2019 Jun 6. pii: bjsports-2018-099577. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2018-099577. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: López-Valenciano A, Ruiz-Pérez I, Garcia-Gómez A, Vera-Garcia FJ, De Ste Croix M, Myer GD, Ayala F
Summary: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological data of injuries in professional male football. Forty-four studies have reported the incidence of injuries in football. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed trial quality using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statement and Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Studies were combined in a pooled analysis using a Poisson random effects regression model. The overall incidence of injuries in professional male football players was 8.1 injuries/1000 hours of exposure. Match injury incidence (36 injuries/1000 hours of exposure) was almost 10 times higher than training injury incidence rate (3.7 injuries/1000 hours of exposure). Lower extremity injuries had the highest incidence rates (6.8 injuries/1000 hours of exposure). The most common types of injuries were muscle/tendon (4.6 injuries/1000 hours of exposure), which were frequently associated with traumatic incidents. Minor injuries (1-3 days of time loss) were the most common. The incidence rate of injuries in the top 5 European professional leagues was not different to that of the professional leagues in other countries (6.8 vs 7.6 injuries/1000 hours of exposure, respectively). Professional male football players have a substantial risk of sustaining injuries, especially during matches.


#13 Physical workload and glycemia changes during football matches in adolescents with type 1 diabetes can be comparable
Reference: Acta Diabetol. 2019 Jun 4. doi: 10.1007/s00592-019-01371-0. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Gawrecki A, Michalak A, Gałczyński S, Dachowska I, Zozulińska-Ziółkiewicz D, Szadkowska A
Download link: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007%2Fs00592-019-01371-0.pdf
Summary: The purpose was to analyze physical performance and diabetes-related outcomes in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) during two semi-competitive football matches utilising precise physical activity monitoring. The study was conducted during an annual summer camp for adolescents with T1DM. After physical examination and glycated hemoglobin measurement, 16 adolescent players completed Cooper's 12-min running test and, in the following days, took part in two football matches while wearing heart rate (HR) monitors coupled with global positioning system (GPS) tracking. Both matches were comparable in terms of covered distances, number of sprints, achieved velocities and heart rate responses. During both games, capillary blood lactate increased significantly (Match 1: 1.75 ± 0.16-6.13 ± 1.73 mmol/l; Match 2: 1.77 ± 0.18-3.91 ± 0.63 mmol/l, p = 0.004). No significant differences in blood glucose were observed between the matches (p = 0.83) or over each match (p = 0.78). Clinically significant hypoglycemia (< 54 mg/dl) occurred in two children during the first match. None of the players experienced severe hypoglycemia. Despite similar workloads, players consumed significantly less carbohydrates during Match 2 [median difference: - 20 g (25-75%: - 40 to 0), p = 0.006]. HR monitoring and GPS-based tracking can effectively parameterize physical activity during a football match. In T1DM patients, exercise workload and glycemic changes during similar matches are comparable, which provides an opportunity to develop individual recommendations for players with T1DM.


#14 Brief in-play cooling breaks reduce thermal strain during football in hot conditions
Reference: J Sci Med Sport. 2019 May 4. pii: S1440-2440(18)31272-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.04.009. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Chalmers S, Siegler J, Lovell R, Lynch G, Gregson W, Marshall P, Jay O
Summary: The study examined if three feasible strategies involving additional in-play cooling periods attenuate the core (rectal) temperature rise during simulated football matches. Four counterbalanced experimental trials in an environmental chamber set to 35 °C ambient temperature, 55% relative humidity, and 30 °C WBGT were utilized. Twelve healthy well-trained football players completed a regular simulated match (REG), regular simulated match with additional 3-min cooling periods at the 30-min mark of each half inclusive of chilled water consumption (COOLwater), regular simulated match with additional 3-min cooling periods at the 30-min mark of each half inclusive of chilled water consumption and the application of an ice towel around the neck (COOLtowel), regular simulated match with an extended (+5 min; total of 20-min) half-time break (HTextended). The difference in rectal temperature change was significantly lower in the COOLwater (-0.25 °C), COOLtowel (-0.28 °C), and HTextended (-0.21 °C) trials in comparison to the REG (all p < 0.05). Exercising heart rate and session rating of perceived exertion was lower in the COOLwater (-13 bpm; -1.4 au), COOLtowel (-10 bpm; -1.3 au), and HTextended (-8 bpm; -0.9 au) trials in comparison to the REG trial (all p < 0.05). The cooling interventions did not significantly change skin temperature or thermal sensation in comparison to the REG (all p > 0.05). All three cooling interventions attenuated core body thermal strain during simulated matches. The laboratory-based study supports the use of brief in-play cooling periods as a means to attenuate the rise in core temperature during matches in hot and humid conditions.