Latest research in football - week 42 - 2019

#1 Return-to-Play Practices Following Hamstring Injury: A Worldwide Survey of 131 Premier League Football Teams
Reference: Sports Med. 2019 Oct 8. doi: 10.1007/s40279-019-01199-2. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Dunlop G, Ardern CL, Andersen TE, Lewin C, Dupont G, Ashworth B, O'Driscoll G, Rolls A, Brown S, McCall A
Download link: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007%2Fs40279-019-01199-2.pdf
Summary: Return-to-play (RTP) is an on-going challenge in professional football. Return-to-play related research is increasing. However, it is unknown to what extent the recommendations presented within research are being implemented by professional football teams, and where there are gaps between research and practice. The purposes of this study were (1) to determine if premier-league football teams worldwide follow a RTP continuum, (2) to identify RTP criteria used and (3) to understand how RTP decision-making occurs in applied practice. We sent a structured online survey to practitioners responsible for the RTP programme in 310 professional teams from 34 premier-leagues worldwide. The survey comprised four sections, based on hamstring muscle injury: (1) criteria used throughout RTP phases, (2) the frequency with which progression criteria were achieved, (3) RTP decision-making process and (4) challenges to decision-making. One-hundred and thirty-one teams responded with a completed survey (42%). One-hundred and twenty-four teams (95%) used a continuum to guide RTP, assessing a combination of clinical, functional and psychological criteria to inform decisions to progress. One-hundred and five (80%) teams reported using a shared decision-making approach considering the input of multiple stakeholders. Team hierarchy, match- and player-related factors were common challenges perceived to influence decision-making. General research recommendations for RTP and the beliefs and practices of practitioners appear to match with, the majority of teams assessing functional, clinical and psychological criteria throughout a RTP continuum to inform decision-making which is also shared among key stakeholders. However, specific criteria, metrics and thresholds used, and the specific involvement, dynamics and interactions of staff during decision-making are not clear.


#2 Match Running Performance on Three Different Competitive Standards in Norwegian Soccer
Reference: Sports Med Int Open. 2019 Oct 16;3(3):E82-E88. doi: 10.1055/a-0943-3682. eCollection 2019 Dec.
Authors: Sæterbakken A, Haug V, Fransson D, Grendstad HN, Gundersen HS, Moe VF, Ylvisaker E, Shaw M, Riiser A, Andersen V
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6795532/pdf/10-1055-a-0943-3682.pdf
Summary: The aim of the study was to compare running performance of three competitive standards and to examine the effects of being promoted to a higher league in Norwegian football. One club's first and second team were included. The first team consisted of professional soccer players playing at Level 2 (2015 season) and Level 1 (2016 season). The second team consisted of amateurs playing at Level 4. A fully automatic tracking system was used to examine running performance, divided into different running-speed categories and playing position. Forty-one matches were included containing 278 observations. Level 1 performed 61 and 51% sprinting compared to Level 2 and Level 4 but similar high-speed running. Similar high-speed running distances were observed only for the different playing positions at Level 1 compared to Level 2 and 4. The sprinting distance was greater for the central defender and attacker, and the number of accelerations was greater for central midfielders and wide midfielders' playing at Level 1 compared to lower competitive standards. In conclusion, better competitive standards resulted in greater high-intensity actions than lower leagues in Norwegian soccer. Furthermore, only central defenders and attackers increased their high-intensity locomotions when the team was promoted.


#3 Effects of different repeated sprint-training frequencies in youth soccer players
Reference: Biol Sport. 2019 Sep;36(3):257-264. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2019.87047. Epub 2019 Jul 31.
Authors: Rey E, Padrón-Cabo A, Costa PB, Lago-Fuentes C
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6786322/pdf/JBS-36-87047.pdf
Summary: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 2 different repeated-sprint ability (RSA) training frequencies (2 RSA sessions per week [RSA2D] or 1 RSA session [RSA1D]) under volume-equated conditions on sprint and RSA performance in under-15 (U15) soccer players. Twenty-seven youth male soccer players (age: 12.29±0.47 years; height: 158.35±10.86 cm; weight: 45.08±8.05 kg) were randomly assigned to RSA2D (n=14) or RSA1D (n=13) groups. The players performed the same RSA training for 6 weeks, and only the training frequency differed between the groups. Before and after the training period, 5 m sprint, 10 m sprint, 20 m sprint and the RSA test were assessed. No significant time × group interactions were observed (p>0.05). Within-group analysis showed significant improvements in 20 m sprint (p=0.046, partial eta squared [η p 2 ] = 0.150, large) and RSA average time (p=0.001, η p 2 =0.438, large), fastest time (p=0.012, η p 2 =0.229, large), and total time (p=0.001, η p 2 =0.438, large) from pre-test to post-test in RSA1D and RSA2D groups. However, no significant pre-post changes (p>0.05) were found in 5 m and 10 m sprint tests. In the between-group analysis, there were no significant differences between RSA1D and RSA2D groups in any variable. In conclusion, the current findings suggest that 6 weeks of RSA training 1 or 2 times per week in addition to typical soccer training produced significant and similar improvements in sprint and RSA performances. This information could be useful for coaches when planning training sessions during congested fixtures of soccer competitions or in periods when the emphasis should be placed on other physical qualities.


#4 Running technique is more effective than soccer-specific training for improving the sprint and agility performances with ball possession of prepubescent soccer players
Reference: Biol Sport. 2019 Sep;36(3):249-255. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2019.87046. Epub 2019 Jul 31.
Authors: Lupo C, Ungureanu AN, Varalda M, Brustio PR
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6786321/pdf/JBS-36-87046.pdf
Summary: Soccer-specific training is easily associable to players' sprint abilities demonstrated during a match. However, no clear evidence has been provided to show whether this approach is more effective than training focused on running techniques for sprints in prepubescent soccer players. Thus, the present study aimed at comparing the effects of these two training approaches on prepubescent soccer players' sprint performances. Ninety-five players (10±2 years) competing in local (Piedmont, Italy) Under-9 (N=21), -10 (N=24), -11 (N=25) and -13 (N=25) championships were recruited for the study. Sixty-three and 32 players were included in the running training group (RTG) and soccer-specific group (SSG), respectively. Before (PRE) and after (POST) the training period (2 weekly sessions for 12 weeks), sprint abilities were evaluated by means of four 20-m sprint tests: linear sprint (20-mL), linear sprint with ball possession (20-mLB), sprint with change of direction (20-mCoD), sprint with change of direction and with ball possession (20-mCoDB). A linear mixed model was applied to evaluate differences (P≤0.05) between the RTG and SSG in the four tests and categories, comparing PRE and POST performances. A main effect emerged for the interaction between groups, sessions (p=0.014; Between PRE ES range=0.03, 0.85; Within PRE-POST ES range=-0.45, 0.09), highlighting a POST improvement of RTG for the 20-mLB (Δ=-7.9%; ES=0.85) and 20-mCoDB (Δ=-5.9%; ES=0.33). In contrast, no improvements emerged for the SSG. The present findings indicate that the training approach of the RTG is more able to improve prepubescent soccer players' sprint performances than that of the SSG, with the emphasis on ball possession executions, which are particularly game-related.


#5 Effects of in-season enhanced negative work-based vs traditional weight training on change of direction and hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio in soccer players
Reference: Biol Sport. 2019 Sep;36(3):241-248. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2019.87045. Epub 2019 Jul 31.
Authors: Coratella G, Beato M, Cè E, Scurati R, Milanese C, Schena F, Esposito F
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6786325/pdf/JBS-36-87045.pdf
Summary: The present study investigated the effects of in-season enhanced negative work-based training (ENT) vs weight training in the change of direction (COD), sprinting and jumping ability, muscle mass and strength in semi-professional soccer players. Forty male soccer players participated in the eight-week, 1 d/w intervention consisting of 48 squat repetitions for ENT using a flywheel device (inertia=0.11 kg·m -2 ) or weight training (80%1 RM) as a control group (CON). Agility T-test, 20+20 m shuttle, 10 m and 30 m sprint, squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ), lean mass, quadriceps and hamstrings strength and the hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio were measured. Time on agility T-test and 20+20 m shuttle decreased in ENT (effect-size =-1.44, 95% CI -2.24/-0.68 and -0.75, -1.09/-0.42 respectively) but not in CON (-0.33, -0.87/0.19 and -0.13, -0.58/0.32). SJ and CMJ height increased in both ENT (0.71, 0.45/0.97 and 0.65, 0.38/0.93) and CON (0.41, 0.23/0.60 and 0.36, 0.12/0.70). Overall, quadriceps and hamstrings strength increased in both ENT and CON (0.38/0.79), but the hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio increased in ENT (0.31, 0.22/0.40) but not in CON (0.03, -0.18/0.24). Lean mass increased in both ENT (0.41, 0.26/0.57) and CON (0.29, 0.14/0.44). The repeated negative actions performed in ENT may have led to improvements in braking ability, a key point in COD performance. Semi-professional soccer players may benefit from in-season ENT to enhance COD and the negative-specific adaptations in muscle strength and hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio.


#6 Do asymmetry scores influence speed and power performance in elite female soccer players?
Reference: Biol Sport. 2019 Sep;36(3):209-216. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2019.85454. Epub 2019 May 30.
Authors: Loturco I, Pereira LA, Kobal R, Abad CCC, Rosseti M, Carpes FP, Bishop C
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6786326/pdf/JBS-36-85454.pdf
Summary: This study examined the relationships between vertical jump asymmetries and speed and power performance in elite female soccer athletes. Sixteen professional female soccer players (age: 23.0 ± 3.8 years; body mass: 60.2 ± 7.3 kg; height: 165.1 ± 5.5 cm) from the same professional club participated in this study. Athletes performed unilateral and bilateral squat jumps (SJ) and countermovement jumps (CMJ) on a portable force plate; 30-m sprinting test; Zigzag change-of-direction (COD) test; and muscle power testing using the jump squat (JS) exercise. Asymmetry scores were obtained from the results of the unilateral SJ and CMJ by the percentage difference between the dominant and non-dominant legs. The Pearson product-moment coefficient of correlation was used to analyse the correlations between the bilateral and unilateral vertical jump variables and the physical tests. The bilateral vertical jump performance (in both SJ and CMJ) was closely related to sprinting and JS power performances (r values ranging from 0.50 to 0.73; P< 0.05). In contrast, no significant associations were found between jump asymmetries and performance measures. Our data suggest that asymmetry scores derived from unilateral vertical jumps are not capable of influencing the speed-power performance of professional female soccer players.


#7 Adolescent female soccer players' soccer-specific warm-up effects on performance and inter-limb asymmetries
Reference: Biol Sport. 2019 Sep;36(3):199-207. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2019.85453. Epub 2019 May 28.
Authors: Pardos-Mainer E, Casajús JA, Gonzalo-Skok O
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6786331/pdf/JBS-36-85453.pdf
Summary: No studies have assessed whether changes in physical performance and inter-limb asymmetries (ILA) can be achieved with the FIFA 11+ prevention programme in adolescent female soccer players. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the FIFA 11+ programme compared with a standard warm-up on physical performance and ILA in adolescent female soccer players. Thirty-six adolescent female soccer players were randomly assigned to an experimental (EG; n = 19) or a control group (CG; n = 17). Unilateral/bilateral countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump (DJ) and horizontal jump tests, two different change of direction tests, an ankle dorsiflexion test, the Y-Balance test (YBT) and inter-limb asymmetries were measured before and after 10 weeks of training. The results revealed no significant group-by-time interactions in the vast majority of variables (p>0.05). Paired t-test revealed significant improvements of the right [effect size (ES):0.56] and left (ES:0.49) CMJ, right (ES:0.74) and left (ES:0.54) DJ (ES:0.74), right (ES:1.27) and left (ES:1.26) posteromedial direction and right (ES:0.89) and left (ES:0.84) posterolateral direction in the YBT in the EG (p < 0.05). Right anterior direction in the YBT and V-cut test were significantly improved in both groups (p<0.05). For inter-limb asymmetry variables, no significant group-by-time interactions (ES:0 to 0.93) and an improvement between pre- and post-tests (ES:-0.76 to 0.49) were observed. Therefore, the FIFA 11+ programme led to improved unilateral jumping, dynamic balance and reduced lower extremity symmetries of several tests in adolescent female soccer players.


#8 Retraction Note: Assessing cardiorespiratory fitness of soccer players: is test specificity the issue?-a review
Reference: Sports Med Open. 2019 Oct 17;5(1):42. doi: 10.1186/s40798-019-0217-9.
Authors: Jemni M, Prince MS, Baker JS
Download link: https://sportsmedicine-open.springeropen.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s40798-019-0217-9


#9 Effect of Kinesio Taping and balance exercises on postural control in amateur soccer players: A randomised control trial
Reference: J Sports Sci. 2019 Dec;37(24):2853-2862. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2019.1677016. Epub 2019 Oct 15.
Authors: Inglés M, Serra-Añó P, Méndez ÀG, Zarzoso M, Aguilar-Rodríguez M, Suso-Martí L, Cuenca-Martínez F, Espí-López GV
Summary: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Kinesio Taping (KT), alone or together with balance exercises (BE), on parameters related to postural control, such as dynamic balance, static balance and flexibility. Forty-four male amateur soccer players (mean age 24.45 (4.79) years) were randomly allocated to 3 groups: KT+BE that received KT and BE (n = 16); KTp+BE, in which the KT was used as a placebo (n = 15) and KT alone (n = 13). The intervention period lasted 4 weeks. Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), Unipedal Stance Test (UST) and the Toe Touch Test (TTT) were assessed at baseline (pre), two weeks after beginning the treatment (mid) and after the intervention (post). We observed a significant improvement on the SEBT (mid and post-treatment) and the UST (post-treatment), but not on the TTT in either KT+BE or KTp+BE groups post treatment. No differences were found either in KT group at any time point or between groups in any variable studied. In conclusion, KT functional correction technique does not improve static and dynamic balance when applied alone, whereas BE alone or combined with KT significantly improves these variables. None of these techniques has any effect on flexibility.


#10 Pediatric retinal damage due to soccer-ball-related injury: Results from the last decade
Reference: Eur J Ophthalmol. 2019 Oct 15:1120672119882332. doi: 10.1177/1120672119882332. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Leshno A, Alhalel A, Fogel-Levin M, Zloto O, Moisseiev J, Vidne-Hay O
Summary: The aim was to outline the incidence of posterior segment injuries related to soccer-ball blunt trauma in children. Retrospective search of the computerized hospital medical database between the years 2007 and 2017. All pediatric trauma cases were reviewed and cases with blunt trauma related to direct orbital/ocular hit from a soccer-ball were included. Cases were divided into two groups (non-severe and severe) based on the presence of sight-threatening findings on presentation (e.g. retinal tear, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, and macular edema). Out of 343 pediatric patients with relevant diagnoses, 14 (4.1%) were treated for injuries related to soccer-ball trauma. All patients were males at their early-to-mid teens (14.3 ± 2.1 years). The most common funduscopic finding was peripheral commotio retina (13, 93%). There was equal distribution between the two groups (seven each). Retinal injury in the severe group included retinal tear (3), vitreous hemorrhage (4), retinal detachment (1), and macular hole (1). Five patients in this group presented with visual acuity of 20/25 or better. Rate of external signs of injury were similar in both groups. Soccer-ball blunt trauma in children can cause significant posterior segment injuries regardless of the presence of external injury or ocular complaints. A thorough ocular exam is mandatory in all cases for the detection of vision-threatening retinal injuries.


#11 Acute sleep hygiene strategy improves objective sleep latency following a late-evening soccer-specific training session: A randomized controlled trial
Reference: J Sports Sci. 2019 Dec;37(23):2711-2719. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2019.1661938. Epub 2019 Sep 6.
Authors: Vitale JA, La Torre A, Banfi G, Bonato M
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sleep hygiene (SH) education on sleep quality in soccer players after a late-evening small-sided-game (SSG) training session. Twenty-nine non-professional players were recruited and allocated to either an experimental group (EG, n = 17) that received SH education, or a control group (CG, n = 12). SSG consisted of 3 × 4 min in a 4vs4, with 3 min of recovery and was performed at 8.00 p.m. Sleep quality was monitored via actigraphy and sleep diary entries before (PRE) and two nights after (POST1, POST2) the SSG. Sleep latency (SL) differed between the two groups at POST1 (4.9 ± 5.4 vs. 15.5 ± 16.1 for EG and CG, respectively; p = 0.017, effect size [ES] = 2.0); SL values were lower at POST1 compared to PRE for the EG (-47%; p = 0.021, ES = 0.6). Subjective sleep quality was better in the EG than the CG at POST1 (8.6 ± 1.0 vs. 7.1 ± 2.0 for EG and CG, respectively; p = 0.016, ES = 0.9) with a significant improvement over PRE-values (+11.0%, p = 0.004, ES = 0.8). Although SL and subjective sleep quality did not decrease significantly from POST1 to POST2 values at POST2 no longer differed significantly form baseline and, hence, indicate that observed effects may be short-lasting. No other objective sleep indices were influenced by late-evening training or SH practices implemented by the EG. Soccer players may benefit from acute SH strategies to reduce the time to sleep onset after late-evening training sessions.