Latest research in football - week 13 - 2020

#1 Off-Season Training Habits and BMI, Not Preseason Jump Measures, Are Associated with Time-Loss Injury in Female Collegiate Soccer Players
Reference: Sports (Basel). 2020 Mar 15;8(3). pii: E36. doi: 10.3390/sports8030036.
Authors: Brumitt J, Mattocks A, Engilis A, Sikkema J, Loew J
Download link: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/8/3/36/pdf
Summary: The primary purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the standing long jump (SLJ) and the single-leg hop (SLH) tests to discriminate lower quadrant (low back and lower extremities) injury occurrence in female collegiate soccer players. The secondary purpose of this study was to determine associations between injury and off-season training habits or anthropometric measures. SLJ, SLH, and anthropometric measures were collected during a preseason screening clinic. Each subject completed a questionnaire providing demographic information and off-season training habits. Each athlete performed three SLJ and three SLH per leg. SLJ and SLH scores were not associated with an increased risk of a noncontact time-loss lower quadrant (LQ) injury. Athletes with a higher BMI or who reported less time training during the off-season were two times more likely to sustain an injury. Athletes who had both a higher body mass index (BMI) and lower off-season training habits were three times (relative risk = 3.1 (95% CI: 1.7, 5.5) p-value = 0.0001) more likely to sustain a noncontact time-loss lower quadrant injury. Preseason SLJ and SLH scores do not discriminate injury risk in female collegiate soccer players. Higher BMI and lower off-season training habits are associated with an increased risk of LQ injury.


#2 Read-the-game: System for skill-based visual exploratory activity assessment with a full body virtual reality soccer simulation
Reference: PLoS One. 2020 Mar 17;15(3):e0230042. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230042. eCollection 2020.
Authors: Rojas Ferrer CD, Shishido H, Kitahara I, Kameda Y
Download link: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0230042&type=printable
Summary: We present a novel virtual reality (VR) system to measure soccer players' read-the-game ability. Read-the-game is a term that encompasses a conglomerate of visual exploratory behavioral patterns and cognitive elements required to make accurate in-game decisions. Our technological approach in the Sports Science domain focuses on the visuomotor component of targeted skill development in a VR simulation because VR is a powerful perception-action coupling training solution for visuomotor coordination due to its high sense of immersion and its psychological byproduct presence. Additionally, we analyze two critical aspects: psychological (i.e., sense of presence) and the human-computer interaction (HCI) domain (i.e., suitable input device for full-body immersion). To measure head movements related to visual explorations, the system tracks the user's head excursions. Specifically, the engaged visual exploratory activity (VEA) during a VR simulation is measured frame-by-frame at runtime to study the behavior of players making passing decisions while experiencing pressure from rivals during in-game situations recreated with computer graphics (CG). Additionally, the sense of presence elicited by our system is measured via the Igroup Presence Questionnaire applied to beginner and amateur soccer players (n = 24). Regarding the HCI aspect, a comparison of input options reveals that a high presence can be achieved when using full body interactions that integrate head and body motions via a combination of an HMD and kinetic body tracking. During our system verification, a difference in the VEA performance is observed between beginner and amateur players. Moreover, we demonstrate the capacity of the system to measure the VEA while evoking immersive soccer in-match experiences with a portable VR setup.


#3 Streamlining Analysis of RR Interval Variability in Elite Soccer Players: Preliminary Experience with a Composite Indicator of Cardiac Autonomic Regulation
Reference: Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Mar 12;17(6). pii: E1844. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17061844.
Authors: Lucini D, Fallanca A, Malacarne M, Casasco M, Galiuto L, Pigozzi F, Galanti G, Pagani M
Download link: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/6/1844/pdf
Summary: It is well recognized that regular physical activity may improve cardiac autonomic regulation preventing chronic non-communicable diseases. Accordingly, the assessment of cardiac autonomic regulation (CAR) with non-invasive techniques, such as RR interval Variability (V) might be of practical interest. We studied 56 soccer players (21.2 ± 4.2 years.) and 56 controls (22.2 ± 1.5 years.) and used a ranked Autonomic Nervous System Index (ANSI), resulting from the combination of multivariate statistical methodologies applied to spectral analysis derived indices from RRV. We hypothesized that ANSI would be higher in soccer players as compared to controls (p < 0.001) and that values would be greatest in defenders and midfielders, who are known to run longer distances during competitions. Conversely in the intrinsically stationary goalkeepers ANSI would be similar to controls. Our data show that it is possible to assess the overall level of autonomic performance in soccer players as compared to the general population, using a ranked composite autonomic proxy (ANSI). This approach suggests as well that CAR is better in those players who during competitions run for a greater distance. We conclude that it is possible to highlight the differences in autonomic profile due to distinct exercise routines, using ANSI, a simple ranked, composite autonomic proxy.


#4 Sprint mechanical properties in soccer players according to playing standard, position, age and sex
Reference: J Sports Sci. 2020 Mar 16:1-7. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1741955. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Haugen TA, Breitschädel F, Seiler S
Summary: The purpose of this study was to quantify possible differences in sprint mechanical outputs in soccer according to soccer playing standard, position, age and sex. Sprint tests of 674 male and female players were analysed. Theoretical maximal velocity (v0), horizontal force (F0), horizontal power (Pmax), force-velocity slope (SFV), ratio of force (RFmax) and index of force application technique (DRF) were calculated from anthropometric and spatiotemporal data using an inverse dynamic approach applied to the centre-of-mass movement. Players of higher standard exhibited superior F0, v0, Pmax, RFmax and DRF scores (small to large effects) than those of lower standard. Forwards displayed clearly superior values for most outputs, ahead of defenders, midfielders and goalkeepers, respectively. Male >28 y players achieved poorer v0, Pmax and RFmax than <20, 20-24 and 24-28 y players (small to moderate), while female <20 y players showed poorer values than 20-24 and >24 y players for the same measures (small). The sex differences in sprint mechanical properties ranged from small to very large. These results provide a holistic picture of the force-velocity-power profile continuum in sprinting soccer players and serve as useful background information for practitioners when diagnosing individual players and prescribing training programmes.


#5 Anabolic-catabolic hormonal responses in youth soccer players during a half-season
Reference: Res Sports Med. 2020 Mar 15:1-14. doi: 10.1080/15438627.2020.1734930. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Andrzejewski M, Podgórski T, Kryściak J, Chmura P, Konefał M, Chmura J, Marynowicz J, Adrian J, Pluta B
Summary: This study sought to evaluate the hormonal response (i.e. total testosterone, free testosterone, cortisol, and their ratios TT/C and FT/C) in the under-19 youth soccer team (n = 18) throughout a six-month period. All sport medical examinations were conducted four times: before the beginning of the preparation period (T1), just after preparation period (T2), in the middle of the competitive period (T3), and at the end of the season (T4). The cortisol concentration was decreased at the T3 (-16.9%; p = 0.014), then increased at the T2 (16.8%; p = 0.001) and at the T4 (12.7%; p = 0.062), respectively, compared to the initial value. The analyses for total and free testosterone demonstrated no differences between the measurements. Finally, values of the TT/C and FT/C ratios were increased during the T3 (25%; p = 0.017, 24.4%; p = 0.021) in comparison with the initial measurement and decreased at the T4 (-28.9%; p = 0.001, - 30.8%; p = 0.001) in comparison with the T3. The study results showed that the lowest level of peripheral fatigue was recorded in the T3, which may suggest that a correct selection of training loads does not affect the severity of catabolic processes in youth players.


#6 Fifth Metatarsal Fractures in Professional Soccer Players: Case Series
Reference: Foot Ankle Spec. 2020 Mar 14:1938640020911223. doi: 10.1177/1938640020911223. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Baumfeld T, Fernandes Rezende R, Nery C, Batista JP, Baumfeld D
Summary: Fifth metatarsal fractures occur mainly in young athletes, with an estimated incidence of 1.8 per 1000 individuals per year. This study aims to evaluate the functional outcome of professional soccer players undergoing surgical treatment of fifth metatarsal base fractures. We appraised 34 soccer players operated on from July 2001 to June 2016. All individuals were assessed by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before and after surgery, with a mean 23-month follow-up. The need for grafting, fracture healing, Torg classification, and return to sports were also evaluated. There were 10 attackers, 7 offensive-defensive midfielders, 6 side defenders, 5 central defensive midfielders, 3 defenders, 2 goalkeepers, and 1 defensive midfielder, at an average age of 19 years. Preoperative and postoperative AOFAS averaged 42 and 99 points, respectively, whereas VAS scores were 6 and 0. The longer the time to get operated on, the greater was the need for grafting (P = .011). In our study, all fractures have consolidated. Return to sports occurred, on average, 73 days after surgical treatment, and it was not influenced by the time to get operated on, fracture healing, Torg classification, and grafting. Surgical treatment of the fifth metatarsal base fracture in professional soccer players presents good clinical results. Getting back to activities after surgery is not influenced by surgery time, fracture healing, Torg classification, and grafting.


#7 Comparison between Two Different Device Models 18 Hz GPS Used for Time-Motion Analyses in Ecological Testing of Football
Reference: Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Mar 15;17(6). pii: E1912. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17061912.
Authors: Gimenez JV, Garcia-Unanue J, Navandar A, Viejo-Romero D, Sanchez-Sanchez J, Gallardo L, Hernandez-Martin A, Felipe JL
Download link: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/6/1912/pdf
Summary: The aim of this study was to compare the validity of two different GPS device models used for time-motion analyses in ecological testing of football. Ten healthy male players from a Spanish university football team participated in this study. The team sport simulation circuit (TSCC) used was based on previous research examining the validity and interunit reliability of different GPS systems. Participants were required to complete eight laps of the TSSC, resulting in a total distance of 1320 m. The GPS units used for the current study were the 18 Hz StatsSport Apex Pro and 18 Hz RealTrack WIMU Pro. Participants were required to wear either of the two GPS units during the test. To establish the construct validity of GPS as a measure of Vmax, timing lights were used as a gold standard. The results clearly suggest that it is not possible to use the same 18 Hz GPS model or interchange it. The measurement can be considered precise when the noise is at least equal to or lower than the smallest worthwhile change. In this case, all standard deviation in measurement error was higher than the smallest worthwhile change. This is due to an inconsistency in the data processing of each trademark. It is important to prevent a club using different GPS trademarks at the same time, since it is not possible to compare in any case any type of result obtained between different trademarks.


#8 Eccentric knee flexor strength of professional football players with and without hamstring injury in the prior season
Reference: Eur J Sport Sci. 2020 Mar 17:1-26. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2020.1743766. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Ribeiro-Alvares JB, Oliveira GS, de Lima-E-Silva FX, Baroni BM
Summary: Both injury history and eccentric knee flexor strength have been associated with risk of football players sustaining hamstring strain injury (HSI). However, it remains unclear whether football players who sustained HSIs in the prior season present themselves for the next season with persistent eccentric strength deficits. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to verify the eccentric knee flexor strength of professional male football players with and without history of HSI in the prior season. This case-control study assessed 210 professional male football players from 10 Brazilian clubs: 182 included in the control group and 28 in the previously injured group. Players from the injured group had suffered unilateral HSI in the prior season. We measured the peak eccentric knee flexors force during the Nordic hamstring exercise and calculated the between-limb asymmetry. Groups were similar for age, body mass and height (p>0.05). Control group had similar strength values between left and right limbs (376.29 ± 61.77 N vs. 380.28 ± 61.77 N; p=0.27; d=0.06), while the previously injured limb was weaker than the contralateral uninjured limb in the injured group (350.87 ± 60.79 N vs. 385.75 ± 63.49 N; p<0.01; d=0.56). Thirty-seven percent of players in the control group and 50% in the injured group presented between-limb asymmetry >10%. This study demonstrates that players with history of HSI in the prior season present reduced eccentric knee flexor strength in the injured limb, but half of them have between-limb asymmetry within the most commonly adopted benchmark value of 10%.


#9 Height After Side: Goalkeepers Detect the Vertical Direction of Association-Football Penalty Kicks From the Ball Trajectory
Reference: Front Psychol. 2020 Feb 27;11:311. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00311. eCollection 2020.
Authors: Higueras-Herbada A, Lopes JE, Travieso D, Ibáñez-Gijón J, Araújo D, Jacobs DM
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7056909/pdf/fpsyg-11-00311.pdf
Summary: The present research analyzes the relation between the height of penalty kicks in association football and (a) the probability that goalkeepers stop the ball, (b) the kinematics of the kicker, and (c) the movements of the goalkeeper. We re-analyzed movement registration data that were collected in an experiment (with professional and semi-professional players) that focused on the horizontal direction of the penalties (Lopes et al., 2014). We also digitized and analyzed regular videos of the goalkeepers that were recorded by Lopes et al. (2014) but not analyzed. The present research complements the current understanding of the penalty kick with three main observations. First, goalkeepers save penalties at middle heights more often than low and high penalties. Second, the height of penalties is predicted less clearly than their horizontal direction from the kinematics of penalty takers. Third, goalkeepers tend to initiate the horizontal component of the saving action before the penalty taker contacts the ball, but they initiate the vertical component of the action about 245 ms after the contact. Taken together, these results support the view that goalkeepers make the left-right decision at least partly focusing on the kinematics of the kicker, and that they dynamically decide the vertical aspects of the movement later, focusing on the ball trajectory.


#10 Estimation of maximal heart rate in recreational football: a field study
Reference: Eur J Appl Physiol. 2020 Mar 14. doi: 10.1007/s00421-020-04334-4. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Póvoas S, Krustrup P, Castagna C
Summary: The purpose of the study was to examine the accuracy of practical indirect methods (i.e., recreational football match and estimation equations) in assessing individual maximal heart rate (HRmax) in recreational football players. Sixty-two untrained male participants engaged in a recreational football intervention (age 39.3 ± 5.8 years, VO2max 41.2 ± 6.2 ml·kg-1·min-1, body mass 81.9 ± 10.8 kg, height 173.2 ± 6.4 cm) were tested for HRmax using a multiple approach, at baseline and post-intervention (i.e., in the untrained and trained status, respectively). Observed HRmax was plotted against peak match HR (Match-HRpeak) and HRmax estimated from prediction equations (EstHRmax) at both time-points. In the untrained status, only the 211 - 0.64 × Age and 226 - Age equations showed non-significant (medium-to-small) differences with observed HRmax. The differences between observed HRmax and Match-HRpeak were large (P < 0.0001). At post-intervention, the observed HRmax (Post-HRmax) was significantly and largely lower than at baseline. The prediction equations under consideration provided EstHRmax values that were lower than Post-HRmax, with small-to-large differences (P > 0.05). The exception was for the 226 - Age and 211 - 0.64 × Age equations, with values largely higher than Post-HRmax. This study suggests caution when considering EstHRmax and Match-HRpeak in recreational football interventions to track HRmax. The accuracy of EstHRmax may vary according to training status, suggesting the need for different approaches and equations across training interventions.


#11 Cardiac adaptations in elite female football- and volleyball-athletes do not impact left ventricular global strain values: a speckle tracking echocardiography study
Reference: Int J Cardiovasc Imaging. 2020 Mar 13. doi: 10.1007/s10554-020-01809-5. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Zacher J, Blome I, Schenk A, Gorr E
Summary: Cardiac adaptations to exercise on an elite level have been well studied. Strain analysis by speckle tracking echocardiography has emerged as a tool for sports cardiologists to assess the nature of hypertrophy in athletes' hearts. In prior studies, strain values generally did not change in physiological adaptations to exercise but were reduced in pathological hypertrophy. However, research in this field has focused almost solely on male athletes. Purpose of the present study is to investigate strain values in the hearts of female elite athletes in football and volleyball. In this cross-sectional study echocardiography was performed on 19 female elite football-players, 16 female elite volleyball-players and 16 physically inactive controls. Conventional echocardiographic data was documented as well as left ventricular longitudinal, radial and circumferential strain values gained by speckle tracking echocardiography. The hearts of the female athletes had a thicker septal wall, a larger overall mass and larger atria than the hearts in the control group. Global longitudinal, radial and circumferential strain values did not differ between the athletes and controls or between sporting disciplines. No correlation between septal wall thickness and global strain values could be documented. Cardiac adaptations to elite level exercise in female volleyball and football players do not influence global strain values. This has been documented for male athletes of several disciplines. The present study adds to the very limited control-group comparisons of left ventricular strain values in elite female athletes. The findings indicate that global strain values can be used when assessing the cardiac health in female athletes.