Latest research in football - week 41 - 2022

#1 What Does Provide Better Effects on Balance, Strength, and Lower Extremity Muscle Function in Professional Male Soccer Players with Chronic Ankle Instability? Hopping or a Balance Plus Strength Intervention? A Randomized Control Study

Reference: Healthcare (Basel). 2022 Sep 21;10(10):1822. doi: 10.3390/healthcare10101822.

Authors: Hadi Mohammadi Nia Samakosh, João Paulo Brito, Seyed Sadredin Shojaedin, Malihe Hadadnezhad, Rafael Oliveira

Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9602092/pdf/healthcare-10-01822.pdf

Summary: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) has a higher frequency in soccer due to the rapid changes in body movement. Thus, this study compared the effects of eight weeks of a hopping protocol and a combined protocol of balance plus strength in a within-between group analysis. Thirty-six male professional soccer players participated in this study and were randomly allocated in three groups: control group (CG, n = 12), hopping group (HG, n = 12), and balance plus strength group (BSG, n = 12). Strength, static and dynamic balance, and function were assessed at baseline and eight weeks post intervention. First, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and FAAM sport scales were applied. Then, a dynamometer was used to measure strength of the muscles around the hip, knee, and ankle joints. The Bass stick measured static balance and the Y balance test measured dynamic balance. Additionally, functional tests were carried out by Triple Hop, the Figure 8 hop, and vertical jump. A repeated measures ANOVA [(3 groups) × 2 moments] was used to compare the within and between group differences. In general, all tests improved after eight weeks of training with both protocols. Specifically, the BSG improved with large ES for all tests, while the HG improved all test with small to large effect sizes (ES). Furthermore, HG showed higher values for vertical jump (p < 0.01, ES = 1.88) and FAAMSPORT (p < 0.05, ES = 0.15) than BSG. BSG showed higher values for hip abduction (p < 0.05, ES = 2.77), hip adduction (p < 0.05, ES = 0.87), and ankle inversion (p < 0.001, ES = 1.50) strength tests, while HG showed higher values for knee flexion [ES = 0.86, (0.02, 1.69)] and ankle plantarflexion [ES = 0.52, (-0.29, 1.33)]. Balance plus strength protocol showed more positive effects than the hopping protocol alone for soccer players with CAI.

 

 

#2 Muscle and Tendon Stiffness of the Lower Limb of Professional Adolescent Soccer Athletes Measured Using Shear Wave Elastography

Reference: Diagnostics (Basel). 2022 Oct 11;12(10):2453. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics12102453.

Authors: Claudia Römer, Julia Czupajllo, Enrico Zessin, Thomas Fischer, Bernd Wolfarth, Markus Herbert Lerchbaumer

Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9601169/pdf/diagnostics-12-02453.pdf

Summary: While adolescents have specific risk factors for acute and chronic injury, there is a lack of preventive medicine algorithms for this vulnerable group. Shear wave elastography (SWE) is currently mainly used for assessing muscle and tendon stiffness in adult athletes and can diagnose tissue pathologies such as tendinopathy. The aim was to investigate differences in quadriceps tendon and muscle stiffness between adolescent and adult professional soccer players using SWE and identify lateral imbalances in order to improve the knowledge of preventive medicine algorithms for professional adolescent athletes. Standardized SWE examinations of both lower limb tendons and muscles (the quadriceps tendon (QT) and the vastus medialis (VM) muscle) in the longitudinal plane and relaxed tendon position were performed in 13 healthy adolescent soccer athletes (13-17 years), and a control group of 19 healthy adult professional soccer athletes (18-29 years). Adolescent soccer players had lower stiffness values for both the quadriceps tendon (3.11 m/s vs. 3.25 m/s) and the vastus medialis muscle (1.67 m/s vs. 1.71 m/s) than adult athletes. Moreover, QT stiffness in adolescent soccer players was significantly lower on the right side (QT: adult 3.50 m/s (2.73-4.56) vs. adolescent 2.90 m/s (2.61-3.12); p = 0.031). Analysis of the lateral differences revealed softer QT and VM tissue on the right side in over two-thirds of adolescent soccer athletes. Over two-thirds of adults had stiffer QT and VM tissue on the right side. In adolescent soccer players, the stiffness of the QT and VM muscle measured by SWE is lower in the right leg. SWE of the musculoskeletal system may thus become a relevant diagnostic tool to detect early lateral imbalances as a main risk factor for injury and may thus contribute to the prevention of acute and chronic injury prevention in adolescent athletes.

 

 

#3 From Junior to Elite in Soccer: Exploring the Relative Age Effect and Talent Selection in Spanish Youth National Teams

Reference: Children (Basel). 2022 Oct 10;9(10):1543. doi: 10.3390/children9101543.

Authors: Javier García-Rubio, Andrés García-Vallejo, María de Los Ángeles Arenas-Pareja, Pablo López-Sierra, Sergio J Ibáñez

Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9600190/pdf/children-09-01543.pdf

Summary: The implications of relative age grouping in sport are known as the Relative Age Effect (RAE). This study has the twofold purpose of analyzing RAE in Spanish youth national soccer teams and examining the prediction value of being selected for national youth teams to be a professional. The sample was composed of 548 players divided into five groups. A descriptive analysis of distribution and participation, frequencies, mean and standard deviation, crosstabs, Sankey charts, coefficient correlation and Cohen's effect size criteria and two regression analyses were performed. Results established that the RAE is present in U'17 to U'21 Spanish youth national teams. Talent detection and selection programs are more reliable the closer they are to adulthood, reaching a success rate of almost 100% at the U'21 stage. The selection of players for such programs should be delayed as much as possible, thus, preventing younger players from dropping out and those selected from thinking they have already reached their goal. To this end, they should focus on long-term improvement, not short-term performance. In addition, factors such as the RAE or the maturity level of the athletes should be monitored.

 

 

#4 Predictive Value of Repeated Jump Testing on Nomination Status in Professional and under 19 Soccer Players

Reference: Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Oct 11;19(20):13077. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192013077.

Authors: Zacharias Papadakis, Vassilios Panoutsakopoulos, Iraklis A Kollias

Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9602553/pdf/ijerph-19-13077.pdf

Summary: Soccer clubs invest time and money in multidimensional identification practices, but the field implementation is still problematic. The repeated vertical jump test (RVJ), as an alternative to the monodimensional vertical jump, may offer similar prognostic value. Therefore, the prognostic validity of 15 RVJ within professional (PRO, n = 24) and under 19 years old (U19, n = 20) Greek male soccer players was examined. T-test, binomial logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic for prognostic validity of anthropometric and performance values in predicting PRO status were applied using Jamovi version 2.3.3.0. Significant group differences presented in body height and mass, body mass index (BMI), maximum and average jump height, and relative jump power. The predicting model was significant (x2(2) = 17.12, p < 0.001). Height and BMI were positive predictors of the PRO status (b = 21.66, p = 0.008 and b = 0.94, p = 0.014, respectively). The model was 73% accurate, 75% specific, and 71% sensitive, with excellent area under the curve. The RVJ test demonstrated outstanding discriminating prognostic validity. Until the applicability of the multidimensional models in predicting future player status is further established, field practitioners may use the simplistic RVJ testing to predict future status among male soccer players.

 

 

#5 The Effect of FIFA 11+ on the Isometric Strength and Running Ability of Young Soccer Players

Reference: Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Oct 13;19(20):13186. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192013186.

Authors: Xin Zhou, Anmin Luo, Yifei Wang, Qingqing Zhang, Yu Zha, Sicheng Wang, Caroline Ashton, John Ethan Andamasaris, Henry Wang, Qirong Wang

Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9603440/pdf/ijerph-19-13186.pdf

Summary: Soccer is the world's game, and keeping athletes healthy while playing the game has often been a focus of study. There is a high occurrence of musculoskeletal injuries reported in soccer. FIFA 11+ was developed as an intervention to help prevent such injuries. FIFA 11+ has previously been studied for its efficacy as an injury prevention program, but not for its effect on sports performance in an adolescent population. The purpose of this study was to look at the effect of implementing the FIFA 11+ intervention on strength, speed, and agility. Twenty youth soccer players were randomly divided into an intervention group (INT) and a control group (CON). The intervention lasted for eight weeks and performance assessments were completed pre- and post-intervention. Post-test INT knee flexor strength was significantly higher than pre-test scores (p < 0.05). INT also demonstrated significantly higher hamstring to quadriceps strength ratio (H/Q) after the intervention (p < 0.05), while the CON H/Q did not change significantly. 30-m sprint performance of both groups improved from pre- to post-test (p < 0.05). Shuttle run performance was significantly improved in post-test scores for INT players (p < 0.05), but did not change significantly for the CON players. It is suggested that implementing FIFA 11+ before training in young soccer players can lead to performance benefits as well as injury prevention benefits.

 

 

#6 A Systematic Review of the Relationship between Workload and Injury Risk of Professional Male Soccer Players

Reference: Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Oct 14;19(20):13237. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192013237.

Authors: Zhiyuan Jiang, Yuerong Hao, Naijing Jin, Yue Li

Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9602492/pdf/ijerph-19-13237.pdf

Summary: The number of studies on the relationship between training and competition load and injury has increased exponentially in recent years, and it is also widely studied by researchers in the field of professional soccer. In order to provide practical guidance for workload management and injury prevention in professional athletes, this study provides a review of the literature on the effect of load on injury risk, injury prediction, and interpretation mechanisms. The results of the research show that: (1) It appears that short-term fixture congestion may increase the match injury incidence, while long-term fixture congestion may have no effect on both the overall injury incidence and the match injury incidence. (2) It is impossible to determine conclusively whether any global positioning system (GPS)-derived metrics (total distance, high-speed running distance, and acceleration) are associated with an increased risk of injury. (3) The acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR) of the session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE) may be significantly associated with the risk of non-contact injuries, but an ACWR threshold with a minimum risk of injury could not be obtained. (4) Based on the workload and fatigue recovery factors, artificial intelligence technology may possess good predictive power regarding injury risk.

 

 

#7 The Effect of 12-Weeks Recreational Football (Soccer) for Health Intervention on Functional Movement in Older Adults

Reference: Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Oct 20;19(20):13625. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192013625.

Authors: Michael J Duncan, Sophie Mowle, Mark Noon, Emma Eyre, Neil D Clarke, Mathew Hill, Jason Tallis, Mikko Julin

Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9602977/pdf/ijerph-19-13625.pdf

Summary: There is growing evidence that recreational football offers health benefits for older adults and an important pathway for physical activity for older adult groups. Despite anecdotal evidence that recreational football is beneficial for older adults, no empirical data are available to support this assertion. This study addressed this issue and examined the effects of a 12-week recreational football intervention on the functional fitness of older adults. Using a pre-post case-control design, thirteen males, aged 61-73 years (mean age ± SD = 66 ± 4 years) undertook a twice-weekly, 12-week recreational football for health intervention, and were matched with a control group, comprising thirteen males, aged 62-78 years (mean age ± SD = 66 ± 4 years) who maintained their typical exercise habits during the intervention period. Pre- and postintervention, participants underwent assessment of functional fitness, using the Rikli and Jones functional fitness battery as well as an assessment of body fatness, via bioelectrical impedance analysis and dominant handgrip strength using handgrip dynamometry. Results from a series of 2 (pre-post) X 2 (intervention vs. control) repeated-measures ANOVAs indicate significant pre-post X group interactions for the 30-second chair stand (p = 0.038, Pƞ2 = 0.168), 8-foot timed up and go (p = 0.001, Pƞ2 = 0.577) and 6 min walk test (p = 0.036, Pƞ2 = 0.171). In all cases, performance improved significantly after the intervention for the football intervention group but not the control group. There were no significant differences in the 30 s arm curl test or dominant handgrip strength (p > 0.05). There was a non-significant trend (p = 0.07, Pƞ2 = 0.127) towards a pre-post X group interaction for body fatness, showing a decreased percent body fat for the intervention group over the control group. The results of the present study demonstrate the utility of recreational football as a physical activity intervention in older adults to improve functional movement.

 

 

#8 Ketone Ester Supplementation Improves Some Aspects of Cognitive Function during a Simulated Soccer Match after Induced Mental Fatigue

Reference: Nutrients. 2022 Oct 19;14(20):4376. doi: 10.3390/nu14204376.

Authors: Manuel D Quinones, Peter W R Lemon

Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9607595/pdf/nutrients-14-04376.pdf

Summary: Ketone supplementation has been proposed to enhance cognition during exercise. To assess whether any benefits are due to reduced cognitive fatigue during the latter portions of typical sport game action, we induced cognitive fatigue, provided a ketone monoester supplement (KME) vs. a non-caloric placebo (PLAC), and assessed cognitive performance during a simulated soccer match (SSM). In a double-blind, balanced, crossover design, nine recreationally active men (174.3 ± 4.2 cm, 76.6 ± 7.4 kg, 30 ± 3 y, 14.2 ± 5.5 % body fat, V˙O2 max = 55 ± 5 mL·kg BM-1·min-1; mean ± SD) completed a 45-min SSM (3 blocks of intermittent, variable intensity exercise) consuming either KME (25 g) or PLAC, after a 40-min mental fatiguing task. Cognitive function (Stroop and Choice Reaction Task [CRT]) and blood metabolites were measured throughout the match. KME reduced concentrations of both blood glucose (block 2: 4.6 vs. 5.2 mM, p = 0.02; block 3: 4.7 vs. 5.3 mM, p = 0.01) and blood lactate (block 1: 4.7 vs. 5.4 mM, p = 0.05; block 2: 4.9 vs. 5.9 mM, p = 0.01) during the SSM vs. PLAC, perhaps indicating a CHO sparing effect. Both treatments resulted in impaired CRT performance during the SSM relative to baseline, but KME displayed a reduced (p < 0.05) performance decrease compared to PLAC (1.3 vs. 3.4% reduction in correct answers, p = 0.02). No other differences in cognitive function were seen. These data suggest that KME supplementation attenuated decrements in CRT during repeated, high intensity, intermittent exercise. More study is warranted to assess fully the potential cognitive/physical benefits of KME for athletes.

 

 

#9 The levels of TGFβ1, VEGF, PDGF-BB, and PF4 in platelet-rich plasma of professional soccer players: a cross-sectional pilot study

Reference: J Orthop Surg Res. 2022 Oct 27;17(1):465. doi: 10.1186/s13018-022-03362-4.

Authors: Tomoharu Mochizuki, Takashi Ushiki, Satoshi Watanabe, Go Omori, Tomoyuki Kawase

Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9615199/pdf/13018_2022_Article_3362.pdf

Summary: Regenerative therapy using platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a rich source of growth factors, has become popular in orthopedic sports medicine. Elite athletes prefer PRP therapy for their injured muscles and tendons primarily to avoid the possible risks of surgical treatment. However, the clinical effectiveness of PRP therapy in elite athletes compared to that in non-athletes remains unknown. Therefore, to investigate the effectiveness of PRP therapy in professional athletes (pro-athletes), we focused on the quality of PRP preparations and compared the levels of bioactive molecules between pro-athletes and non-athletes. PRP was prepared from healthy, non-smoking male professional soccer players (pro-athletes) (n = 22) and non-athletes (VEGF: n = 34, others: n = 38). The levels of TGFβ1, PDGF-BB, VEGF, and PF4 were determined using ELISA kits. Polyphosphate was probed with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole and monitored using a fluorometer. The body composition of the donors was determined using a bathroom weighing scale. The levels of TGFβ1 and VEGF were significantly lower in pro-athletes than in non-athletes, whereas PF4 levels were significantly higher in pro-athletes. No significant difference was found in PDGF-BB levels between these groups. Biomolecule levels were not correlated with polyphosphate levels. TGFβ1, VEGF, and PDGF-BB levels in pro-athletes were not higher than those in non-athletes. These findings suggest that growth factor levels in PRP may not be a predominant determinant of the clinical effectiveness of PRP therapy in pro-athletes. Increased PF4 levels in pro-athletes suggest an immunological function of PRP that may positively influence tissue regeneration.

 

 

#10 Overestimation of maximal aerobic speed by the Université de Montréal track test and a 1500-m-time trial in soccer

Reference: Front Physiol. 2022 Oct 11;13:1023257. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1023257. eCollection 2022.

Authors: Maximiliane Thron, Alexander Woll, Leon Klos, Sascha Härtel, Ludwig Ruf, Christian Kloss, Stefan Altmann

Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9593032/pdf/fphys-13-1023257.pdf

Summary: Maximal aerobic speed (MAS), usually measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) on a treadmill, is gaining popularity in soccer to determine aerobic performance. Several field tests are used to estimate MAS, although, gold standard methods are still not clarified. Therefore, this work aims 1) to compare two different CPET based methods to assess MAS and 2) to investigate the convergent validity of two common field tests to estimate MAS in soccer. Thirteen trained male soccer players completed an CPET on a treadmill to determine two VO2-kinetic based definitions of MAS (MASPlateau = speed at onset of VO2-plateau = gold standard; MAS30s = first speed of 30-s-interval of VO2max), the Université de Montreal Track Test (UMTT; VUMTT = speed of the last stage), and a 1500-m-time trial (1500-m-TT; V1500m = average speed). MASPlateau, MAS30s, VUMTT, and V1500m were compared using ANOVA. Additionally, limits of agreement analysis (LoA), Pearson's r, and ICC were calculated between tests. MAS30s, VUMTT, and V1500m significantly overestimated MASPlateau by 0.99 km/h (ES = 1.61; p < 0.01), 1.61 km/h (ES = 2.03; p < 0.01) and 1.68 km/h (ES = 1.77; p < 0.01), respectively, with large LoA (-0.21 ≤ LoA≤3.55), however with large-to-very large correlations (0.65 ≤ r ≤ 0.87; p ≤ 0.02; 0.51 ≤ ICC≤ 0.85; p ≤ 0.03). The overestimation and large LoA of MASPlateau by all estimates indicate that 1) a uniform definition of MAS is needed and 2) the UMTT and a 1500-m-TT seem questionable for estimating MAS for trained soccer players on an individual basis, while regression equations might be suitable on a team level. The results of the present work contribute to the clarification of acquisition of MAS in soccer.

 

 

#11 Innate immunity changes in soccer players after whole-body cryotherapy

Reference: BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2022 Oct 25;14(1):185. doi: 10.1186/s13102-022-00578-z.

Authors: Valentina Selleri, Marco Mattioli, Domenico Lo Tartaro, Annamaria Paolini, Giada Zanini, Anna De Gaetano, Roberta D'Alisera, Laura Roli, Alessandra Melegari, Pasqualino Maietta, Ferdinando Tripi, Emanuele Guerra, Johanna Chester, Gustavo Savino, Tommaso Trenti, Andrea Cossarizza, Anna Vittoria Mattioli, Marcello Pinti, Milena Nasi

Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9594892/pdf/13102_2022_Article_578.pdf

Summary: Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) consists of short exposure (up to 2-3 min) to dry air at cryogenic temperatures (up to -190 °C) and has recently been applied for muscle recovery after injury to reduce the inflammation process. We aimed to determine the impact of cryotherapy on immunological, hormonal, and metabolic responses in non-professional soccer players (NPSPs). Nine male NPSPs (age: 20 ± 2 years) who trained regularly over 5 consecutive days, immediately before and after each training session, were subjected to WBC treatment (WBC-t). Blood samples were collected for the evaluation of fifty analytes including hematologic parameters, serum chemistry, and hormone profiles. Monocytes phenotyping (Mo) was performed and plasmatic markers, usually increased during inflammation [CCL2, IL-18, free mitochondrial (mt)DNA] or with anti-inflammatory effects (IL2RA, IL1RN), were quantified. After WBC-t, we observed reduced levels of ferritin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean platelet volume, testosterone, and estradiol, which however remain within the normal ranges. The percentage of the total, intermediates and non-classical Mo increased, while classical Mo decreased. CXCR4 expression decreased in each Mo subset. Plasma IL18 and IL2RA levels decreased, while IL1RN only exhibited a tendency to decrease and CCL2 showed a tendency to increase. Circulating mtDNA levels were not altered following WBC-t. The differences observed in monocyte subsets after WBC-t may be attributable to their redistribution into the surrounding tissue. Moreover, the decrease of CXCR4 in Mo subpopulations could be coherent with their differentiation process. Thus, WBC through yet unknown mechanisms could promote their differentiation having a role in tissue repair.

 

 

#12 Biochemical and Physical Performance Responses to a Soccer Match after a 72-Hour Recovery Period

Reference: Sports (Basel). 2022 Sep 22;10(10):140. doi: 10.3390/sports10100140.

Authors: Diego Marqués-Jiménez, Julio Calleja-González, Iñaki Arratibel-Imaz, Nicolás Terrados

Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9610486/pdf/sports-10-00140.pdf

Summary: The physiological and neuromuscular responses at 72 h post-match are not widely researched, despite evidence showing substantial changes in recovery markers at 72 h post-match. Consequently, the aim of this study was to determine the biochemical and physical performance responses to a soccer match after a 72-h recovery period. Male soccer players of a semiprofessional team participated in this study. Before playing a friendly match, blood values of testosterone, cortisol, the testosterone-to-cortisol ratio and urea were collected and the squat jump and the Bangsbo Repeated Sprint Ability test were performed. These measurements were considered as baseline (pre match) and were obtained again after a 72-h recovery period. Results indicate that physical performance at 72 h post-match was similar to baseline (squat jump: p = 0.974; total Repeated Sprint Ability time: p = 0.381; Repeated Sprint Ability fatigue index: p = 0.864). However, perturbations in the biochemical milieu derived from the soccer match metabolic and physiological stress were still evident at this time point. While no significant differences compared to pre match were obtained in testosterone and urea concentrations after the recovery period, cortisol and testosterone-to-cortisol ratio values were significantly higher (14.74 ± 3.68 µg/dL vs. 17.83 ± 2.65 µg/dL; p = 0.045; ES 0.92 [0.00; 1.84], very likely) and lower (39.08 ± 13.26 vs. 28.29 ± 7.45; p = 0.038; ES -0.96 [-1.89; -0.04], very likely), respectively. In conclusion, soccer players have similar physical performance to the pre match after a 72-h recovery period, even with signs of biochemical and physiological stress.

 

 

#13 Differences across Playing Levels for Match-Play Physical Demands in Women's Professional and Collegiate Soccer: A Narrative Review

Reference: Sports (Basel). 2022 Sep 22;10(10):141. doi: 10.3390/sports10100141.

Authors: Erin Choice, James Tufano, Kristen Jagger, Kayla Hooker, Kristen C Cochrane-Snyman

Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9609138/pdf/sports-10-00141.pdf

Summary: Advancements in sport technology have made quantifying match-play external load (e.g., total distance, sprint distance, number of sprints) a popular option for athletics personnel. These variables of volume and intensity are useful for both objectively monitoring training in field-based sports and for designing training programs. As physical abilities differ across playing levels, match-play demands likely also differ. This narrative review compiles and compares the match-play external load data for women's soccer at the professional and collegiate levels. Databases were searched through July 2022, yielding 13 primary articles that assessed the match-play demands of women's soccer (3 professional, 8 Division I, 1 Division II, and 1 Division III). The results indicate that the average total distance covered were similar between the professional, Division I and Division III levels, but the variability was greater among Division III compared to professional and Division I players. Data for Division II are scarce, but the total distance covered appears to be less than for professional, Division I and Division III. There was also large variability for sprint distance and number of sprints across data at all playing levels. Considering the lack of studies of Division II and Division III players, more research is necessary to determine how playing level may affect external load profiles, as isolated studies likely only reflect data from isolated teams.

 

 

#14 The Physical Demands of Match-Play in Academy and Senior Soccer Players from the Scottish Premiership

Reference: Sports (Basel). 2022 Oct 8;10(10):150. doi: 10.3390/sports10100150.

Authors: Ryland Morgans, Eduard Bezuglov, Patrick Orme, Kyler Burns, Dave Rhodes, John Babraj, Rocco Di Michele, Rafael Franco Soares Oliveira

Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9608936/pdf/sports-10-00150.pdf

Summary: The present study aimed to assess the physical match performance among senior and youth soccer players from an elite Scottish Premiership club during the 2021/2022 season. Twenty-two first team (25.9 ± 4.5 years, 78.3 ± 8.2 kg, 1.82 ± 0.07 cm) and 16 youth players (16.8 ± 0.9 years, 70.1 ± 6.8 kg, 177 ± 5.8 cm) were examined. A selection of physical match performance variables were measured using a global positioning system. Linear mixed-effect regressions revealed for all examined variables no significant differences between first team and U-18 players and no significant differences between playing level by position interaction. Across both teams, Centre Backs compared to Wing Backs, showed a 295 m (p &lt; 0.01) lower high-intensity distance, and performed on average 36 fewer very-high intensity decelerations (p = 0.03). Comparing to Wide Midfielders, Centre Backs showed lower total (1297 m, p = 0.01), high-intensity (350 m, p = 0.01), and sprint (167 m, p &lt; 0.01) distances. Sprint distance was also lower in Centre Backs vs. Strikers (118 m, p = 0.03), and in Central Midfielders vs. both Strikers (104 m, p = 0.03) and Wide Midfielders (154 m, p = 0.01). The present findings highlight the physical match performance of elite Scottish players and provide useful information within the context of understanding how methods of physical development of youth soccer are implemented in different countries.

 

 

#15 Cognitive and Behavioral Outcomes in Male and Female NCAA Soccer Athletes across Multiple Years: A CARE Consortium Study

Reference: Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2022 Oct 26. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000003063. Online ahead of print.

Authors: Jaclyn B Caccese, Kelsey N Bryk, Tara Porfido, Abigail C Bretzin, Kerry Peek, Thomas W Kaminski, Anthony P Kontos, Sara P D Chrisman, Margot Putukian, Thomas A Buckley, Steven P Broglio, Thomas W McAllister, Michael A McCrea, Paul F Pasquina, Carrie Esopenko, CARE Consortium Investigators

Summary: The purpose of this study was to determine changes in neurocognitive, psychosocial, and balance functioning in collegiate male and female soccer players across three consecutive years of baseline testing compared to a control group of non-contact athletes. Generalized estimating equations were used to compare changes in annual, pre-season baseline measures of neurocognitive function, neurobehavioral and psychological symptoms, and postural stability between collegiate soccer players (n = 75; 51 [68%] female soccer players) and non-contact athletes (n = 210; 133 [63%] female non-contact athletes) across three consecutive years. Among all participants, the group-by-time interaction was not significant for any outcome measures. Overall, soccer players reported lower (better) Brief Symptom Inventory 18 Depression (p = 0.004, Exp(B) = 0.36 [95% CI 0.18-0.73]), Global Severity Index (p = 0.006, Exp(B) = 0.53 [95% CI 0.33-0.84]), and Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) Symptom Severity (p < 0.001, Exp(B) = 0.45 [95% CI 0.22-0.95]) scores than non-contact athletes. No other outcome measures were different between soccer players and non-contact athletes. Among collegiate athletes, soccer players report similar or better psychosocial functioning and symptom scores than non-contact athletes. Importantly, neurocognitive functioning, neurobehavioral and psychological symptoms, and postural stability does not worsen over time in collegiate soccer players relative to their non-contact counterparts. Our findings suggest that despite possible exposure to repetitive head impacts (RHIs), collegiate soccer players do not exhibit changes in observable function and symptoms across multiple seasons.

 

 

#16 External Focus Reduces Accuracy and Increases Antagonist Muscle Activation in Novice Adolescent Soccer Players

Reference: Motor Control. 2022 Oct 26;1-14. doi: 10.1123/mc.2022-0018. Online ahead of print.

Authors: Serkan Uslu, Emel Çetin Özdoğan

Summary: Instep kick is one of the most effective kicking techniques in soccer. Lower extremity muscles and joints play a crucial role during instep kick. However, external (EF) and internal focus and their effect on the muscles are still ambiguous. In this study, 13 male adolescent soccer players were included and aimed to hit the targets in internal and EF conditions. Lower extremity muscle activations were measured with surface electromyography, and kinematics were measured with a high-speed video camera. Muscle activations and movement latencies were analyzed in four different phases (backswing, leg cocking, acceleration, and follow-through) of kicking. While 10 out of 13 participants kicked accurately in internal focus, only five out of 13 in EF kicked accurately. Gastrocnemius muscle activations increased significantly in EF in all phases except acceleration. Movement latencies were found 0.07 ± 0.002 s for accurate and 0.05 ± 0.004 s for inaccurate kicks in EF. A correlation has been found between accuracy and movement latency in EF (R = .67). Our results suggest that novices cannot yet coordinate their muscles in EF, cocontraction ratio increases. Therefore, training strategies that aim to reduce the cocontraction ratio can help the athlete increase performance through better motor coordination. Moreover, better motor coordination may be beneficial in preventing injuries (joint stiffness, etc.) caused by increased cocontraction ratio.