Latest research in football - week 42 - 2023

#1 Return-to-performance in elite soccer players after Achilles tendon ruptures: a study using a weighted plus/minus metric and matched-control analysis

Reference: Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2023 Oct 18.  doi: 10.1007/s00167-023-07607-5.

Authors: Pedro Diniz, Diogo Lacerda, Bruno Mendes, Hélder Pereira, Frederico Castelo Ferreira, Gino M M J Kerkhoffs

Download link: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00167-023-07607-5.pdf?pdf=button

Reference: Studies have shown decreased match participation and shortened careers in athletes suffering Achilles tendon ruptures (ATRs), but assessment using a true performance metric is lacking. Plus/minus (PM) metrics provide a practical and objective approach to player performance assessment and are commonly used in other sports. This study aimed to quantify and compare individual player performance variations in elite football league players who sustained ATRs and returned to play within 1 year compared to those without ATRs, using a PM metric. Player and team data were sourced from Transfermarkt.com. Male players sustaining ATRs between 2007 and 2018 were identified through injury reports. A control group (CTRL) was matched by position, age, height, and league, with a 6:1 ratio of controls to ATR subjects. The day of injury was considered "time zero". Year -1 corresponds to the 360 days preceding injury, and Year 1 to the interval between 360 and 720 days after. Performance in the player's main team was evaluated using a previously validated weighted PM metric. Only data from Year -1 and Year 1 were used for ATR versus CTRL group comparisons. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The ATR group included 125 athletes. Data from more than 76,000 matches were analyzed. No statistically significant differences in net weighted PM metric between Year -1 and Year 1 were found. No differences were found between athletes suffering from ATRs and controls regarding the weighted PM metric.

 

 

#2 Relative match load in young professional soccer players during Soccer-7 and Soccer-11

Reference: Int J Sports Med. 2023 Oct 16. doi: 10.1055/a-2192-8704. Online ahead of print.

Authors: Alberto Rabano-Munoz, Luis Suarez-Arrones, Bernardo Requena, Jose Asian-Clemente

Summary: The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in internal and external load during Soccer-7 and Soccer-11, comparing positional requirements and neuromuscular fatigue in both modalities. Twenty-four young soccer players were monitored in Soccer-7 and Soccer-11 matches using global positioning systems. Total distance covered (TD), distance covered at high speed (HSR), distance covered at very high speed (VHSR), peak speed, accelerations and decelerations (Acc and Dec) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded differentiating between central backs (CB), midfielders (MF), external players (EX) and forwards (FW). Neuromuscular fatigue were assessed using a jump test. During Soccer-11, players showed significantly higher TD, HSR and VHSR, with low Acc and greater RPE compared with Soccer-7. During Soccer-11, all positions recorded significantly greater TD, distance at HSR and at VHSR than Soccer-7. In terms of playing position, CB, MF and FW achieved significantly higher Peak Speed during Soccer-1, but there was no difference for EX. During Soccer-7 all positions performed significantly higher numbers of Acc. Although the Soccer-7 modality is considered an optimal format for the development of young soccer players, there is a significant difference in match running activity for all playing positions with respect to the Soccer-11 format.

 

 

#3 Surveying the youth-to-senior transition landscape in Major league Soccer: a new frontier

Reference: Sci Med Footb. 2023 Oct 20. doi: 10.1080/24733938.2023.2272605. Online ahead of print.

Authors: Patrick Mannix, Simon J Roberts, Kevin Enright, Martin Littlewood

Summary: The aim of this study was to survey Major League Soccer stakeholders' attitudes and perspectives on the youth-to-senior transition with a particular interest in the league's evolving club structures, specifically the reserve team and youth academy entities. The survey assessed various stakeholders' views on clubs' organisational aims and structure, the capabilities of club entities to prepare players for the first team, and the transition process to the first team within MLS. A total of 80 participants working in various 'player operation' roles for MLS clubs in the United States and Canada voluntarily completed the online survey. The predominant aim for both reserve teams and academies in MLS are to develop players for the first team. The organisational structure and governance of reserve teams are varied across the league, but an overarching feature is their function as a development team. When players are transitioning, communication between staff may or may not be clear and effective. Finally, for players within an MLS club's talent pathway, a variety of support strategies are made available during the transition into the first team, but psychological support in particular may be limited or unavailable. Similar to European soccer, the aim of MLS reserve teams and youth academies is to develop first team players for the club. Though, while players are transitioning into the first team, communication may or may not be clear and effective, and psychological support may be absent, which may impair player development initiatives.

 

 

#4 Temporal changes in intensity and volume of external training loads during a 1 × 1 short-bout, small-sided games in elite youth soccer players

Reference: Sci Rep. 2023 Oct 19;13(1):17892. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-45277-y.

Authors: Jakub Kryściak, Maciej Tomczak, Tomasz Podgórski, Paweł Chmura, Marek Konefał, Jan Chmura, Tomas Maly, Toni Modric, Marcin Andrzejewski

Summary: This study compared external training load (ETL) and its temporal changes across repetitions during a speed endurance production (SEP) training comprised of 1 × 1 short-bout, small-sided games (SSGs) in elite youth soccer players. Twenty U18 players were divided into two groups (SEP1 and SEP2) performing six 30 s and 45 s bouts of SSG (work-to-rest ratio 1:4) on a 10 by 15 m field. ETL was characterized by the total distance covered, Player Load, the total number of accelerations/decelerations, and their relative values (per minute). Significant overall decreases in the ETL parameter values across six repetitions in both SSG groups were observed relative to the measurement in the first set beginning in 3rd (SEP1) or 4th (SEP2) repetitions. Significant greater decreases in Player Load (F(5.90) = 2.99, p < 0.05, η P2 = 0.14), Player Load per minute (F(5,90) = 11.32, p < 0.001, η P2 = 0.39), total distance per minute (F(3.43,61.73) = 7.72, p < 0.001, η P2 = 0.30) and accelerations per minute (F(5,90) = 2.59, p < 0.05, η P2 = 0.13) were observed in the 30-s games than in the 45-s games. In conclusion, the use of SSGs in SEP training is associated with a decrease in the effectiveness of physical work performed across repetitions. In practice, due to the decrease in the measured ETL indicators already in the 3rd or 4th repetition (especially in the SEP1 group), the work-to-rest ratio could be increased from the applied 1:4 to 1:6.

 

 

#5 Testing the peak running speed in analytical and contextual-based scenarios: Applied research in young adult soccer players

Reference: J Sports Sci. 2023 Oct 19:1-11. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2023.2273085. Online ahead of print.

Authors: Filipe Manuel Clemente, Zeki Akyildiz, Joel Garrett, Marco Beato, Mehmet Yildiz, Sabri Birlik, Jason Moran

Summary: The primary aim was to compare the peak running speed (PRS) attained in the 40-m linear sprint test, in an analytical-based soccer drill, in the 5-0-5 test, and a training match scenario. The secondary aim of the study was to evaluate the differences between the three assessment sessions and identify how the tests can vary from session to session. Additionally, we aimed to investigate the within-test variability to understand how consistent the performance is within each test format across the different sessions. Forty male under-19 players competing at the national level participated in this study. A training session was observed for each of the three study weeks in which the following tests/scenarios were monitored using a GPS. The 40-m linear sprint test and the analytical-based soccer drill presented the smallest within-subject coefficients of variation between the sessions. A large correlation (r = 0.742) was found between the PRS during the 40-m linear sprint test and the analytical-based soccer drill. The 40-m linear sprint test was the best method of those examined for measuring PRS. The analytical drill provides a reliable method for measuring PRS, although it differs from the 40-metre linear sprint test.

 

 

#6 Match-Play External Load and Internal Load in NCAA Division II Women's Soccer

Reference: J Strength Cond Res. 2023 Oct 16. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004578. Online ahead of print.

Authors: Erin E Choice, James J Tufano, Kristen L Jagger, Kristen C Cochrane-Snyman

Summary: The purpose of this study was to describe average match-play demands for NCAA DII women's soccer, including positional and time-specific differences, and relationships between variables. External load was assessed using total distance, relative distance, sprint distance, number of power plays, peak speed, and Player Load. Internal load was assessed using session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). Mixed factor analysis of variance was used to assess time by position (midfielder, forward, or defender) for dependent measures. Correlations were assessed between separate pair groups. Average match-play demands included 9,463 ± 2,591 m total distance, 172 ± 48 m·min-1 relative distance, 531 ± 301 m sprint distance, peak speeds of 26 ± 1.6 kph, 46.71 ± 21.75 power plays, and 457.84 ± 121.78 AU Player Load. Significant (p < 0.05) positional differences were found for total distance, Player Load, match load, and peak speed. Significant, moderate correlations were found between relative distance and match load, and sRPE and total distance, Player Load, and power plays (all p < 0.001). Results indicate there are positional differences within a women's DII soccer team, with midfielders accumulating the longest distances (10,509 ± 2,913 m) and greatest Player Load (527.79 ± 130.5 AU) and match load (576 ± 343 AU), forwards running the fastest peak speeds (26.8 ± 1.5 kph), and defenders maintaining most consistent performance. Match-play external and internal load data should be monitored by player position and half for DII women's soccer.

 

 

#7 Diet diversity and food quality score in male football players and healthy non-athlete controls in relation to oxidative stress biomarkers: a descriptive-analytical study

Reference: BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2023 Oct 20;15(1):136. doi: 10.1186/s13102-023-00748-7.

Authors: Mahsa Zare, Maede Makhtoomi, Fatemeh Mansouri, Mehran Nouri, Parvin Sarbakhsh, Mohammad Hasan Eftekhari, Bahram Pourghassem Gargari, Zainab Shateri

Summary: Dietary patterns that include high-quality and varied food groups have the potential to modulate oxidative status. This research was conducted to determine dietary diversity score (DDS) and food quality score (FQS) in football players and their matched non-athletes, also their associations with oxidative indicators assessed by the urinary levels of F2alpha-isoprostane (F2a-IP) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Participants consisted of 45 male football players and 45 male non-athletes in two age-and body mass index (BMI)-matched groups from Shiraz City, Iran. Anthropometric measurements were performed, and urine samples were analyzed to determine oxidative biomarkers. Dietary data derived from a reliable food frequency questionnaire with 168 items was completed to determine DDS and FQS. For data analysis, an appropriate generalized estimating equation model was set up. Our results demonstrated that FQS (β = 5.46; P < 0.001) and DDS (β = 1.30; P < 0.001) scores were significantly higher in the footballers in comparison to the non-athletes. Moreover, FQS was negatively associated with 8-OHdG (β=-0.35; P = 0.008) and F2a-IP (β=-4.30; P = 0.01) levels in all participants. In addition, DDS was inversely related to 8-OHdG (β=-1.25; P = 0.01) and F2a-IP (β=-11.67; P = 0.04) levels in all participants. Food quality scores and dietary diversity of footballers' diets were found to be higher in comparison to the non-athletes. Furthermore, a higher FQS and DDS were associated with lower levels of oxidative biomarkers in all participants.

 

 

#8 Differences in playing style and technical performance according to the team ranking in the Spanish football LaLiga. A thirteen seasons study

Reference: PLoS One. 2023 Oct 20;18(10):e0293095. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293095. eCollection 2023.

Authors: Joaquín González-Rodenas, Jordi Ferrandis, Víctor Moreno-Pérez, Roberto López-Del Campo, Ricardo Resta, Juan Del Coso

Download link: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0293095

Summary: This study aimed to explore the differences in playing style and technical performance according to the ranking level in Spanish football teams. The sample comprised 38 professional teams that competed in LaLiga from 2008/09 to 2020/21, with a total of 4940 matches. The teams were grouped by their final ranking position: Champion (1st); Champions League (2nd-4th); Europa League (5th-6th); middle teams (7th-17th); and relegated teams (18th-20th). Linear mixed models were used to examine the effects of the team ranking on variables related to playing style and technical performance. The F2 statistic was calculated as effect size (ES). Regarding the style of play, the Champion teams initiated offensive sequences from a more advanced field position than the remaining ranking groups with a descending effect as the ranking position decreased (p < 0.001; ES = medium). The sequence duration and passes per sequence showed a decreasing effect across ranking groups (both p < 0.001; ES = small). In contrast, the direct speed showed an increasing effect as the ranking position decreased (p < 0.001; ES = small). A decreasing effect was observed in the number of sequences ending in the final third as the ranking position decreased (p < 0.001; ES = large) while no effect was found for the sequences ending in a shot. There was a reduction effect in ball possession, passing accuracy, through balls and crosses as the teams' ranking decreased (all p < 0.001; ES = small-to-large). In summary, higher-ranked teams had an advanced starting position, longer offensive sequences, slower progression speed, more ball possession, higher passing accuracy, and more crosses and through balls than lower-ranked teams. Football coaches should consider that adopting a playing style focused on regaining the ball possession in advanced field zones and using long passing sequences can be an effective tactical strategy to improve the teams' ranking during the season.

 

 

#9 Complete Distal Rupture of the Rectus Femoris in an Elite Football Player: A Non-operative Treatment

Reference: Cureus. 2023 Sep 18;15(9):e45494. doi: 10.7759/cureus.45494. eCollection 2023 Sep.

Authors: Alexandre Fernandes, Julio Pinto, Pedro Cunha, Carlos Duarte, Alexandre Estaca, Tiago Pereira, Mónica Bettencourt, Isabel Candelária, Miguel Reis E Silva

Summary: Although muscle injuries represent the most frequent injury in professional football, isolated complete distal ruptures of the rectus femoris (RF) muscle are rare, and there is no consensus on their treatment and return to play (RTP). In this article, we report a clinical case of successful non-surgical management of an RF grade 4c muscle injury in a professional football player, in which the athlete was able to RTP 21 weeks after the injury, had no re-injury >1 year after RTP, and is playing at an elite level in the Portuguese Football First League.

 

 

#10 Depression and anxiety-related disorders and suicide among Swedish male elite football players: a nationwide cohort study

Reference: Br J Sports Med. 2023 Oct 19:bjsports-2023-107286. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-107286.

Authors: Manzur Kader, Björn Pasternak, Carl-Emil Lim, Martin Neovius, Magnus Forssblad, Henrik Svanström, Jonas F Ludvigsson, Peter Ueda

Download link: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/bjsports/early/2023/10/18/bjsports-2023-107286.full.pdf

Summary: The aim was to assess whether male elite football players, during and after their active career, were at increased risk of depression and anxiety-related disorders and suicide, as compared with the general male population. We included male football players active in the Swedish top division 1924-2019 and general male population (matched to football players based on age and region of residence) aged <65 years in 1997. Using nationwide registers, we followed the football players from their first season in the top division (or the date of their first registered residency in Sweden) or 1 January 1997, and compared the risk of depression and anxiety-related disorders (captured through diagnoses from hospital admissions and outpatient visits, and use of prescription drugs) among football players versus controls. In a secondary analysis using data from death certificates, we compared the risk of suicide between football players and general population males who were alive in 1969 (when cause of death became available) . During follow-up through 31 December 2020, 504 (13.6%) of 3719 football players and 7455 (22.3%) of 33 425 general population males had a depression or anxiety-related disorder. In analyses accounting for age, region of residence and calendar time, the risk of anxiety and depression-related disorders was lower among football players versus general population males (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.66). The protective association was attenuated with increasing age, and from around age 70 years the risk was similar in the two groups. The risk of suicide was lower among football players versus general population males (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.72). In this nationwide cohort study in Sweden, elite male football players had a lower risk of depression and anxiety-related disorders and suicide as compared with the general population.

 

 

#11 Survey of the current practices of German football academies towards biological maturation assessment

Reference: Sci Med Footb. 2023 Oct 15. doi: 10.1080/24733938.2023.2270563. Online ahead of print.

Authors: Lukas Arenas, Monika Frenger, Sabrina Skorski, Tim Meyer

Summary: This study aimed to examine the importance assigned to assessing and considering biological maturation in thematic areas of player development and provide an overview of current practices in German football academies regarding its consideration in training and competition. An online survey was sent to 56 elite German football academies. A total of 46 responded to the questionnaire (82% response rate). Six participants provided incomplete information resulting in a total of 40 completed surveys in the period from March to May 2022. Only 20 of participants regularly carried out maturation assessments, despite 95% recognizing its importance for load management, 90% for player development, and 85% for injury prevention. There was no consistent approach to modifying training and competition formats based on maturity status, with a primary focus on gym-based sessions for load management. The survey results highlight limited implementation of maturation assessment and training modification based on maturity status in German elite youth football academies. Despite recognizing the importance of load monitoring, reporting to parents, and long-term player development in considering biological maturation, practices are not widespread. The predominant use of the maturity offset method suggests an opportunity to improve accuracy by exploring alternative measurement methods and increasing assessment frequency. Moreover, a lack of established procedures for incorporating maturity status into training and competition exists, hindering comprehensive consideration of biological maturation and injury risk prevention. Further research is needed to understand the reasons for inconsistent approaches in maturation assessment and load modification during training and competition.

 

 

#12 Room for Improvement in Sports Nutrition Knowledge amongst Parents and Caregivers of Male Academy Soccer Players in the UK: A Cross-Sectional Study

Reference: Nutrients. 2023 Oct 11;15(20):4331. doi: 10.3390/nu15204331.

Authors: Luke Callis, Mark Russell, Howard Hurst, Jack Hardwicke, Charlie Jon Roberts

Summary: In professional soccer clubs in the UK, nutrition support is often polarised towards senior players or those in the senior academy age groups seeking first team selection/involvement. Accordingly, there is an increased reliance on parents and caregivers to provide support regarding nutritional intake. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of nutrition knowledge of parents and caregivers of male youth soccer players within developmental academies in the UK. Across a single competitive season, 360 registered parents and caregivers of male soccer players from English Premier League under 9-11 (Foundation Phase) and under 12-16 (Youth Development Phase) age group academies completed an online version of the 88-item validated Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire. Nutrition knowledge scores were classified as "poor" (43 ± 23%). Nutrition knowledge scores were significantly greater in respondents with dependents representing Category 1 (45 ± 13%) vs. Category 2 (39 ± 15%) academies and in Foundation Phase (44 ± 13%) vs. Youth Development Phase (41 ± 15%). These results demonstrate that there is room for improvement in the nutrition knowledge levels of parents and caregivers of male soccer academy players. We recommend that club academies provide appropriate resources towards nutritional education for parents and caregivers.

 

 

#13 Dietary Habits of Elite Soccer Players: Variations According to Competitive Level, Playing Position and Sex

Reference: Nutrients. 2023 Oct 10;15(20):4323. doi: 10.3390/nu15204323.

Authors: Jaime Sebastiá-Rico, Jose M Soriano, Jesús Sanchis-Chordà, Miguel Alonso-Calvar, Pedro López-Mateu, David Romero-García, José Miguel Martínez-Sanz

Summary: Soccer is a sport practiced worldwide by both men and women, where nutrition plays a fundamental role in the performance of soccer players, providing them with the nutrients necessary for energy, muscle recovery and injury prevention. The aim of this study is to describe the dietary habits in elite soccer players and their association with their competitive level, playing position and sex. A descriptive and non-experimental comparative study was conducted during the 2021-2022 competitive season. A total of 105 players belonging to a Spanish elite soccer team completed a food frequency questionnaire (FCFQ). It was observed that male players presented a higher consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods (p < 0.05), fermented foods (p = 0.014), frozen foods (p = 0.049) and red meat (p = 0.012) compared to female players, with the exception of lean meats, which were higher in females (p = 0.012). Furthermore, the U16-15 categories stand out for consuming carbohydrate-rich foods such as pasta (p = 0.000), bread (p = 0.004) and sweets (p = 0.046), as well as frozen foods (p = 0.002). Finally, alcohol consumption is higher in the senior categories (42.9%), where men are more likely to drink mixed drinks (6.2%), and beer and wine by women (10.7%). Practically no differences were found between the playing positions. In conclusion, differences were found in FCFQ according to competitive level and sex.

 

 

#14 Relation of Jump and Change of Direction Inter-Limb Asymmetries with Fitness in Youth Male Soccer Players

Reference: Medicina (Kaunas). 2023 Sep 29;59(10):1749. doi: 10.3390/medicina59101749.

Author: Yiannis Michailidis

Summary: Asymmetries between the lower limbs were evaluated by both researchers and practitioners as they seem to be related to the occurrence of injuries and the effect on performance. The purposes of this study were to (a) detect asymmetries of the lower limbs using a unilateral jump (single-leg countermovement jump (SLCMJ)) and 505 agility test, and (b) examine asymmetry effects on fitness (acceleration, speed, squat jump, Illinois agility test), in U16 youth male soccer players. Twenty U16 soccer players performed an SLCMJ and a 505 test to calculate the asymmetry index. They also performed the above fitness tests. The difference between the lower limbs was tested using the paired samples t-test (dominant vs. non-dominant). The correlations between the asymmetries of the lower extremities with the performance indicators were tested using the Pearson's correlation test. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. The lower limbs differed significantly in the SLCMJ and 505 tests (p < 0.05). The only correlation was between the asymmetry in SLCMJ and performance in SJ (r = -0.641, p = 0.002). Asymmetries did not affect performance on most fitness tests. The two asymmetry tests identified asymmetries in different limbs. This indicates the variability in asymmetries and the need for specialized tests depending on the kinematic chain. The asymmetries observed should be eliminated using individualized training programs so that athletes are protected from injuries and from the possible negative impact on performance. Also, the detection of asymmetries in developmental age offers a greater time period for their elimination before the athlete enters professional sports.