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Vigh-Larsen JF, Junge N, Cialdella-Kam L, Tomás R, Young L, Krustrup P, Mohr M, Nybo L. Testing in Intermittent Sports-Importance for Training and Performance Optimization in Adult Athletes. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2024; 56:1505-1537. [PMID: 39004796 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Performance in intermittent sports relies on the interplay between multiple physiological systems determining the capacity to perform short explosive efforts as well as repeated intense actions with limited recovery over the course of an entire game. Testing should reflect these demands to allow for sport- and position-specific capacity analyses that eventually may translate into optimized training and improved performance. This may include individual load management and optimized training prescription, intensity targeting for specific positions or individual athletes, as well as benchmarking for monitoring of training progression and enhanced engagement of athletes. This review provides an overview of available tests in different exercise domains identified as relevant (from assessment of single explosive actions to intermittent endurance capacity), forming the basis for recommendations on how to compose a comprehensive yet feasible test battery that may be integrated into the seasonal competition and training plan. The test procedures should cover the performance spectrum of relevance for the individual athlete-also in team sports to account for positional differences. We emphasize the benefits of sport-specific tests, highlight parameters of importance for test standardization, and discuss how the applied test battery may be supplemented with secondary tests directed toward specific energy systems to allow for more in-depth analyses when required (e.g., in terms of an underperforming athlete). The synergy between testing and tracking of match performance (utilizing time-motion or global positioning systems) is highlighted, and although tracking cannot substitute for testing, combining the tools may provide a comprehensive overview of the physiological demands and performance during competition contextualized to the athletes' maximal exercise capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicklas Junge
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sport Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, DENMARK
| | - Lynn Cialdella-Kam
- Warfighter Performance Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA
| | - Rita Tomás
- Portugal Football School, Federação Portuguesa de Futebol Avenida das Seleções, Oeiras, PORTUGAL
| | - Laura Young
- American College of Sports Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | | | | | - Lars Nybo
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sport Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, DENMARK
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Soriano MA, Paredes V, Comfort P, Jiménez-Ormeño E, Areces-Corcuera F, Giráldez-Costas V, Gallo-Salazar C, Alonso-Aubín DA, Menchén-Rubio M, McMahon JJ. "You Are Not Wrong About Getting Strong:" An Insight Into the Impact of Age Group and Level of Competition on Strength in Spanish Football Players. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2024; 19:629-636. [PMID: 38648884 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2023-0510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare the maximum and rapid force production of Spanish football players and explore the differences between age group and level of competition. METHODS A cross-sectional study was developed to evaluate the peak force (PF), relative PF, and rate of force development over 250 ms (RFD0-250) during the isometric midthigh pull between groups of football players based on age group (senior vs junior) and level of competition (national vs regional). Using a portable isometric rig, 111 football players performed 2 isometric midthigh-pull trials on a force plate. Two-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc correction was applied, and statistical significance was set at P ≤ .05. The PF, relative PF, and RFD0-250 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 percentiles were also calculated and descriptively reported, separated by age group and level of competition. RESULTS The analysis of variance revealed a significant main effect of the level of competition for the PF (P < .001), relative PF (P = .003), and RFD0-250 (P < .001). There was a significant main effect of age group for the PF (P < .001). There was a significant interaction effect of the age group × level of competition for relative PF (P = .014). National players were stronger than regional players on the PF and RFD0-250 (P < .001). Senior players were stronger than junior players for the PF (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Maximum and rapid force production are crucial for Spanish football players as they progress in both level of competition and age group. Practitioners should encourage young football players to prioritize strength development to improve their athletic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos A Soriano
- Grupo de Investigación en Entrenamiento de Fuerza y Rendimiento Neuromuscular (STreNgthP_RG), Facultad HM Hospitales de Ciencias de la Salud de la UCJC, Universidad Camilo José Cela,Madrid, España
- Center for Human Movement and Rehabilitation, University of Salford, Salford, United Kingdom
- Center for Sport Studies, Rey Juan Carlos University,Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor Paredes
- Grupo de Investigación en Entrenamiento de Fuerza y Rendimiento Neuromuscular (STreNgthP_RG), Facultad HM Hospitales de Ciencias de la Salud de la UCJC, Universidad Camilo José Cela,Madrid, España
| | - Paul Comfort
- Center for Human Movement and Rehabilitation, University of Salford, Salford, United Kingdom
- Strength and Power Research Group, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Ester Jiménez-Ormeño
- Grupo de Investigación en Entrenamiento de Fuerza y Rendimiento Neuromuscular (STreNgthP_RG), Facultad HM Hospitales de Ciencias de la Salud de la UCJC, Universidad Camilo José Cela,Madrid, España
| | - Francisco Areces-Corcuera
- Grupo de Investigación en Entrenamiento de Fuerza y Rendimiento Neuromuscular (STreNgthP_RG), Facultad HM Hospitales de Ciencias de la Salud de la UCJC, Universidad Camilo José Cela,Madrid, España
| | - Verónica Giráldez-Costas
- Grupo de Investigación en Entrenamiento de Fuerza y Rendimiento Neuromuscular (STreNgthP_RG), Facultad HM Hospitales de Ciencias de la Salud de la UCJC, Universidad Camilo José Cela,Madrid, España
| | - César Gallo-Salazar
- Grupo de Investigación en Entrenamiento de Fuerza y Rendimiento Neuromuscular (STreNgthP_RG), Facultad HM Hospitales de Ciencias de la Salud de la UCJC, Universidad Camilo José Cela,Madrid, España
| | - Diego A Alonso-Aubín
- Grupo de Investigación en Entrenamiento de Fuerza y Rendimiento Neuromuscular (STreNgthP_RG), Facultad HM Hospitales de Ciencias de la Salud de la UCJC, Universidad Camilo José Cela,Madrid, España
| | - María Menchén-Rubio
- Grupo de Investigación en Entrenamiento de Fuerza y Rendimiento Neuromuscular (STreNgthP_RG), Facultad HM Hospitales de Ciencias de la Salud de la UCJC, Universidad Camilo José Cela,Madrid, España
| | - John J McMahon
- Center for Human Movement and Rehabilitation, University of Salford, Salford, United Kingdom
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Armitage M, McErlain-Naylor SA, Devereux G, Beato M, Iga J, McRobert A, Roberts S, Buckthorpe M. On-field rehabilitation in football: current practice and perceptions. A survey of the English Premier League and Football League. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38456365 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2024.2313529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Return to play related research is increasing rapidly, with two recent competency-based frameworks offering conceptualised support for on-field rehabilitation (OFR) decision-making. It is still unknown, however, who is responsible for OFR and how they typically select, monitor, and progress OFR processes. AIMS The purpose of this study was to investigate current OFR practice within English professional football to support practitioners with decision-making and highlight opportunities for future research related to the design, monitoring, and progression of OFR. METHODS Sixty-nine practitioners responsible for the design and implementation of OFR at 69 clubs (75% of the English Premier League and Football League) responded to a survey containing 30 questions (14 open and 16 closed). RESULTS The main findings were that therapists (physiotherapists/sports therapists) have the largest influence on OFR, followed by physical performance coaches (sports scientists/strength and conditioning coaches), technical coaches and medical doctors. There was more agreement for the ordering of specific OFR drills earlier in the process when activities are easier to control. The most frequently reported objective monitoring tool was global positioning systems (GPS), with functional/clinical experience/expertise remaining subjectively vital. GPS outputs (e.g., sprint metrics and accelerations/decelerations) were most used for between session decision-making, with verbal communication being key for within session decision-making. CONCLUSION Future research should use evidence of current practice, such as drill design and monitoring techniques, to explore drill-level analysis and give practitioners greater insights into which stage of current OFR frameworks specific drills fall, and how they might be more objectively progressed/regressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Armitage
- School of Health and Sports Sciences, University of Suffolk, Ipswich, UK
- Faculty of Sport, Applied Health and Science, St Mary's University Twickenham, London, UK
- Performance Services Department, Ipswich Town Football Club, Ipswich, UK
| | - Stuart A McErlain-Naylor
- School of Health and Sports Sciences, University of Suffolk, Ipswich, UK
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Gavin Devereux
- School of Health and Sports Sciences, University of Suffolk, Ipswich, UK
| | - Marco Beato
- School of Health and Sports Sciences, University of Suffolk, Ipswich, UK
| | - John Iga
- Performance Services Department, Norwich City Football Club, Norwich, UK
| | - Allistair McRobert
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Simon Roberts
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Matt Buckthorpe
- Faculty of Sport, Applied Health and Science, St Mary's University Twickenham, London, UK
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Stathas I, Kalliakmanis A, Kekelekis A, Danassi Afentaki D, Tsepis E, Fousekis K. Effectiveness of an On-Field Rehabilitation framework for return to sports in injured male professional football players: a single-blinded, prospective, randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2024; 10:e001849. [PMID: 38268525 PMCID: PMC10806762 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2023-001849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives In football, on-field rehabilitation (OFR) is critical during injury recovery for a player's safe return to sports (RTS). The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an OFR framework for RTS in injured male professional football players. Trial design A prospective block-randomised controlled-parallel trial was conducted (level of evidence 1b). Methods Male professional football players (mean age, 26.3±3.6 years) from Greece diagnosed with an acute, lower limb musculoskeletal (MSK) injury (confirmed clinically and through imaging) participated in the study. During rehabilitation, the participants' OFR was guided by either the On-Field Rehabilitation (On FI.RE.) accelerated framework (experimental group) or a traditional OFR framework for a late injury recovery phase (comparison group). Between July 2021 and January 2022, 76 players were randomly allocated to the experimental group (n=38) and the comparison group (n=38). Participants were blinded during the study regarding intervention therapeutic protocols. The primary outcome measure was the effect of On FI.RE. framework on the time needed to return to team training (RTT) participation. The correlation between the time needed to return to on-field activity and RTT was calculated. Subsequent injuries were registered for a 12-month follow-up period. Results The intervention protocol, On FI.RE. framework, had a statistically significant effect on the time needed to RTT (F(1) = 49 626, p<0.001) with a large effect size (ES; η2=0.422) and fewer days (mean=23.8±9.1 days) needed than the comparison group (mean=30.3±9.8 days). There was a strong correlation between return to on-field activity and the time needed to RTT (r(76) = 0.901, p<0001) with a large ES (r>0.5). Six subsequent injuries were registered in the traditional OFR framework group, and one subsequent injury in the On FI.RE. framework group after a follow-up period of 12 months. Conclusion The On FI.RE., an accelerated OFR framework during injury recovery, is more effective than a traditional OFR framework, reducing the time a player needs to RTS. It entails a very low risk of reinjury. Trial registration number NCT05163470.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Stathas
- Physiotherapy Department, School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, Patra, Greece
- Head of Physiotherapy and rehabilitation department, OFI Crete FC, Herakleion, Crete, Greece
| | | | - Afxentios Kekelekis
- Laboratory of Neuromechanics, School of Physical Education and Sport Science at Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Elias Tsepis
- Physiotherapy Dept School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, Patra, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Fousekis
- Physiotherapy Department Therapeutic exercise and Sports Rehabilitation exercise laboratory, University of Patras, Patra, Greece
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Kryściak J, Tomczak M, Podgórski T, Chmura P, Konefał M, Chmura J, Maly T, Modric T, Andrzejewski M. Temporal changes in intensity and volume of external training loads during a 1 × 1 short-bout, small-sided games in elite youth soccer players. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17892. [PMID: 37857842 PMCID: PMC10587065 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45277-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Kryściak
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Poznań University of Physical Education, 61-871, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Maciej Tomczak
- Department of Psychology, Poznań University of Physical Education, 61-871, Poznan, Poland
| | - Tomasz Podgórski
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Poznań University of Physical Education, 61-871, Poznan, Poland
| | - Paweł Chmura
- Department of Team Games, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marek Konefał
- Department of Biological and Motor Sport Bases, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Jan Chmura
- Department of Biological and Motor Sport Bases, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Tomas Maly
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Toni Modric
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000, Split, Croatia
| | - Marcin Andrzejewski
- Department of Methodology of Recreation, Poznań University of Physical Education, 61-871, Poznan, Poland
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