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Grainger A, Kelly AL, Garland SW, Baker J, Johnston K, McAuley ABT. 'Athletes', 'Talents', and 'Players': Conceptual Distinctions and Considerations for Researchers and Practitioners. Sports Med 2024:10.1007/s40279-024-02101-5. [PMID: 39207610 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-024-02101-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
A clearer understanding of, and tighter boundaries between, terms are important for researchers designing studies as well as for other sport stakeholders creating evidence-informed policies. This article considers the terms 'athlete', 'talent', and 'player' from psychological and sociocultural perspectives and in different sporting communities to highlight the importance of terminological clarity in sport research. We present considerations to clarify the use of these terms within different contexts and how the use of specific terms may affect knowledge mobilization in diverse sporting populations. A conceptual discussion is provided to help operationalize development-related terminology and its associated stages, to better reflect contemporary academic thought, and enhance practical interpretations. Importantly, we also call for greater transparency from researchers when presenting findings and encourage practitioners to clearly define key terms when working in sport. Our intention in this paper is to energize readers to consider how we use language in athlete identification and development contexts, to stimulate deeper thought and discourse around the possible implications these terms may have at any point of an individual's development in sport. Greater deliberation, identification, and acknowledgment of the drawbacks accompanying these terms will be needed before more confident assertions can be made on how researchers and practitioners could (or even should) implement certain terminology across youth sport contexts moving forward. This paper adds to a growing literature on the importance of clarity in terminology and acts as an impetus for those working in specific sports to co-design key terms used by researchers, practitioners, and policy makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Grainger
- Kitman Labs, Dublin, Ireland.
- Institute of Sport and Health, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dubin 4, Ireland.
- Ulster Rugby, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
| | - Adam L Kelly
- Research for Athlete and Youth Sport Development (RAYSD) Lab, Centre for Life and Sport Sciences (CLaSS), College of Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Joseph Baker
- Tanenbaum Institute for Science in Sport, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kathryn Johnston
- Tanenbaum Institute for Science in Sport, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alexander B T McAuley
- Research for Athlete and Youth Sport Development (RAYSD) Lab, Centre for Life and Sport Sciences (CLaSS), College of Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
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McAuley ABT, Hughes DC, Tsaprouni LG, Varley I, Suraci B, Bradley B, Baker J, Herbert AJ, Kelly AL. Genetic Associations With Acceleration, Change of Direction, Jump Height, and Speed in English Academy Football Players. J Strength Cond Res 2024; 38:350-359. [PMID: 38258831 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004634] [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: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT McAuley, ABT, Hughes, DC, Tsaprouni, LG, Varley, I, Suraci, B, Bradley, B, Baker, J, Herbert, AJ, and Kelly, AL. Genetic associations with acceleration, change of direction, jump height, and speed in English academy football players. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): 350-359, 2024-High-intensity movements and explosive actions are commonly assessed during athlete development in football (soccer). Although many environmental factors underpin these power-orientated traits, research suggests that there is also a sizeable genetic component. Therefore, this study examined the association of 22 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with acceleration, change of direction, jump height, and speed in academy football players. One hundred and forty-nine, male, under-12 to under-23 football players from 4 English academies were examined. Subjects performed 5-, 10-, 20-, and 30-m sprints, countermovement jumps (CMJs), and the 5-0-5 agility test. Simple linear regression was used to analyze individual SNP associations, whereas both unweighted and weighted total genotype scores (TGS; TWGS) were computed to measure the combined influence of all SNPs. To control for multiple testing, a Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate of 0.05 was applied to all genotype model comparisons. In isolation, the GALNT13 (rs10196189) G allele and IL6 (rs1800795) G/G genotype were associated with faster (∼4%) 5-, 10-, and 20-m sprints and higher (∼16%) CMJs, respectively (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the TGS and TWGS significantly correlated with all performance assessments, explaining between 6 and 33% of the variance (p < 0.001). This study demonstrates that some genetic variants are associated with power-orientated phenotypes in youth football players and may add value toward a future polygenic profile of physical performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander B T McAuley
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - David C Hughes
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Loukia G Tsaprouni
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Varley
- Department of Sport Science, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Bruce Suraci
- Academy Coaching Department, AFC Bournemouth, Bournemouth, United Kingdom; and
| | - Ben Bradley
- Academy Coaching Department, AFC Bournemouth, Bournemouth, United Kingdom; and
| | - Joseph Baker
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adam J Herbert
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Adam L Kelly
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
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Kyles A, Oliver JL, Cahill MJ, Lloyd RS, Pedley J. Linear and Change of Direction Repeated Sprint Ability Tests: A Systematic Review. J Strength Cond Res 2023; 37:1703-1717. [PMID: 37494122 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Kyles, A, Oliver, JL, Cahill, MJ, Lloyd, RS, and Pedley, J. Linear and change of direction repeated sprint ability tests: a systematic review. J Strength Cond Res 37(8): 1703-1717, 2023-The ability to repeatedly sprint is important in many sports, but there is no established protocol for measuring repeated sprint ability (RSA). The purpose of this review was to identify overground RSA protocols previously reported in the literature and to recommend standardized protocols. A systematic review of the literature was used to identify studies that have used an RSA test, with data describing protocol design extracted. One hundred eight studies were included in the review, across which 47 unique protocols were identified. Eighteen protocols included at least one change of direction (COD), and this increased mean sprint time compared with linear RSA tests (7.26 ± 1.84 vs. 4.48 ± 1.02 seconds). There was considerable variability across protocols regarding sprint distance (20-40 m), sprint repetitions (3-15), recovery duration (10-60 seconds), recovery type (active vs. passive), and work-to-rest ratio (≤1:1.4-19.2). Separate protocols are needed for linear and COD tests, and these should reflect the brief nature of intense periods of competition and stress the ability to recover. Based on data across studies for protocol design and to ensure a demanding work-to-rest ratio, it is suggested that a linear RSA should comprise 6 × 30 m sprints separated by 15 seconds of active recovery. To provide some parity to linear tests, to keep work duration brief and to maintain a demanding work-to-rest ratio, a COD RSA should comprise 6 × 30 m shuttle sprints (15 + 15 m), providing one change of direction (180° COD), and maintaining a 15-second active recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Kyles
- Youth Physical Development Centre, School of Sport, Cardiff Metropolitan University, United Kingdom
- Donegal GAA Academy, Donegal Training Centre, Broadpath Convoy, Co. Donegal, Ireland
| | - Jon L Oliver
- Youth Physical Development Centre, School of Sport, Cardiff Metropolitan University, United Kingdom
- Sport Performance Research Institute New Zealand, AUT University, New Zealand
| | - Micheál J Cahill
- Youth Physical Development Centre, School of Sport, Cardiff Metropolitan University, United Kingdom
- Sport Performance Research Institute New Zealand, AUT University, New Zealand
- Athlete Training and Health, Plano, Texas; and
| | - Rhodri S Lloyd
- Youth Physical Development Centre, School of Sport, Cardiff Metropolitan University, United Kingdom
- Sport Performance Research Institute New Zealand, AUT University, New Zealand
- Centre for Sport Science and Human Performance, Waikato Institute of Technology, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Jason Pedley
- Youth Physical Development Centre, School of Sport, Cardiff Metropolitan University, United Kingdom
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McAuley ABT, Hughes DC, Tsaprouni LG, Varley I, Suraci B, Roos TR, Herbert AJ, Kelly AL. The association of the ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D polymorphisms with athlete status in football: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Sports Sci 2021; 39:200-211. [PMID: 32856541 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1812195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this review was to assess the association of ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D polymorphisms with athlete status in football and determine which allele and/or genotypes are most likely to influence this phenotype via a meta-analysis. A comprehensive search identified 17 ACTN3 and 19 ACE studies. Significant associations were shown between the presence of the ACTN3 R allele and professional footballer status (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.18-1.53) and the ACE D allele and youth footballers (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.01-1.38). More specifically, the ACTN3 RR genotype (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.23-1.77) and ACE DD genotype (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.02-1.63) exhibited the strongest associations, respectively. These findings may be explained by the association of the ACTN3 RR genotype and ACE DD genotype with power-orientated phenotypes and the relative contribution of power-orientated phenotypes to success in football. As such, the results of this review provide further evidence that individual genetic variation may contribute towards athlete status and can differentiate athletes of different competitive playing statuses in a homogenous team-sport cohort. Moreover, the ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D polymorphisms are likely (albeit relatively minor) contributing factors that influence athlete status in football.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander B T McAuley
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University , Birmingham, UK
| | - David C Hughes
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University , Birmingham, UK
| | - Loukia G Tsaprouni
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University , Birmingham, UK
| | - Ian Varley
- Department of Sport Science, Nottingham Trent University , Nottingham, UK
| | - Bruce Suraci
- Academy Coaching Department, AFC Bournemouth , Bournemouth, UK
| | - Thomas R Roos
- The International Academy of Sports Science and Technology (AISTS), University of Lausanne , Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Adam J Herbert
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University , Birmingham, UK
| | - Adam L Kelly
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University , Birmingham, UK
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McAuley ABT, Hughes DC, Tsaprouni LG, Varley I, Suraci B, Roos TR, Herbert AJ, Kelly AL. Genetic association research in football: A systematic review. Eur J Sport Sci 2020; 21:714-752. [PMID: 32466725 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2020.1776401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Genetic variation is responsible for a large amount of the inter-individual performance disparities seen in sport. As such, in the last ten years genetic association studies have become more common; with one of the most frequently researched sports being football. However, the progress and methodological rigour of genetic association research in football is yet to be evaluated. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to identify and evaluate all genetic association studies involving football players and outline where and how future research should be directed. Firstly, a systematic search was conducted in the Pubmed and SPORTDiscus databases, which identified 80 eligible studies. Progression analysis revealed that 103 distinct genes have been investigated across multiple disciplines; however, research has predominately focused on the association of the ACTN3 or ACE gene. Furthermore, 55% of the total studies have been published within the last four years; showcasing that genetic association research in football is increasing at a substantial rate. However, there are several methodological inconsistencies which hinder research implications, such as; inadequate description or omission of ethnicity and on-field positions. Furthermore, there is a limited amount of research on several key areas crucial to footballing performance, in particular; psychological related traits. Moving forward, improved research designs, larger sample sizes, and the utilisation of genome-wide and polygenic profiling approaches are recommended. Finally, we introduce the Football Gene Project, which aims to address several of these limitations and ultimately facilitate greater individualised athlete development within football.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander B T McAuley
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK.,Department of Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, City South Campus, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, B15 3TN, UK
| | - David C Hughes
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Loukia G Tsaprouni
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ian Varley
- Department of Sport Science, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Bruce Suraci
- Academy Coaching Department, AFC Bournemouth, Bournemouth, UK
| | - Thomas R Roos
- The International Academy of Sports Science and Technology (AISTS), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Adam J Herbert
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Adam L Kelly
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
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Borges PH, Costa JC, Silva LF, Gouvêa MA, Ronque ER. Relationship between body size variables and performance in repeated sprints test in young soccer players. ISOKINET EXERC SCI 2018. [DOI: 10.3233/ies-182160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paulo H. Borges
- Study and Research Group in Physical Activity and Exercise, Department of Physical Education, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
- Department of Physical Education, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Julio C. Costa
- Study and Research Group in Physical Activity and Exercise, Department of Physical Education, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Luiz F.R. Silva
- Study and Research Group in Physical Activity and Exercise, Department of Physical Education, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Marcio A. Gouvêa
- Study and Research Group in Physical Activity and Exercise, Department of Physical Education, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Enio R.V. Ronque
- Study and Research Group in Physical Activity and Exercise, Department of Physical Education, State University of Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
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Rodríguez-Fernández A, Sánchez-Sánchez J, Ramirez-Campillo R, Rodríguez-Marroyo JA, Villa Vicente JG, Nakamura FY. Effects of short-term in-season break detraining on repeated-sprint ability and intermittent endurance according to initial performance of soccer player. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201111. [PMID: 30110374 PMCID: PMC6093601 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
To better understand the detraining effects in soccer, the purpose of the study was to analyse if performance level of soccer players modulate repeated-sprint ability (RSA) and intermittent endurance changes during 2-weeks of detraining (i.e., in-season break). Seventeen professional and sixteen young elite soccer players of two different teams performed, before and after 2-weeks of detraining, the RSA test and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, level 1 (YYIR1). Before detraining, professional players perform better (p < 0.05) RSA best time (RSAbest) than young players. A decrease (p < 0.05) in RSAbest, RSA total time (RSAtotal) and mean time (RSAmean) performance was observed in both teams, without changes in RSA fatigue index (Sdec). No significant changes in distance covered during YYIR1 was observed in any team. Before detraining, faster players from both teams (FG) (following the median split technique, soccer players with RSAbest ≤ 3.95 s) performed better (p < 0.01) in RSAtotal, RSAmean and RSAbest, but worse (p < 0.01) in Sdec. Although FG and the slower players (SG, RSAbest > 3.95 s) showed a worse (p < 0.05) RSAtotal, RSAbest and RSAmean performance after detraining (ES = 1.5, 1.4 and 2.9; ES = 0.6, 1.2 and 0.6; for FG and SG, respectively), the deterioration was greater in the FG for RSAbest (p < 0.05) and RSAtotal (ES = 1.46). After detraining, FG improved (p < 0.05) Sdec performance. In conclusion, a 2-week in-season break (detraining) period induced a worse RSA, with no effect on intermittent endurance in professional and elite young soccer players, with greater detrimental effects on RSAtotal and RSAbest in FG. In addition, Sdec does not seem to be sensitive to changes in RSA after a 2-week in-season break.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Rodríguez-Fernández
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Department of Physical Education and Sports, University of León, León, Spain
- Faculty of Physical Activity Sciences and Sports, University Isabel I, Burgos, Spain
- Unit Assessment and Planning of Sports Training, Faculty of Education, Pontifical University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Javier Sánchez-Sánchez
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Department of Physical Education and Sports, University of León, León, Spain
- Unit Assessment and Planning of Sports Training, Faculty of Education, Pontifical University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo
- Unit Assessment and Planning of Sports Training, Faculty of Education, Pontifical University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Physical Activity Sciences, Universidad de Los Lagos, Osorno, Chile
| | | | - José Gerardo Villa Vicente
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Department of Physical Education and Sports, University of León, León, Spain
- Unit Assessment and Planning of Sports Training, Faculty of Education, Pontifical University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Fabio Yuzo Nakamura
- Unit Assessment and Planning of Sports Training, Faculty of Education, Pontifical University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences “G. d´Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- The College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Alper Soydan
- Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tahir Hazir
- Division of Sport and Coaching, Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ali Ozkan
- School of Physical Education and Sport, Bartin University, Bartin, Turkey
| | - Ayse Kin-Isler
- Division of Sport and Coaching, Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Moura FA, Marche AL, Caetano FG, Torres RDS, Martins LEB, Cunha SA. Analysis of high-intensity efforts in brazilian professional soccer players. HUMAN MOVEMENT 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/humo-2017-0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractPurpose. The study aim was to characterize high-intensity efforts (HIEs) of soccer players. Methods. The HIE features were quantified according to playing positions, with the consideration of the moment of initial velocity increase, which precedes the velocity threshold. The total of 107 players of Brazilian first division championship were analysed with the automatic tracking method. HIE phase 1 began at the minimum local value and finished when the velocity reached 6.4 m/s. Phase 2 began immediately when the velocity exceeded 6.4 m/s and finished with the velocity lower than 6.4 m/s. Results. External defenders and forwards performed a greater (p < 0.01; d: 1.01-1.17) number of HIEs (40.0 ± 13.5 and 34.9 ± 6.6, respectively) than central defenders (26.6 ± 9.2). With respect to the distance covered and duration of phase 2, external defenders covered a greater (p < 0.01; d: 0.45-0.47) distance (13.5 ± 4.5 m) and spent more (p < 0.01; d: 0.24-0.26) time (1.8 ± 1.3 s) than central defenders (11.5 ± 4.3 m; 1.5 ± 1.2 s), forwards (11.4 ± 4.4 m; 1.5 ± 0.9 s), central midfielders (11.5 ± 4.4 m; 1.5 ± 1.2 s), and external midfielders (11.4 ± 4.6 m; 1.5 ± 1.1 s). Players performed a greater (p = 0.03; d: 2.29-5.17) number of HIEs with more than 120 s of recovery time compared with other time categories. Conclusions. The better characterization of HIE physical demands during soccer matches provides insights for coaches to plan a more specific physical training for professional players.
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La Monica MB, Fukuda DH, Beyer KS, Hoffman MW, Miramonti AA, Riffe JJ, Baker KM, Fragala MS, Hoffman JR, Stout JR. Altering Work to Rest Ratios Differentially Influences Fatigue Indices During Repeated Sprint Ability Testing. J Strength Cond Res 2016; 30:400-6. [DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000001122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Aldous JW, Akubat I, Chrismas BC, Watkins SL, Mauger AR, Midgley AW, Abt G, Taylor L. The Reliability and Validity of a Soccer-Specific Nonmotorised Treadmill Simulation (Intermittent Soccer Performance Test). J Strength Cond Res 2014; 28:1971-80. [DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000000310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Hůlka K, Bělka J, Cuberek R, Schneider O. Reliability of specific on-ice repeated-sprint ability test for ice-hockey players. ACTA GYMNICA 2014. [DOI: 10.5507/ag.2014.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Abstract
Repeated-sprint ability (RSA) is now well accepted as an important fitness component in team-sport performance. It is broadly described as the ability to perform repeated short (~3-4 s, 20-30 m) sprints with only brief (~10-30 s) recovery between bouts. Over the past 25 y a plethora of RSA tests have been trialed and reported in the literature. These range from a single set of ~6-10 short sprints, departing every 20-30 s, to team-sport game simulations involving repeating cycles of walk-jog-stride-sprint movements over 45-90 min. Such a wide range of RSA tests has not assisted the synthesis of research findings in this area, and questions remain regarding the optimal methods of training to best improve RSA. In addition, how RSA test scores relate to player "work rate," match performance, or both requires further investigation to improve the application of RSA testing and training to elite team-sport athletes.
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Turner A, Walker S, Stembridge M, Coneyworth P, Reed G, Birdsey L, Barter P, Moody J. A Testing Battery for the Assessment of Fitness in Soccer Players. Strength Cond J 2011. [DOI: 10.1519/ssc.0b013e31822fc80a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Seasonal monitoring of sprint and jump performance in a soccer youth academy. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2011; 6:264-75. [PMID: 21725111 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.6.2.264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the study was to longitudinally assess speed and jump performance characteristics of youth football players over a 3 y period. METHODS Two hundred players across five age squads (U12-U16) from an English Football League academy participated. Sprint performance (10 and 30 m) and countermovement jump height were assessed at 6 mo intervals. Pairwise analyses determined the level of change in performance between consecutive intervals. RESULTS Sprint performance changes tended to be greatest during the early teenage years, with observed changes exceeding the smallest worthwhile effect (1.0% for 10 and 30 m sprints). Changes in jump performance were above the smallest worthwhile effect of 1.8% for all but one interval. Large individual variability in the magnitude of change in sprint and jump performance, perhaps due to the confounding effect of growth and maturation, revealed few significant differences across the 6 mo intervals. Cumulative changes in performance demonstrated strong linear relationships, with a yearly rate of change of 6.9% for jump height, and 3.1 and 2.7% for 10 m and 30 m sprint time respectively. The magnitude of change in performance tended not to differ from one interval to another. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study may primarily be used to monitor and predict the rate of progression of youth football players. In addition, these results may be used as a benchmark to evaluate the effectiveness of a current training program.
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Cipryan L, Gajda V. The influence of aerobic power on repeated anaerobic exercise in junior soccer players. J Hum Kinet 2011; 28:63-71. [PMID: 23487409 PMCID: PMC3592095 DOI: 10.2478/v10078-011-0023-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The main purpose of the present study is to investigate the relationship between anaerobic power achieved in repeated anaerobic exercise and aerobic power. The study group consisted of 40 soccer players (age 17.3 ± 1.36 years). All participants performed 3 tests: a running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST), a graded treadmill test (GXT), and a multistage fitness test (20mPST). A statistically significant correlation was found among peak power in the GXT and the maximum (r = 0.365, p=0.02), minimum (r=0.334, p=0.035) and average (r=0.401, p=0.01) power in the RAST. No relationships were found between VO2max obtained from both aerobic tests and any performance indices in the RAST. A statistically significant correlation was found between the VO2max obtained from the spiroergometry examination (GXT) and the calculated VO2max of 20mPST (r=0.382, p=0.015). In conclusion, the level of VO2max does not influence the performance indices in the RAST in elite junior soccer players. It is possible that the modification of anaerobic test protocol or a more heterogeneous study group would influence the results. The estimation of the VO2max in the 20mPST is too inaccurate and should not replace the laboratory spiroergometry examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Cipryan
- Centre for Diagnostics of Human Movement, Department of Physical Education, Ostrava University
| | - Vojtech Gajda
- Centre for Diagnostics of Human Movement, Department of Physical Education, Ostrava University
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Walker S, Turner A. A One-Day Field Test Battery for the Assessment of Aerobic Capacity, Anaerobic Capacity, Speed, and Agility of Soccer Players. Strength Cond J 2009. [DOI: 10.1519/ssc.0b013e3181c22085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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