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Craig TP, Maughan P, McArdle MP, Clark DR, Reid D. The Physical Progress of a Professional Scottish Soccer Academy Over a Ten-Year Period. Open Access J Sports Med 2024; 15:101-110. [PMID: 39157718 PMCID: PMC11328845 DOI: 10.2147/oajsm.s477808] [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] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Increases in high-intensity locomotor activity of match play have been recorded in elite soccer. This places an onus on academy practitioners to develop players for the future demands of the game. At an academy level, locomotor data are not available for analysis over a longitudinal period, and thus changes can only be assessed with physical attribute assessment. The aim of the present study is to establish if changes in physical capacity were observed in a professional Scottish soccer academy over a ten-year period. Methods A retrospective analysis was completed where linear mixed effect (LME) models were individually fitted to explain variation across each measure of physical capacity. Model selection was undertaken with likelihood ratio tests where the initial complex models were compared to simpler nested models to arrive at the final model by maximum likelihood. Results The main findings were that most recent players' sprint test data revealed a significant improvement in 5m, 10m and 20m sprint performance, greater increases in CMJ performance in older age groups, and greater increases in YYIR1 performance at U13 and U14. Most physical results showed increased performance with greater relative height and weight. Conclusion Players recruited more recently to academies are fitter than they were previously. Reference values within clubs that establish first team requirements will contribute to appropriate planning and implementation of training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas P Craig
- School of Health Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Patrick Maughan
- School of Health Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | - David R Clark
- School of Health Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Donald Reid
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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2
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Franceschi A, Robinson MA, Owens DJ, Brownlee T, Bampouras TM, Ferrari Bravo D, Enright K. Training loads and microcycle periodisation in Italian Serie A youth soccer players. J Sports Sci 2024; 42:1410-1420. [PMID: 39172819 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2024.2391648] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Microcycles are fundamental structures for training prescription and load management, helping to optimise training effects and performance. This study quantified external and internal loads of Italian Serie A youth soccer players across competitive weeks and their periodisation within microcycles. Data were collected from 90 players belonging to four age groups (under-19, -17, -16, -15) across a season. Methods of monitoring external [duration and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS)] and internal load [heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE)] were employed. Linear mixed models determined differences in training loads across age groups, training days and player positions. Under-19 and under-17 players trained five times per week, while younger players trained four times. Late-stage academy players (under-19 and -17) demonstrated higher weekly accumulated external and sRPE training load compared to their younger counterparts (p < 0.05 between groups). Weekly accumulated HR internal loads were higher in under-15 players (p < 0.05 between groups). Marked fluctuations of daily load were observed across microcycles in under-19 and under-17 groups (p < 0.05 between days). These findings highlight progressive increases in training load throughout the development pathway, with late-stage academy players training with higher frequency, volume and marked periodisation compared to younger players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Franceschi
- Sport Science and R&D Department, Juventus Football Club, Torino, Italy
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Mark A Robinson
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Daniel J Owens
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Thomas Brownlee
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Theodoros M Bampouras
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Kevin Enright
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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Douchet T, Paizis C, Carling C, Babault N. Influence of a Modified versus a Typical Microcycle Periodization on the Weekly External Loads and Match Day Readiness in Elite Academy Soccer Players. J Hum Kinet 2024; 93:133-144. [PMID: 39132417 PMCID: PMC11307180 DOI: 10.5114/jhk/182984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
A typical weekly periodization strategy in soccer positions the most demanding sessions four and three days before the match-day (MD-4/MD-3). However, a modified periodization strategy could intersperse the two most demanding sessions with a low-load training session. This study aimed to investigate the impact of these periodizations on external loads and MD readiness. Twenty academy players were tested. The modified weekly periodization strategy included a low-load training session between the two most demanding sessions, while the typical periodization implemented them consecutively. Players wore a GPS and rated their perceived exertion (RPE) during the most demanding sessions. Players were also tested using a CMJ, a 20-m sprint, the Illinois agility test (IAT), and the Hooper questionnaire on MD-4 to obtain baseline values (CONTROL) and on the match-day (TEST). CONTROL values were similar during experimental weeks. During the second most demanding session, players covered greater distances for the modified versus the typical periodization in the 20-25 km/h (306.3 ± 117.1 m vs. 223.5 ± 92.2 m, p < 0.05) and >25 km/h speed zones (89.5 ± 44.8 m vs. 67.2 ± 44.5 m, p < 0.05). On the MD, CMJ, 20-m sprint, and IAT performances were similar between both periodizations. However, 10-m time (1.89 ± 0.10 s vs. 1.92 ± 0.09 s, p < 0.05) and the Hooper index score (7.90 ± 2.14 a.u. vs. 9.50 ± 3.44 a.u., p < 0.05) were significantly lower during the modified periodization strategy. A decreased training load session positioned between the most demanding sessions may be of interest in elite academy soccer players as it can lead to increased weekly external loads and readiness on the MD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Douchet
- INSERM UMR1093-CAPS, Université de Bourgogne, UFR des Sciences du Sport, Dijon, France
- Centre d’Expertise de la Performance, Université de Bourgogne, UFR des Sciences du Sport, Dijon, France
- Dijon Football Côte d’Or (DFCO), Dijon, France
| | - Christos Paizis
- INSERM UMR1093-CAPS, Université de Bourgogne, UFR des Sciences du Sport, Dijon, France
- Centre d’Expertise de la Performance, Université de Bourgogne, UFR des Sciences du Sport, Dijon, France
| | - Christopher Carling
- Fédération Française de Football (FFF), Paris, France
- Laboratory Sport, Expertise and Performance (EA 7370), French Institute of Sport (INSEP), Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Babault
- INSERM UMR1093-CAPS, Université de Bourgogne, UFR des Sciences du Sport, Dijon, France
- Centre d’Expertise de la Performance, Université de Bourgogne, UFR des Sciences du Sport, Dijon, France
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Carpels T, Scobie N, Macfarlane NG, Kemi OJ. Mind the Gap: Comparison of External Load and Load Variation Between a Reserve Team in a 1-Game Week Microcycle and Its First Team in a 2-Game Week Microcycle Within an Elite Professional Soccer Club. J Strength Cond Res 2024; 38:e235-e242. [PMID: 38517476 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004734] [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: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Carpels, T, Scobie, N, Macfarlane, NG, and Kemi, OJ. Mind the gap: comparison of external load and load variation between a reserve team in a 1-game week microcycle and its first team in a 2-game week microcycle within an elite professional soccer club. J Strength Cond Res 38(5): e235-e242, 2024-The aim of this study was to quantify and compare weekly external load and within-week load variation of reserve team players (RES) in a 1-game week microcycle to first team players (FT) in a 2-game week microcycle within the same professional soccer club. External load data were collected between 2017 and 2020 for the following parameters: duration, total distance (TD), total high-speed distance (THSD; >19.8 km·h -1 ), high-speed distance (HSD; 19.8-25.2 km·h -1 ), sprint distance (SD; >25.2 km·h -1 ), number of sprints (number of efforts >25.2 km·h -1 ), number of high-speed efforts (number of HS efforts >19.8 km·h -1 ), meters per minute (m·min -1 ), and high-speed meters per minute (HS m·min -1 ). First team players were subcategorized into starters (ST) and nonstarters (NST). Intergroup differences in cumulative weekly load and weekly load patterns were statistically analyzed, whereas training monotony (TM) was quantified to assess intragroup, within-week, load variation. Reserve team players showed similar weekly loads to ST, apart from significant differences ( p < 0.005) in duration (8%), TD (21%), and HS efforts (16%). Similar to ST, RES showed greater values than NST ( p < 0.0005) for duration (10%), TD (9%), THSD (30%), HSD (26%), SD (45%), sprints (40%), and HS efforts (22%). Weekly patterns in RES were different from ST and NST ( p < 0.05). Training monotony was highest for NST for all parameters, apart from the number of sprints. Reserve team players need to be prepared to cope with cumulative weekly loads and the lack of recovery between games that ST face. However, when RES become NST, effective loading strategies need to be designed within the limits of 2-game week microcycles to ensure continuous development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Carpels
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; and
- Royal Antwerp Football Club, Performance Department, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nairn Scobie
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; and
| | - Niall G Macfarlane
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; and
| | - Ole J Kemi
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom; and
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Mannix P, Roberts SJ, Enright K, Littlewood M. Surveying the youth-to-senior transition landscape in Major League Soccer: a new frontier. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2023:1-9. [PMID: 37863851 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2023.2272605] [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] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE 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. METHODS 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. RESULTS The predominant aim for both reserve teams and academies in MLS is 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. CONCLUSION Similar to European soccer, the aim of MLS reserve teams and youth academies is to develop first team players for the club. However, 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Mannix
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
- High Performance Department, United States Soccer Federation, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Simon J Roberts
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
- Football Exchange, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kevin Enright
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
- Football Exchange, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Martin Littlewood
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
- Football Exchange, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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Martin-Garetxana I, Ciaurri J, Gil SM, Monasterio X, Ugarte A, Lekue JA, Larruskain J. What Are the Load and Wellness of Young Second-Team Football Players When Transitioning to the First Team? A Comparison of 2 Consecutive Preseasons. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2023:1-8. [PMID: 37105543 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2022-0324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the load and wellness of second-team academy football players during a first-team preseason with those of first-team players and those of their previous second-team preseason. METHODS Athletic Club's first- (n = 10) and second-team (n = 9) players were prospectively followed during the 2019-20 first- and second-team and 2020-21 first-team preseasons. Weekly external and internal loads and average wellness z-scores (fatigue, sleep quality, muscle soreness, stress, and mood) were compared between preseasons and teams. RESULTS While training together during the 2020-21 preseason, second-team players performed more decelerations <-3 m/s2 per week than first-team players (moderate effect size). For first-team players, there were only small differences between preseasons in external load, but session rating of perceived exertion was higher (moderate) and stress (moderate) and mood (large) z-scores were worse in 2020-21. For second-team players, more total distance (large), accelerations >3 m/s2 (large), and decelerations <-3 m/s2 (very large) were performed; total loading (moderate) and session rating of perceived exertion (moderate) were higher; and fatigue (very large) and stress (moderate) z-scores were worse during the 2020-21 first-team preseason compared to their previous second-team preseason. CONCLUSIONS Players transitioning from the second team faced higher external and internal loads, fatigue, and stress during the first-team preseason compared to the previous second-team preseason. Player development and monitoring plans appear necessary to manage the transition from the academy to the first team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imanol Martin-Garetxana
- Medical Services, Athletic Club, Lezama,Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa,Spain
| | - Jon Ciaurri
- Medical Services, Athletic Club, Lezama,Spain
| | - Susana M Gil
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa,Spain
| | - Xabier Monasterio
- Medical Services, Athletic Club, Lezama,Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa,Spain
| | | | - Jose A Lekue
- Medical Services, Athletic Club, Lezama,Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa,Spain
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7
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Altmann S, Ruf L, Neumann R, Härtel S, Woll A, Buchheit M. Assessing the usefulness of submaximal exercise heart rates for monitoring cardiorespiratory fitness changes in elite youth soccer players. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2022; 7:177-182. [PMID: 35350963 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2022.2060520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to assess the value of monitoring fitness in elite youth soccer players (U15 to U19 age groups) by analyzing the concomitant changes in heart rate at submaximal intensity (HR12km/h) and the velocity at a lactate concentration of 4 mmol/l (v4mmol/l). METHODS Players were tested by means of an incremental treadmill test on two occasions during the summer pre-season in two consecutive seasons. Based on data from a total of 170 test comparisons from the U15 (n = 48 test comparisons), U16 (n = 40 test comparisons), U17 (n = 46 test comparisons), and U19 (n = 36 test comparisons) age groups, the agreement between substantial changes in HR12km/h and v4mmol/l was analyzed using the threshold combination of HR12km/h = 4.5% and v4mmol/l = 6.0%. RESULTS Results revealed 2% full mismatches, 36% partial agreements, and 62% full agreements for the whole sample in terms of fitness change interpretation between both variables. The respective values for the U15 to U19 age groups ranged between 0% and 5% full mismatches, 28-44% partial agreements, and 56-68% full agreements with no meaningful differences between age groups. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our findings confirm the practical value of using HR12km/h to monitor fitness changes in elite youth soccer players when lactate sampling during incremental tests is not possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Altmann
- TSG ResearchLab gGmbH, Zuzenhausen, Germany
- Department for Performance Analysis, Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Ludwig Ruf
- TSG ResearchLab gGmbH, Zuzenhausen, Germany
- TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Zuzenhausen, Germany
| | - Rainer Neumann
- Department for Performance Analysis, Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
- Institute of Movement and Sport, University of Education Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | | | - Alexander Woll
- Department for Social and Health Sciences in Sport, Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Martin Buchheit
- HIITScience, Revelstoke, BC, Canada
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Kitman Labs, Performance Research Intelligence Initiative, Dublin, Ireland
- French National Institute of Sport (INSEP), Laboratory of Sport, Expertise and Performance (EA 7370), Paris, France
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Taberner M, Allen T, O'keefe J, Cohen DD. Contextual considerations using the 'control-chaos continuum' for return to sport in elite football - Part 1: Load planning. Phys Ther Sport 2021; 53:67-74. [PMID: 34839202 DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2021.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The 'control-chaos continnum' is an adaptable framework developed to guide the on-pitch rehabilitation process in elite football. One of the key objectives of the continuum is to progressively return players to their preinjury chronic running load, while incorporating the qualitative aspects of movement and cognitive stresses integral to competitive match-play. Whilst injury and player-specific considerations are key to an individualised rehabilitation approach, a host of contextual factors also play an important role in return to sport (RTS) planning. In this article, we highlight some key intrinsic and extrinsic contextual factors for the practitioner to consider in the RTS planning process to help mitigate reinjury risk upon a return to team training. While a return to chronic running load is generally a critical component of the framework, we highlight circumstances in elite football where it is a less relevant factor in RTS decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Taberner
- Performance and Medical Department, Orlando Magic Basketball Club, Orlando, USA; School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moore's University, Liverpool, UK.
| | - T Allen
- Arsenal Performance and Research Team, Arsenal Football Club, London, UK; Institute of Coaching and Performance, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK. https://twitter.com/tallen_5
| | - J O'keefe
- Academy Sports Science Department, Everton Football Club, Liverpool, UK. https://twitter.com/JasonOkeefe10
| | - D D Cohen
- Masira Research Institute, University of Santander (UDES), Bucaramanga, Colombia; Sports Science Center (CCD), Colombian Ministry of Sport (Mindeporte), Colombia. https://twitter.com/danielcohen1971
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Oliveira R, Brito JP, Moreno-Villanueva A, Nalha M, Rico-González M, Clemente FM. Reference Values for External and Internal Training Intensity Monitoring in Young Male Soccer Players: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:1567. [PMID: 34828613 PMCID: PMC8622615 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9111567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Training intensity monitoring is a daily practice in soccer which allows soccer academies to assess the efficacy of its developmental interventions and management strategies. The current systematic review's purpose is to: (1) identify and summarize studies that have examined external and internal training intensity monitoring, and to (2) provide references values for the main measures for young male soccer players. A systematic review of EBSCO, PubMed, Scielo, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. From the 2404 studies initially identified, 8 were fully reviewed, and their outcome measures were extracted and analyzed. From them, the following range intervals were found for training: rated perceived exertion (RPE) 2.3-6.3 au; session-RPE, 156-394 au; total distance, 3964.5-6500 m and; distance >18 km/h, 11.8-250 m. Additionally, a general tendency to decrease the intensity in the day before the match was Found. This study allowed to provide reference values of professional young male players for the main internal and external measures. All together, they can be used by coaches, their staff, or practitioners in order to better adjust training intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Oliveira
- Sports Science School of Rio Maior, Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, 2140-413 Rio Maior, Portugal; (J.P.B.); (M.N.)
- Research Center in Sport Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Life Quality Research Centre, 2140-413 Rio Maior, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Brito
- Sports Science School of Rio Maior, Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, 2140-413 Rio Maior, Portugal; (J.P.B.); (M.N.)
- Research Center in Sport Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Life Quality Research Centre, 2140-413 Rio Maior, Portugal
| | - Adrián Moreno-Villanueva
- Department of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, International Excellence Campus “Mare Nostrum”, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Murcia, 30720 San Javier, Spain;
| | - Matilde Nalha
- Sports Science School of Rio Maior, Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, 2140-413 Rio Maior, Portugal; (J.P.B.); (M.N.)
| | - Markel Rico-González
- Department of Didactics of Musical, Plastic and Corporal Expression, University of the Basque Country, UPV-EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain;
| | - Filipe Manuel Clemente
- Escola Superior Desporto e Lazer, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun’Álvares, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal;
- Instituto de Telecomunicações, Delegação da Covilhã, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
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Hamstring and Quadriceps Muscle Strength in Youth to Senior Elite Soccer: A Cross-Sectional Study Including 125 Players. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2021; 16:1538-1544. [PMID: 33887700 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2020-0713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Increasing age, high quadriceps strength, and low hamstring muscle strength are associated with hamstring strain injury in soccer. The authors investigated the age-related variation in maximal hamstring and quadriceps strength in male elite soccer players from under-13 (U-13) to the senior level. METHODS A total of 125 elite soccer players were included from a Danish professional soccer club and associated youth academy (first tier; U-13, n = 19; U-14, n = 16; U-15, n = 19; U-17, n = 24; U-19, n = 17; and senior, n = 30). Maximal voluntary isometric force was assessed for the hamstrings at 15° knee joint angle and for the quadriceps at 60° knee joint angle (0° = full extension) using an external-fixated handheld dynamometer. Hamstring-to-quadriceps strength (H:Q) ratio and hamstring and quadriceps maximal voluntary isometric force levels were compared across age groups (U-13 to senior). RESULTS Senior players showed 18% to 26% lower H:Q ratio compared with all younger age groups (P ≤ .026). Specific H:Q ratios (mean [95% confidence interval]) were as follows: senior, 0.45 (0.42-0.48); U-19, 0.61 (0.55-0.66); U-17, 0.56 (0.51-0.60); U-15, 0.59 (0.54-0.64); U-14, 0.54 (0.50-0.59); and U-13, 0.57 (0.51-0.62). Hamstring strength increased from U-13 to U-19 with a significant drop from U-19 to the senior level (P = .048), whereas quadriceps strength increased gradually from U-13 to senior level. CONCLUSION Elite senior soccer players demonstrate lower H:Q ratio compared with youth players, which is driven by lower hamstring strength at the senior level compared with the U-19 level combined with a higher quadriceps strength. This discrepancy in hamstring and quadriceps strength capacity may place senior-level players at increased risk of hamstring muscle strain injuries.
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11
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Coppalle S, Ravé G, Moran J, Salhi I, Abderrahman AB, Zouita S, Granacher U, Zouhal H. Internal and External Training Load in Under-19 versus Professional Soccer Players during the In-Season Period. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:E558. [PMID: 33440830 PMCID: PMC7826948 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18020558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the training load of a professional under-19 soccer team (U-19) to that of an elite adult team (EAT), from the same club, during the in-season period. Thirty-nine healthy soccer players were involved (EAT [n = 20]; U-19 [n = 19]) in the study which spanned four weeks. Training load (TL) was monitored as external TL, using a global positioning system (GPS), and internal TL, using a rating of perceived exertion (RPE). TL data were recorded after each training session. During soccer matches, players' RPEs were recorded. The internal TL was quantified daily by means of the session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE) using Borg's 0-10 scale. For GPS data, the selected running speed intensities (over 0.5 s time intervals) were 12-15.9 km/h; 16-19.9 km/h; 20-24.9 km/h; >25 km/h (sprint). Distances covered between 16 and 19.9 km/h, > 20 km/h and >25 km/h were significantly higher in U-19 compared to EAT over the course of the study (p = 0.023, d = 0.243, small; p = 0.016, d = 0.298, small; and p = 0.001, d = 0.564, small, respectively). EAT players performed significantly fewer sprints per week compared to U-19 players (p = 0.002, d = 0.526, small). RPE was significantly higher in U-19 compared to EAT (p = 0.001, d = 0.188, trivial). The external and internal measures of TL were significantly higher in the U-19 group compared to the EAT soccer players. In conclusion, the results obtained show that the training load is greater in U19 compared to EAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sullivan Coppalle
- Laboratoire Mouvement, Sport, Santé, University of Rennes, M2S—EA 1274, F-35000 Rennes, France;
- Stade Lavallois Mayenne Football Club, 53000 Laval, France;
| | - Guillaume Ravé
- Stade Lavallois Mayenne Football Club, 53000 Laval, France;
| | - Jason Moran
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester 62326, UK;
| | - Iyed Salhi
- ISSEP Ksar-Essaid, University of La Manouba, Tunis 2000, Tunisia; (I.S.); (A.B.A.); (S.Z.)
| | | | - Sghaeir Zouita
- ISSEP Ksar-Essaid, University of La Manouba, Tunis 2000, Tunisia; (I.S.); (A.B.A.); (S.Z.)
| | - Urs Granacher
- Division of Training and Movement Sciences, University of Potsdam, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Hassane Zouhal
- Laboratoire Mouvement, Sport, Santé, University of Rennes, M2S—EA 1274, F-35000 Rennes, France;
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