Prematch salivary secretory immunoglobulin a in soccer players from the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign

Does elite European match-play affect salivary immunoglobulin-A and cortisol in soccer players? The influence of playing status and match outcome

Introduction: The aims of this study were to: a) investigate salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) and cortisol (s-Cort) responses to nine competitive fixtures in starting and non- starting soccer players; and b) compare s-IgA and s-Cort responses of starters and non-starters considering match outcome. Methods: Saliva from 19 male outfield players from an elite soccer team (mean ± SD, age 26 ± 4 years; weight 80.5 ± 8.1 kg; height 1.83 ± 0.07 m; body-fat 10.8% ± 0.7%) was collected. Saliva samples were taken on the day before each match (MD-1), 60-min before kick-off (MDpre), 30-min post-match (MDpost), and 72-h post-match (MD+3). There were five wins, one draw and three losses. Results: The mean s-IgA value was found to be significantly lower at MD+3 compared to MDpre and MDpost. s-Cort was significantly higher at MDpost compared to MD-1 and MDpre. When compared to MDpre, a statistically significant decrease in s-Cort was observed at MD+3 compared to MDpost. Starters displayed higher s-Cort values across the nine matches. There was a significant group-by-time interaction for s-Cort. There was a significant increase in s-Cort levels at MDpost compared to MD-1 and from MDpre to MDpost in starting players. At MDpost, starters had significantly higher s-Cort values. s-IgA values of starting and non- starting players following successful and unsuccessful matches did not reveal a significant difference. However, similar analysis of s-Cort in successful matches showed a significant difference between starters and non-starters. s-IgA values at MD-1, MDpre, MDpost and MD+3 in starters and non-starters following successful and unsuccessful matches revealed significant differences at MDpre and MDpost in starters, respectively. Furthermore, s-Cort values at MD-1, MDpre, MDpost and MD+3 in starters and non-starters in successful and unsuccessful matches revealed significant differences at MD+3 in starting players. Discussion: The present study suggests that in elite level soccer players, both starting status and match outcome influence s-IgA and s-Cort responses, particularly starters. Specifically, s-IgA was lower for starters before and after the match following successful outcomes. Moreover, higher s-Cort values were found before the match while lower values occurred after the match for starters in successful matches.

The Immunological and Hormonal Responses to Competitive Match-Play in Elite Soccer Players

This study aimed to examine the salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) and salivary cortisol (s-Cort) responses to competitive matches in elite male soccer players. Data were collected for 19 players (mean ± SD, age: 26 ± 4 years; weight: 80.5 ± 8.1 kg; height: 1.83 ± 0.07 m; body-fat 10.8 ± 0.7%) from a Russian Premier League team throughout a 6-week period during the 2021-2022 season. Physical match loads were measured through an optical tracking system. s-IgA and s-Cort were assessed one day before each match (MD - 1), 60-min before kick-off, 30-min post-match, and 48-h post-match (MD + 2). At 60-min before kick-off, s-IgA values were lower than at MD - 1 (90% CI difference 15.7-71.3 μg/mL). Additionally, compared to 60-min before kick-off, s-IgA was higher at 30-min post-match (90% CI difference 1.8-57.8 μg/mL) and at MD + 2 (90% CI difference 5.4-60.5 μg/mL). At 30-min post-match, s-Cort was higher than at 60-min before kick-off (90% CI difference 4.84-7.86 ng/mL), while on MD + 2 s-Cort was higher than at 60-min before kick-off (90% CI difference 0.76-3.72 ng/mL). Mixed model regressions revealed that longer playing time and total distance covered, and higher number of high-intensity accelerations, involved smaller s-IgA differences between 30-min post-match and 60-min before kick-off, and between 60-min before kick-off and MD + 2. Additionally, greater high-intensity and sprint distances, and a higher number of high-intensity and maximal accelerations, involved smaller s-Cort differences between 60-min before kick-off and MD + 2. In conclusion, the present results demonstrate that using salivary monitoring combined with match load may be a useful tool to monitor individual mucosal immunity and hormonal responses to match-play and the subsequent recovery periods in elite soccer players.

Selected Immunoendocrine Measures for Monitoring Responses to Training and Match Load in Professional Association Football: A Review of the Evidence

Biomarkers relating to player “stress balance,” immunological (ie, immunoglobulin-A), and hormonal (ie, testosterone and cortisol [T:C]) status are now commonly used in football. This article is our critical review of the scientific literature relating to the response of these measures to player load and their relationships with player health. The commonly reported relationship between immunoglobulin-A and training or match load highlights its sensitivity to changes in psychophysiological stress and the increased risk of compromised mucosal immunity. This is supported by its close relationship with symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection and its association with perceived fatigue in football players. Testosterone and cortisol concentrations and the testosterone–cortisol ratio are sensitive to changes in player load, but the direction of their response is often inconsistent and is likely influenced by player training status and non-sport-related stressors. Some evidence indicates that sustained periods of high training volume can increase resting testosterone and that sustained periods of low and high training intensity can increase resting cortisol, compromising the testosterone–cortisol ratio. These findings are noteworthy, as recent findings indicate interrelationships between testosterone, cortisol, and testosterone:cortisol and perceived measures of fatigue, sleep quality, and muscle soreness in football players. Variability in individual responses suggests the need for a multivariate and individualized approach to player monitoring. Overall, we consider that there is sufficient evidence to support the use of salivary immunoglobulin-A, testosterone, cortisol, and testosterone:cortisol measures as part of a multivariate, individualized player monitoring system in professional football.

Summated training and match load predictors of salivary immunoglobulin-A, alpha-amylase, testosterone, cortisol and T:C profile changes in elite-level professional football players: A longitudinal analysis

We examined how summated training and match load measures relate to salivary immunological and hormonal profile changes in professional football players. Data were collected from 18 elite-level professional male football players from one English Championship team across a complete 40 wk competitive season. Daily training (micro-technology) and match (computerised tracking) measures of total, high-speed and high-metabolic load running distance and sprint, acceleration, deceleration and sRPE load were converted into exponentially weighted moving average "acute" (7d), "chronic" (28d) and acute:chronic composite load measures. Bi-weekly morning saliva samples were analysed for immunoglobulin-A, alpha-amylase, testosterone, cortisol and testosterone:cortisol. A two-stage data reduction technique using partial least squares modelling and a backward stepwise selection procedure determined the most parsimonious model for each salivary variable. Testosterone had non-linear relationships with chronic total (P = 0.015; Cohen's D: large), high-metabolic load (P = 0.001;small) and high-speed (P = 0.001;trivial) running distance and linear relationships with chronic sRPE (P = 0.002;moderate ↓) and acute:chronic high-speed running distance (P = 0.001; trivial ↑). Cortisol had a non-linear relationship with chronic high-speed running distance (P = 0.001;trivial). Testosterone:cortisol had non-linear relationships with chronic decelerations (P = 0.039;small) and chronic summated acceleration and deceleration load (P = 0.039;small). Non-linear relationships typically indicated optimal hormonal responses at squad mean loads. No load variables clearly related to salivary immunoglobulin-A or alpha-amylase changes. We conclude that chronic total and high-intensity load measures relate to hormonal changes and might be useful indicators of player readiness. Acute load variables were not related to immunological or hormonal changes and consequently, should not be used as surrogate measures of player readiness in isolation.

Relationship between Training Load Management and Immunoglobulin A to Avoid Immunosuppression after Soccer Training and Competition: A Theoretical Framework Based on COVID-19 for Athletes' Healthcare

Immunoglobulin A (IgA), which is the main effector against upper respiratory tract viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been related to training load management. The aim of this systematic review was to establish the relationship between training load and salivary IgA based on current evidence in order to avoid immunosuppression after exercise and players´ vulnerability to virus contagion. A systematic review of relevant articles was carried out using two electronic databases (PubMed and Web of Science) until 19 May 2021. From a total of 127 studies initially found, 23 were included in the qualitative synthesis. These studies were clustered depending on stress level. The salivary IgA was analysed considering soccer-specific treadmill exercise and repeated sprint drills (n = 5), matches (n = 7), and during certain periods during the season or pre-season (n = 11). Repeated sprint ability tests and treadmill exercises are suitable exercises for the first steps on return to play periods yet still maintain social distance. A rest or moderate training sessions (technical/tactical) are suggested after official matches to ensure 16-18 h to recover IgA levels, while periods with multiple matches per week with limited recovery time should be avoided. Weekly training load should assume a small increment (<10%) to ensure IgA immune responses, especially, during the post coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) season.

Salivary Immunoendocrine and Self-report Monitoring Profiles across an Elite-Level Professional Football Season

PURPOSE

This investigation examined the longitudinal changes and interrelationships of salivary and self-report monitoring measures across a professional football season.

METHODS

Measures were collected biweekly from 18 senior professional male players across a 6-wk preseason and eight 5-wk in-season mesocycles and analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model.

RESULTS

Analysis identified a small (P = 0.003) cross-season suppression of salivary immunoglobulin A, small reductions to salivary α-amylase (P = 0.047) and salivary cortisol (P = 0.007), and trivial changes to salivary testosterone (P > 0.05). The testosterone/cortisol ratio typically responded inversely to changes in player workload. Self-report measures of fatigue (P = 0.030), sleep quality (P = 0.003), and muscle soreness (P = 0.005) improved (ES = small) across the first half of the season. Fatigue and sleep measures were most consistently related to hormonal measures (R2 = 0.43-0.45). For these relationships, increases in cortisol were associated with compromised self-report responses, whereas increases in testosterone/cortisol were associated with improved responses. Nonlinear relationships were identified for fatigue with immunoglobulin A (P = 0.017; ES = trivial) and testosterone (P = 0.012; ES = trivial), for sleep quality with testosterone (P < 0.001; ES = trivial), for muscle soreness with testosterone (P = 0.012; ES = trivial), and for the self-report inventory sum with testosterone (P = 0.027; ES = trivial). For these relationships, self-report responses were optimal at mean immunoglobulin A and testosterone levels, and very low levels (-2 SD) exerted the most compromising effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Players can experience a chronic cross-season suppression of mucosal immunity. Salivary immunoglobulin A, testosterone, cortisol, and testosterone/cortisol measures relate to self-report measures of fatigue, sleep quality, and muscle soreness. In-season reductions in testosterone, cortisol, and testosterone/cortisol or increases in cortisol among elite football players could be used to indicate the need for reduced workload, which might lead to improved well-being.

Playing Non-Professional Football in COVID-19 Time: A Narrative Review of Recommendations, Considerations, and Best Practices

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020 resulted in widespread interruption of team sports training and competitions. Our aim was to review the recommendations and best practices in return to play in non-professional football after activity lockdown. The authors searched two electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science) to extract studies published before September 15 2020. Twenty studies explained recommendations, considerations, or best practices in return to play in football, and all of them were clustered into three groups: (1) training load management (n = 10), (2) medical recommendations (n = 9), and (3) recovery related issues (n = 5). The way to establish a progression in training process should be based on training load management and managing the number of stimuli per time. Following the studies, this training process should be divided into three phases: phase 1-physical distancing should be maintained; phases 2 and 3-group training should start. Medical considerations were clustered into different groups: general, pre- and post- training, during training, education, planning to return to competition, and suggestions for post confinement weeks. In particular, social issues, strict hygiene questions, and continuous PCR testing should be considered in return to play over football season. Finally, since a correlation has been found between high-intensive training loads and immunoglobulin A, nutritional and lifestyle recovery strategies should be performed. Moreover, since immunosuppression has been related to congested schedules (<72 h between matches), football federations should avoid this situation.

Subjective and Objective Responses to Two Rugby Sevens World Series Competitions

Fowler, PM, Murray, A, Farooq, A, Lumley, N, and Taylor, L. Subjective and objective responses to two rugby sevens world series competitions. J Strength Cond Res 33(4): 1043-1055, 2019-The purpose was to examine the utility of subjective and objective measures of player preparedness, interpreted at both group level and individual level, during 2 consecutive competitions of the World Rugby Sevens Series (WRSS). Subjective (sleep, energy, and muscle soreness ratings) and objective (heart rate [HR] at rest [HRREST] and in response to submaximal exercise [HREX]) measures were obtained from 16 male rugby 7s players from 1 team for 3 consecutive days (D1-3) at home (HOME) and on arrival at 4 tournament (T1-4) locations (T1-New Zealand; T2-USA; T3-Hong Kong; and T4-Tokyo) across 2 WRSS competitions (2 tournaments per competition) separated by 1 month. At a group level, energy ratings were significantly lower in T2 and T4 compared with HOME, and on D1 T2 compared with D1 T1 (p ≤ 0.05). Greatest variability in subjective ratings was observed during T1 and T3 at an individual level, particularly for sleep quality. Although at a group level HRREST and HREX significantly decreased in T1-4 compared with HOME (p ≤ 0.05), there was only a ∼50% agreement between the direction of change in HR indices at an individual level. Results from this study suggest that relocation between tournaments within WRSS competitions disrupts player preparedness measures to the largest degree. Hence, this period could be targeted by practitioners with appropriate recovery and/or sleep-promoting interventions or modulation of match-/training-load. Moreover, subjective rather than objective measures seem to be of greater use to inform player preparedness decision making, particularly at an individual level compared with a group level.

Transitioning from club to national teams: Training and match load profiles of international footballers

OBJECTIVES

To quantify and profile the training and match loads of international footballers as they transition from club-to-camp-to-tournament contexts during multiple international tournaments.

DESIGN

Retrospective single-cohort observational study.

METHODS

External (session duration and count) and internal (session Rating of Perceived Exertion [s-RPE]) load data of all outfield players from the same national team were compared between club, pre-tournament camp and initial tournament phases of 3 recent international competitions. Further, load profiles were compared between each phase based on the acute:chronic (A/C) ratio using a 7 to 21-day ratio.

RESULTS

Moderate-to-large effect sizes existed for increased number of sessions (ES=1.92; 90% CI: 1.56, 2.27) and s-RPE training load (ES=1.16; 0.84, 1.48) from club to camp. Conversely, transitioning from camp-to-tournament showed very large effects for decreased number of training sessions (ES=-3.17; -3.47, -2.86) and s-RPE training load (ES=-2.05; -2.35, -1.75), alongside increased number of matches (ES=1.87; 1.55, 2.18) and s-RPE match load (ES=1.57; 1.25, 1.89). Consequently, a moderate effect was evident for increased A/C ratio during the club-to-camp transition (ES=1.02; 0.70, 1.33), while a moderate decrease in the A/C ratio occurred during the tournament (ES=-0.76; -1.06, -0.46).

CONCLUSIONS

International footballers showed expected increased training load when entering into pre-tournament camps, predominately via increased number of training sessions. Subsequent reductions in training volume coincide with increased match volume, though total load decreases. Such profiles provide insight into load accumulation transitioning from club to national teams in international footballers.

Steroid hormones and psychological responses to soccer matches: Insights from a systematic review and meta-analysis

The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the perturbations in hormonal and psychological homeostasis in response to soccer match-play. These perturbations were explored according to match outcome (i.e., win versus loss), gender, type of contest (i.e., competitive versus non-competitive fixtures) and competitive level (i.e., novice versus high-level). The review was conducted according to the Population/Intervention or Exposure/Comparison/Outcome(s) (PICO) criteria and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Match outcome, type of contest and competitive levels were moderator variables in the examined steroid hormones responses to a soccer match-play. Different testosterone responses were seen between match winners (increase) and losers (decrease) when compared to pre-game or baseline values (p <0.05), whilst no changes could be detected for cortisol relative to match outcome in female soccer players. Males (Δ% = 6.26; ES = 0.28) demonstrated a marginally lower increase in testosterone levels when compared to females (Δ% = 49.16; ES = 1.00), though not statistically significant. Females (Δ% = 162.7; ES = 0.98) did not demonstrate elevated cortisol match response compared to males (Δ% = 34.60; ES = 1.20). Male novice soccer match-play increased cortisol levels compared to high-level soccer match-play (Q = 18.08, p<0.001). Competitive soccer matches increased cortisol levels compared to non-competitive fixtures (i.e., collegiate tournament). Additionally, competitive levels moderate the relationship between a soccer match and testosterone levels (p <0.001), regardless of gender differences. From the presented systematic review and meta-analysis it appears (1) cortisol changes are associated with cognitive anxiety in starter female soccer players, while (2) testosterone changes are associated with changes in mood state in females and social connectedness in male soccer players. This apparent psycho-physiological relationship may proffer the opportunity for targeted intervention(s) by practitioners to favorably influence performance and/or recovery agendas. Further mechanistic and/or applied evidence is required in this regard in addition to further data sets from females.

Respiratory inflammation and infections in high-performance athletes

Upper respiratory illness is the most common reason for non-injury-related presentation to a sports medicine clinic, accounting for 35-65% of illness presentations. Recurrent or persistent respiratory illness can have a negative impact on health and performance of athletes undertaking high levels of strenuous exercise. The cause of upper respiratory symptoms (URS) in athletes can be uncertain but the majority of cases are related to common respiratory viruses, viral reactivation, allergic responses to aeroallergens and exercise-related trauma to the integrity of respiratory epithelial membranes. Bacterial respiratory infections are uncommon in athletes. Undiagnosed or inappropriately treated asthma and/or allergy are common findings in clinical assessments of elite athletes experiencing recurrent URS. High-performance athletes with recurrent episodes of URS should undergo a thorough clinical assessment to exclude underlying treatable conditions of respiratory inflammation. Identifying athletes at risk of recurrent URS is important in order to prescribe preventative clinical, training and lifestyle strategies. Monitoring secretion rates and falling concentrations of salivary IgA can identify athletes at risk of URS. Therapeutic interventions are limited by the uncertainty of the underlying cause of inflammation. Topical anti-inflammatory sprays can be beneficial for some athletes. Dietary supplementation with bovine colostrum, probiotics and selected antioxidants can reduce the incidence or severity of URS in some athletes. Preliminary studies on athletes prone to URS indicate a genetic predisposition to a pro-inflammatory response and a dysregulated anti-inflammatory cytokine response to intense exercise as a possible mechanism of respiratory inflammation. This review focuses on respiratory infections and inflammation in elite/professional athletes.