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Asimakidis ND, Mukandi IN, Beato M, Bishop C, Turner AN. Assessment of Strength and Power Capacities in Elite Male Soccer: A Systematic Review of Test Protocols Used in Practice and Research. Sports Med 2024:10.1007/s40279-024-02071-8. [PMID: 39026085 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-024-02071-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strength and power represent two crucial physical qualities for the attainment of a high level of performance considering the frequency and the importance of explosive actions occurring during elite soccer match-play. Evaluation of strength and power is a multifaceted concept involving a vast array of tests and outcome variables. Nevertheless, a comprehensive and systematic search of strength and power assessment procedures in elite soccer has yet to be undertaken. OBJECTIVES The aims of this systematic review were to: (1) identify the tests and outcome variables used to assess strength and power of elite male soccer players; (2) provide normative values for the most common tests of strength and power across different playing levels; and (3) report the reliability values of these strength and power tests. METHODS A systematic review of the academic databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science and OVID for studies published until August 2023 was conducted, following the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they: (1) were original research studies, published in a peer-reviewed journal, and written in English language; (2) had the primary aim to assess strength and/or power; (3) players were male and older than 17 years of age (i.e., mean age of the group); and (4) their playing level was defined as "professional", "international" or "elite". RESULTS Regarding strength testing, 115 studies and 29 different tests were identified. The three most frequent strength tests were the knee extensor isokinetic strength test (58 studies), the knee flexor isokinetic strength test (55 studies) and the Nordic hamstring strength test (13 studies). In terms of power testing, 127 studies with 31 different tests were included. The three most frequent power tests were the countermovement jump with hands fixed on hips (99 studies), the squat jump (48 studies) and the vertical jump with arm swing (29 studies). CONCLUSIONS The wide range of different tests and outcome variables identified in this systematic review highlights the large diversity in the employed testing procedures. The establishment of a hybrid testing approach, combining standardised and widely accepted tests for establishing normative standards and enabling comparisons across different contexts, with flexible context-specific testing batteries, has the potential to maximise the impact of testing information for practitioners. In addition, the limited reporting of reliability data across studies highlights the need for practitioners to establish their own reliability measure within their specific contexts, informing the selection of certain tests and outcome variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos D Asimakidis
- Faculty of Science and Technology, London Sport Institute, Middlesex University, The Burroughs, London, NW4 4BT, UK.
- Performance Department, Ipswich Town Football Club, Ipswich, UK.
| | - Irvin N Mukandi
- Faculty of Science and Technology, London Sport Institute, Middlesex University, The Burroughs, London, NW4 4BT, UK
- Performance Department, Ipswich Town Football Club, Ipswich, UK
| | - Marco Beato
- School of Health and Sports Sciences, University of Suffolk, Ipswich, UK
| | - Chris Bishop
- Faculty of Science and Technology, London Sport Institute, Middlesex University, The Burroughs, London, NW4 4BT, UK
| | - Anthony N Turner
- Faculty of Science and Technology, London Sport Institute, Middlesex University, The Burroughs, London, NW4 4BT, UK
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Asimakidis ND, Bishop CJ, Beato M, Mukandi IN, Kelly AL, Weldon A, Turner AN. A survey into the current fitness testing practices of elite male soccer practitioners: from assessment to communicating results. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1376047. [PMID: 38567112 PMCID: PMC10985349 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1376047] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
This study provides insight into the current fitness testing practices in elite male soccer. One hundred and two practitioners from professional soccer leagues across 24 countries completed an online survey comprising 29 questions, with five sections: a) background information, b) testing selection, c) testing implementation, d) data analysis, and e) data reporting. Frequency analysis was used to evaluate the responses to fixed response questions and thematic analysis was used for open-ended questions to generate clear and distinct themes. Strength (85%) and aerobic capacity (82%) represent the most frequently assessed physical qualities. Scientific literature (80%) is the most influential factor in testing selection and practitioners conduct fitness testing less frequently than their perceived ideal frequency per season (3.6 ± 2 vs. 4.5 ± 2). Time and competitive schedule were the greatest barriers to fitness testing administration. Practitioners mostly used a 'hybrid' approach (45%) to fitness testing, blending 'traditional' (i.e., a day dedicated to testing) and 'integrated' (i.e., testing within regular training sessions) methods. Microsoft Excel is the most used software for data analysis (95%) and visualization (79%). An equal use of the combination of best and mean scores of multiple trials (44%) and the best score (42%) was reported. Comparing a player's test performance with previous scores (89%) was the most common method for interpreting test results. However, only 38% considered measurement error. Digital displays and verbal feedback are the most common data reporting methods, with different data reporting processes for coaches and players. Practitioners can use data and findings from this study to inform their current testing practices and researchers to further identify areas for investigation, with the overarching aim of developing the field of fitness testing in elite male soccer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos D. Asimakidis
- Faculty of Science and Technology, London Sport Institute, Middlesex University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chris J. Bishop
- Faculty of Science and Technology, London Sport Institute, Middlesex University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Beato
- School of Health and Sports Sciences, University of Suffolk, Ipswich, United Kingdom
| | - Irvin N. Mukandi
- Faculty of Science and Technology, London Sport Institute, Middlesex University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adam L. Kelly
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Weldon
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony N. Turner
- Faculty of Science and Technology, London Sport Institute, Middlesex University, London, United Kingdom
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Norris R, Morrison S, Price A, Pulford S, Meira E, O'Neill S, Williams H, Maddox TW, Carter P, Oldershaw RA. Inline dynamometry provides reliable measurements of quadriceps strength in healthy and ACL-reconstructed individuals and is a valid substitute for isometric electromechanical dynamometry following ACL reconstruction. Knee 2024; 46:136-147. [PMID: 38142660 DOI: 10.1016/j.knee.2023.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quadriceps strength testing is recommended to guide rehabilitation and mitigate the risk of second injury following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Hand-held dynamometry is a practical alternative to electromechanical dynamometry but demonstrates insufficient reliability and criterion validity in healthy and ACL-reconstructed participants respectively. The purpose of this study is to investigate the reliability and concurrent validity of inline dynamometry for measuring quadriceps strength. The hypotheses are that intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) values will be >0.90 for reliability and concurrent validity. METHODS This was a cross sectional study using a within-participant, repeated measures design. Isometric quadriceps testing was performed at 60° knee flexion in 50 healthy and 52 ACL-reconstructed participants. Interrater reliability, intrarater reliability, and concurrent validity of inline dynamometry was investigated through calculation of ICCs, Bland-Altman analysis, linear regression, standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC). RESULTS The lower bounds of the 95% confidence intervals were >0.90 for all reliability and validity ICCs in healthy and ACL-reconstructed participants, except for intrarater reliability in healthy participants using absolute scores (ICC = 0.936 [95% CI 0.890-0.963]). In ACL-reconstructed participants, Bland-Altman bias was 0.01 Nm/kg for absolute and average scores, limits of agreement were -11.74% to 12.59% for absolute scores, the SEM was 0.13Nm/kg (95% CI 0.10-0.17) and the MDC was 0.36Nm/kg (95% CI 0.28 - 0.47). CONCLUSION Inline dynamometry is a reliable and economical alternative to electromechanical dynamometry for the assessment of quadriceps strength following ACL-reconstruction. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05109871).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Norris
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Aintree University Hospital, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Lower Lane, Fazakerley, Liverpool L9 7AL, United Kingdom; Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Sciences, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool L7 8TX, United Kingdom.
| | - Scot Morrison
- Physio Praxis PLLC, University Place, WA, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Piazzale Ludovico Antonio Scuro 10, 37124 Verona, Italy
| | - Alan Price
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Aintree University Hospital, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Lower Lane, Fazakerley, Liverpool L9 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Sian Pulford
- Department of Medical Therapy and Support Services, Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospital NHS Trust, Thomas Dr, Liverpool L14 3LB, United Kingdom
| | - Erik Meira
- Physical Therapy Science Communication Group, Happy Valley, Oregon, USA
| | - Seth O'Neill
- School of Healthcare, Life Sciences, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, United Kingdom
| | - Huw Williams
- Department of Medical Therapy and Support Services, Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospital NHS Trust, Thomas Dr, Liverpool L14 3LB, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas W Maddox
- Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Sciences, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool L7 8TX, United Kingdom; Small Animal Teaching Hospital, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Wirral CH64 7TE, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Carter
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Aintree University Hospital, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Lower Lane, Fazakerley, Liverpool L9 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel A Oldershaw
- Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Sciences, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool L7 8TX, United Kingdom; MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA), Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool L7 8TX, United Kingdom
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Taberner M, Spencer N, Murphy B, Antflick J, Cohen DD. Progressing On-Court Rehabilitation After Injury: The Control-Chaos Continuum Adapted to Basketball. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2023; 53:498–509. [PMID: 37555664 DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2023.11981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sport-specific training is an integral component of returning to sport following injury. Frameworks designed to guide sport-specific rehabilitation need to integrate and adapt to the specific context of elite sport. The control-chaos continuum (CCC) is a flexible framework originally designed for on-pitch rehabilitation in elite football (soccer). The concepts underpinning the CCC transfer to other elite sport rehabilitation environments. CLINICAL QUESTION: How can practitioners and clinicians transfer the CCC to elite basketball, to support planning and return to sport? On-court rehabilitation is a critical sport-specific rehabilitation component of return to sport, yet there are no frameworks to guide practitioners when planning and delivering on-court rehabilitation. KEY RESULTS: Based on our experience working in the National Basketball Association, we report how the CCC framework can apply to elite basketball. We focus on the design and delivery of progressive training in the presence of injury in this basketball-specific edition of the CCC. Given the challenges when quantifying "load" in basketball, we encourage practitioners and clinicians to consider the qualitative aspects of performance such as skill, sport-specific movement, contact, and decision making. CLINICAL APPLICATION: The 5-phase framework describes training progression from high control, a return to on-court running, to high chaos, a return to "live" unrestricted basketball. The model can be adapted to both short- and long-term injuries based on injury and progression criteria. Strength and power "diagnostics" can be strategically implemented to enhance decision making throughout the return to sport continuum. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2023;53(9):1-12. Epub: 9 August 2023. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.11981.
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