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Bakal DR, Hussain FS, Dzierzawski JT, Meyer DT, Dawson HE, Olufade OA. Gender-specific hip strength disparities correlate with injury patterns in NCAA men's and women's soccer players. PM R 2024; 16:347-355. [PMID: 38529764 DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.13150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) soccer athletes, men have higher rates of hip and groin strains, whereas women have higher rates of knee ligament injuries. Strength imbalances of the hip and thigh, specifically in agonist-antagonist muscles, are known risk factors for these injuries. OBJECTIVE To perform hip and thigh strength assessments in NCAA soccer players to evaluate for differences between genders and correlations with gender-specific injury patterns. DESIGN With a handheld dynamometer, weight-normalized isometric strength of six muscle groups (hip abductors, hip adductors, hip flexors, hip extensors, knee flexors, knee extensors) was calculated in NCAA soccer players. The strength ratio of each agonist-antagonist muscle was also calculated (hip abductors/adductors, hip flexors/extensors, knee extensors/flexors). PARTICIPANTS Thirty-six NCAA soccer players (18 men, 18 women) from a single NCAA Division III institution. INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Weight-normalized strength of six muscle groups and their agonist-antagonist strength ratios were compared between genders using linear mixed-effects models. RESULTS Compared with male players, female players had decreased weight-normalized strength for hip abduction (0.170 vs. 0.204, p = .012) and hip extension (0.172 vs. 0.211, p = .021). Otherwise, weight-normalized strength was similar between genders. When comparing agonist-antagonist strength ratios, there was a significant difference between female and male players for hip flexion:extension (1.70 vs. 1.35, p = .008), whereas the hip abduction: adduction ratio did not reach statistical significance (1.45 vs. 1.62, p = .080). CONCLUSIONS NCAA male and female soccer players had different hip strength profiles that fit their injury patterns. Male NCAA soccer players have higher rates of hip and groin strains, and men in the cohort had strength ratios that were deficient in the hip flexors and adductors compared with women. Female NCAA soccer players have higher rates of knee sprains and anterior cruciate ligament tears, and women in the cohort had strength ratios that were deficient in the hip abductors and extensors, which function to stabilize the knee. These strength disparities could be the focus of future gender-specific soccer injury prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Bakal
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of Sports Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Orthopedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Farah S Hussain
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Justin T Dzierzawski
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Daniel T Meyer
- Department of Orthopedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Holli E Dawson
- Department of Orthopedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Oluseun A Olufade
- Department of Orthopedics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Bakal DR, Friedrich TR, Keane G, White B, Roh EY. Team's average acute:chronic workload ratio correlates with injury risk in NCAA men's soccer team. PM R 2023; 15:1140-1149. [PMID: 36411734 DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.12923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research in multiple sports has shown that an individual's acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR) correlates with injury. However, tailoring team trainings to each individual's ACWR is technically challenging and has not been found to decrease injury risk. OBJECTIVE To establish a more feasible method of utilizing the ACWR for injury prevention in soccer. In a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men's soccer team, we assessed whether the team's average ACWR, as opposed to that of each individual, correlated with injuries sustained throughout the season. DESIGN Injury and workload data were retrospectively evaluated for all players (n = 23) of an NCAA men's soccer team during one 18-week season. Workload data for five global positioning system (GPS)-derived workload variables (total distance, high-speed distance, accelerations, player load, and average velocity) were used to calculate the team's average daily acute and chronic workloads (accumulated load for each variable during the past 3 and 28 days, respectively), and uncoupled ACWRs (acute workload divided by chronic workload for each variable). A retrospective cohort design was used to compare the team's workloads and ACWRs on days where ≥1 injury occurred versus days where zero injuries occurred using binary logistic regression models. RESULTS Trainings/games with injuries had higher acute workloads, lower chronic workloads, and higher ACWRs for all five workload variables. In multivariable analysis, risk factors for injury included a low chronic workload for total distance (odds ratio [OR] 7.23, p = .024) and an ACWR >1.4 for accelerations (OR 4.34, p = .029). CONCLUSIONS The team's injury risk was greater with low distance accumulation during the chronic period and with an elevated ACWR for accelerations. Future intervention-based studies aimed at using ACWR load-management principles as a method of decreasing injury risk in soccer can consider tracking the team's average values with the goal of maintaining a consistent chronic workload for total distance and avoiding elevations in the ACWR for accelerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Bakal
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of PM&R and Sports Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Redwood City, California, USA
| | - Tyler R Friedrich
- Olympic Sports Performance and Applied Sports Science, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Gerald Keane
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of PM&R and Sports Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Redwood City, California, USA
| | - Brian White
- Department of Sports Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Eugene Y Roh
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of PM&R and Sports Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Redwood City, California, USA
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Horan D, Kelly S, Hägglund M, Blake C, Roe M, Delahunt E. Players', Head Coaches', And Medical Personnels' Knowledge, Understandings and Perceptions of Injuries and Injury Prevention in Elite-Level Women's Football in Ireland. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2023; 9:64. [PMID: 37515647 PMCID: PMC10387024 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-023-00603-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To manage injuries effectively, players, head coaches, and medical personnel need to have excellent knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours in relation to the identification of risk factors for injuries, the implementation of injury prevention initiatives, as well as the implementation of effective injury management strategies. Understanding the injury context, whereby specific personal, environmental, and societal factors can influence the implementation of injury prevention initiatives and injury management strategies is critical to player welfare. To date, no qualitative research investigating the context of injuries, has been undertaken in elite-level women's football. The aim of our study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of players, head coaches, and medical personnel in the Irish Women's National League (WNL) to injury prevention and injury management. METHODS We used qualitative research methods to explore the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of players, head coaches, and medical personnel in the Irish WNL to injury prevention and injury management. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 17 players, 8 medical personnel, and 7 head coaches in the Irish WNL. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Our study is located within an interpretivist, constructivist research paradigm. RESULTS The participants had incomplete knowledge of common injuries in elite-level football, and many held beliefs about risk factors for injuries, such as menstrual cycle stage, which lacked evidence to support them. Jumping and landing exercises were commonly used to reduce the risk of injuries but evidence-based injury prevention exercises and programmes such as the Nordic hamstring curl, Copenhagen adduction exercise, and the FIFA 11+ were rarely mentioned. Overall, there was dissatisfaction amongst players with their medical care and strength and conditioning (S & C) support, with resultant inadequate communication between players, head coaches, and medical personnel. CONCLUSION Poor quality and availability of medical care and S & C support were considered to be a major obstacle in the effective implementation of injury risk reduction strategies and successful return-to-sport practices. More original research is required in elite-level women's football to explore injury risk factors, injury prevention initiatives, and contextual return-to-sport strategies, so that players, head coaches, and medical personnel can use evidence that is both up-to-date and specific to their environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Horan
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
- Department of Sport, Leisure & Childhood Studies, Munster Technological University, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Seamus Kelly
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Martin Hägglund
- Football Research Group, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Catherine Blake
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mark Roe
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eamonn Delahunt
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Institute for Sport and Health, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Maestro A, Varillas-Delgado D, Morencos E, Gutiérrez-Hellín J, Aguilar-Navarro M, Revuelta G, Del Coso J. Injury Incidence Increases after COVID-19 Infection: A Case Study with a Male Professional Football Team. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191610267. [PMID: 36011901 PMCID: PMC9407930 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: The SARS-CoV-2 virus disease has caused numerous changes in sports routines in the last two years, showing the influence on an increase in sports injuries. The aim of this study was to prospectively analyze the incidence and characteristics of injuries in male professional football players diagnosed with COVID-19 when they return to play after recovering from this illness. Methods: Injury characteristics of professional male football players were recorded for the 2020−2021 season following the international consensus statement from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). SARS-CoV-2 infection in the football players was certified by PCR analysis. Injury epidemiology was compared in players infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus before and after being diagnosed with COVID-19. Results: 14 players (53.8%) were diagnosed with COVID-19 during 2020−2021 season and 12 (46.2%) were not infected (controls). Only three (21.4%) had suffered an injury before being diagnosed with COVID-19. Eleven players (78.6%) had injuries after being diagnosed with COVID-19 (p < 0.001). Among the players diagnosed with COVID-19, injury incidence increased on their return to play after the infection (3.8 to 12.4 injuries/1000 h of exposure, p < 0.001). Additionally, injury incidence during training (10.6 vs. 5.1 injuries/1000 h of exposure, p < 0.001) and matches (56.3 vs. 17.6 injuries/1000 h of exposure, p < 0.001) was ~two-fold higher on return to play after COVID-19 compared to controls (33.4 vs. 17.6 injuries/1000 h of exposure, respectively, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Injury incidence in professional football players who had been infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus significantly increased compared to the injury rates that these same players had prior to the illness. Additionally, the injury incidence was higher when compared to players who were not infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the season, especially during matches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Maestro
- Faculty of Medicine, Oviedo University, 33003 Oviedo, Spain
- Hospital Begoña, 33204 Gijón, Spain
| | - David Varillas-Delgado
- Exercise and Sport Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, 28223 Pozuelo, Spain
| | - Esther Morencos
- Exercise and Sport Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, 28223 Pozuelo, Spain
| | - Jorge Gutiérrez-Hellín
- Exercise and Sport Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, 28223 Pozuelo, Spain
| | - Millán Aguilar-Navarro
- Exercise and Sport Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, 28223 Pozuelo, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Revuelta
- Clinica El Molinon, Centre for Advanced Medicine, 33203 Gijón, Spain
| | - Juan Del Coso
- Centre for Sport Studies, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28943 Fuenlabrada, Spain
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Xiao M, Lemos JL, Hwang CE, Sherman SL, Safran MR, Abrams GD. Increased Risk of ACL Injury for Female but Not Male Soccer Players on Artificial Turf Versus Natural Grass: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Orthop J Sports Med 2022; 10:23259671221114353. [PMID: 35990873 PMCID: PMC9382072 DOI: 10.1177/23259671221114353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Both natural grass (NG) and artificial turf (AT) are popular playing surfaces
for soccer. Biomechanical studies have found increased frictional forces on
AT that may lead to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The increased
risk of ACL injury during soccer in female participants may amplify this
effect. Purpose: To systematically review the literature for studies comparing ACL injury risk
in soccer players on AT versus NG and to specifically determine whether
there were differences in injury risk in male versus female players when
considering the playing surface. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A systematic review was performed using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Three databases were
searched for studies with evidence level 1 to 3 that compared the incidence
of ACL injuries on AT versus NG in soccer players. Data recorded included
study characteristics, sex, competition level, exposure setting (games or
practices), turf type, and ACL injury information. Study methodological
quality was analyzed using the methodological index for non-randomized
studies (MINORS) score, and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were
calculated. Results: Included were 7 articles (3 studying professional soccer, 3 collegiate
soccer, 1 youth-level soccer; 4 male cohorts, 2 female cohorts, and 1 male
and female cohort; mean MINORS score, 20 ± 0.8). Pooled ACL injury IRRs
demonstrated no significant differences in overall ACL injury risk when
playing soccer on AT compared with NG (IRR = 0.57 [95% CI, 0.21-1.53];
P = .31). A significantly increased risk of ACL injury
in games played on AT compared with NG was detected for female (IRR = 1.18
[95% CI, 1.05-1.31]; P = .004) but not for male players
(IRR = 1.18 [95% CI, 0.97-1.42]; P = .09). Subgroup
analyses showed no significant differences in injury risk for games (IRR =
1.07 [95% CI, 0.97-1.18]; P = .20) or practices (IRR = 0.21
[95% CI, 0.04-1.23]; P = .09). Conclusion: Findings indicated that female soccer players had a significantly higher risk
of ACL injury when playing games on AT versus NG, whereas no significant
difference was seen in male players. No differences were found for the
combined male/female cohort or for soccer games or training sessions played
on AT compared with NG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Xiao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jacie L Lemos
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Calvin E Hwang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Seth L Sherman
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Marc R Safran
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Geoffrey D Abrams
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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Costa JA, Rago V, Brito P, Figueiredo P, Sousa A, Abade E, Brito J. Training in women soccer players: A systematic review on training load monitoring. Front Psychol 2022; 13:943857. [PMID: 35967662 PMCID: PMC9372388 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.943857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The present systematic review aimed to provide an overview of training load (TL), along with their responses, monitoring during training sessions in highly trained and elite adult women soccer players. Data source Electronic databases searches (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Ebsco) for relevant studies published in peer-reviewed journals were conducted, and eligibility criteria were based on the PICOS model in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Study selection Studies were considered as follows: (a) highly trained and elite adult (>18 years) women's soccer players; (b) continuous (minimum 1-week duration) TL monitoring in the context of the team routine; (c) TL collected from entire training session. Methodological qualitative assessments and risk of bias criteria were used for judging the studies. Data extraction A total of 1,163 studies were identified, and 16 were included. The selected studies were fully screened to extract the population characteristics; the number of players; a type of study design; region where the study was performed; the main findings. Data synthesis Accumulated external TL (ETL) during the pre-season was positively correlated to enhanced adaptations in intermittent exercise capacity. Daily ETL was negatively correlated to next-day self-reported fatigue and muscle soreness. Daily internal TL (ITL) was negatively correlated to post-session sleep duration and sleep efficiency. One study showed that higher accumulated player load and total distance were associated with injury. Conclusion Information about TL during training sessions in women soccer players is very sparse, and it is currently very difficult to consider evidence-based practices for training sessions in highly trained and elite adult women soccer players. Moreover, the dose-response relationships between TL and training outcome (e.g., fatigue, training adaptations and injuries) need to be further explored to understand the optimal training stimulus to enhance performance outcomes while preserving player health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlio A. Costa
- Portugal Football School, Portuguese Football Federation, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Vincenzo Rago
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Sports, Universidade Europeia, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pedro Brito
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, University of Maia, Maia, Portugal
| | - Pedro Figueiredo
- Portugal Football School, Portuguese Football Federation, Oeiras, Portugal
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, Vila Real, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação em Desporto, Educação Física, Exercício e Saúde, Universidade Lusófona, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Sousa
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, University of Maia, Maia, Portugal
| | - Eduardo Abade
- Portugal Football School, Portuguese Football Federation, Oeiras, Portugal
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, University of Maia, Maia, Portugal
| | - João Brito
- Portugal Football School, Portuguese Football Federation, Oeiras, Portugal
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Kuttner NP, Llanes AC, Tummala SV, Brinkman JC, McQuivey KS, Hassebrock JD, Makovicka JL, Chhabra A. In National Collegiate Athletic Association Men’s and Women’s Soccer Athletes There Is a Low Rate of Lumbar Spine Injury, Women Suffer More Recurrent Injuries than Men, and Most Injuries Occur in the Preseason. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil 2022; 4:e705-e711. [PMID: 35494295 PMCID: PMC9042889 DOI: 10.1016/j.asmr.2021.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To use the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance Program (NCAA-ISP) from the 2009-2010 through the 2014-2015 seasons to report lumbar spine injury rates, characteristics, and time lost from sport in soccer players. Methods Characteristics of lumbar spine injuries by season, competition/practice, and time lost from sport were determined using the NCAA-ISP database. Rates of injury were calculated as the number of injuries divided by the number of athlete exposures (AEs). AEs are any athlete participation in a competition or practice. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated to compare rates between event types and time of season. Injury proportion ratios (IPRs) were used to evaluate differences in injury rates between men and women. Results The NCAA-ISP estimated 4,464 LSIs over 5 years. The rate of LSI in men was 2.1/10,000 AEs and 3.0/10,000 AEs in women. Women were 1.43 times more likely to suffer an LSI compared to men. Women were 2.15 times as likely to suffer an LSI in competition compared to in practice while men were 1.10 times as likely. Women were 2.15 times as likely to be injured in the preseason compared to the regular season, while men were 3.76 times as likely. Non-contact injuries were the most common cause of lumbar spine injuries (LSIs) in men (35%); however, contact injuries were more common in women (33%). Most athletes both male (57%) and female (59%) returned to play within 24 hours. Conclusion This study provides information on the characteristics of LSIs in NCAA soccer. The overall injury rate to the lumbar spine is relatively low. Injury rates are highest in the preseason and in competition. Women suffer from more recurrent LSI’s than men, and men acquired more injuries through non-contact mechanisms. More than one-half of athletes returned to sport within 24 hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas P. Kuttner
- Creighton University School of Medicine–Phoenix Regional Campus, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A
| | - Aaron C. Llanes
- The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A
| | - Sailesh V. Tummala
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A
| | - Joseph C. Brinkman
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A
| | - Kade S. McQuivey
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A
| | | | - Justin L. Makovicka
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A
| | - Anikar Chhabra
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A
- Address correspondence to Anikar Chhabra, M.D., Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic Arizona, 5881 E. Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ, 85054, U.S.A.
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Fernandes R, Brito JP, Vieira LHP, Martins AD, Clemente FM, Nobari H, Reis VM, Oliveira R. In-Season Internal Load and Wellness Variations in Professional Women Soccer Players: Comparisons between Playing Positions and Status. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:12817. [PMID: 34886543 PMCID: PMC8657164 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The internal intensity monitoring in soccer has been used more in recent years in men's football; however, in women's soccer, the existing literature is still scarce. The aims of this study were threefold: (a) to describe the weekly variations of training monotony, training strain and acute: chronic workload ratio through session Rated Perceived Exertion (s-RPE); (b) to describe weekly variations of Hooper Index [stress, fatigue, Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and sleep]; and (c) to compare those variations between playing positions and player status. Nineteen players (24.1 ± 2.7 years) from a Portuguese BPI League professional team participated in this study. All variables were collected in a 10-week in-season period with three training sessions and one match per week during the 2019/20 season. Considering the overall team, the results showed that there were some associations between Hooper Index categories and s-RPE like stress or fatigue (0.693, p < 0.01), stress or DOMS (0.593, p < 0.01), stress or s-RPE (-0.516, p < 0.05) and fatigue or DOMS (0.688, p < 0.01). There were no differences between all parameters in playing positions or player status. In conclusion, the study revealed that higher levels of fatigue and DOMS occur concurrently with better nights of sleep. Moreover, any in-season variations concerning internal load and perceived wellness seems independent of position or status in outfield players. The data also showed that the higher the players' reported stress, the lower the observed s-RPE, thus possibly indicating a mutual interference of experienced stress levels on the assimilation of training intensity by elite women soccer players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Fernandes
- Sports Science School of Rio Maior–Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal; (J.P.B.); (A.D.M.)
- Life Quality Research Centre, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal
- University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
| | - João Paulo Brito
- Sports Science School of Rio Maior–Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal; (J.P.B.); (A.D.M.)
- Life Quality Research Centre, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal
- Research Centre in Sport Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Luiz H. Palucci Vieira
- Graduate Program in Movement Sciences, MOVI-LAB Human Movement Research Laboratory, Physical Education Department, School of Sciences, UNESP São Paulo State University, Bauru 17033-360, Brazil;
| | - Alexandre Duarte Martins
- Sports Science School of Rio Maior–Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal; (J.P.B.); (A.D.M.)
- Life Quality Research Centre, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), Departamento de Desporto e Saúde, Escola de Saúde e Desenvolvimento Humano, Universidade de Évora, Largo dos Colegiais, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal
| | - 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
| | - Hadi Nobari
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, University of Granada, 18010 Granada, Spain;
- HEME Research Group, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil 56199-11367, Iran
- Sports Scientist, Sepahan Football Club, Isfahan 81887-78473, Iran
| | - Victor Machado Reis
- University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
- Research Centre in Sport Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Rafael Oliveira
- Sports Science School of Rio Maior–Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal; (J.P.B.); (A.D.M.)
- Life Quality Research Centre, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal
- Research Centre in Sport Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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