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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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Sansone P, Gasperi L, Gomez-Ruano M, Tessitore A. The influence of physical fitness qualities, individual characteristics and contextual factors on youth basketball players' perceived exertion and recovery responses to official games. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2024; 64:609-614. [PMID: 38916083 DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.24.16026-4] [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: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examined the influence of physical fitness qualities, individual characteristics, and contextual factors on perceived exertion and recovery responses to official games in youth basketball players. METHODS Twenty-six males (age: 15.8±1.2 years; 12 guards, 9 forwards, and 5 centers) and 7 females (age: 16.1±0.9 years; 3 guards, 4 forwards) were monitored for an entire basketball season (N.=635 observations). Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery (level 1) and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests were administered, with players categorized as high and low Yo-Yo and CMJ groups according to test results. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected after each official game. Before the game and the day after, the Total Quality of Recovery (scores) were collected, and the difference between post- and pregame TQR was calculated (TQRΔ). Separate linear mixed models evaluated the effects of sex (M; F), fitness qualities (high Yo-Yo; low Yo-Yo) (high CMJ; low CMJ), playing position (guard; forward; center), game outcome (won; loss) and game location (home; away). RESULTS Male players reported higher RPE (7.0±0.3) than females (5.5±0.4) (P=0.003, effect size [ES]: moderate). Players with high Yo-Yo performance also reported higher RPE (6.7±0.4) than low Yo-Yo (5.8±0.3) (P=0.049, ES: small). TQRΔ was higher in guards (-1.3±0.2) than forwards (-0.8±0.2) (P=0.041, ES: trivial), and lower after lost games (-0.8±0.2) compared to won games (-1.2±0.2) (P=0.002, ES: small). CONCLUSIONS In youth basketball, postgame perceived exertion and recovery responses are influenced by players' sex, intermittent endurance capacity, and game outcome. Current findings can help youth basketball practitioners to better understand their players' performances and perceptual responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Sansone
- Department of Human, Movement and Health Sciences, Foro Italico University of Rome, Rome, Italy -
- Research Center for High Performance Sport, Universidad Catolica de Murcia (UCAM), Murcia, Spain -
| | - Lorenzo Gasperi
- Faculty of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences, Polytechnic University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Gomez-Ruano
- Faculty of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences, Polytechnic University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Tessitore
- Department of Human, Movement and Health Sciences, Foro Italico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Baptista I, Winther AK, Johansen D, Pettersen SA. Analysis of peak locomotor demands in women's football-the influence of different epoch lengths. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303759. [PMID: 38781276 PMCID: PMC11115260 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The quantification of peak locomotor demands has been gathering researchers' attention in the past years. Regardless of the different methodological approaches used, the most selected epochs are between 1-, 3-, 5- and 15-minutes time windows. However, the selection of these time frames is frequently arbitrary. The aim of this study was to analyse the peak locomotor demands of short time epochs (15, 30, 45, and 60 seconds) in women's football, with special emphasis over the high-speed metrics. During two seasons, the match physical performance of 100 female football players was collected with Global Positioning System units (STATSports Apex). Peak locomotor demands for the selected variables were calculated by using a 1-second moving average approach. For statistical procedures, linear mixed modelling was used, with total distance, high-speed running distance (>16 km∙h-1), sprint distance (>20 km∙h-1), and acceleration and deceleration distance (±2.26 m∙s-2) considered as the dependent variables and the epoch lengths (15, 30, 45, and 60 seconds) considered as the independent variables. A novel finding was the high ratio observed in the 15 seconds epochs of high-speed running distance and sprint distance (77.6% and 91.3%, respectively). The results show that most peak high-speed demands within 60 seconds are completed within just 15 seconds. Thus, intensity-related variables, such as high-speed metrics, would be better contextualised and adapted into training practices if analysed in shorter epoch lengths (15-30 seconds), while longer periods might be used for volume-related metrics (i.e., total distance), depending on the purpose of the analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Baptista
- Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Faculty of Sport, Center of Research, Education, Innovation, and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreas K. Winther
- School of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Dag Johansen
- Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Svein Arne Pettersen
- School of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Galantine P, Sudlow A, Peyrot N, Vercruyssen F, Bélard C, Dalleau G, Duché P. Force-velocity profile in sprinting: sex effect. Eur J Appl Physiol 2023; 123:911-921. [PMID: 36595048 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-022-05121-z] [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: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The ability to produce muscle power during sprint acceleration is a major determinant of physical performance. The comparison of the force-velocity (F-v: theoretical maximal force, F0; velocity, v0 and maximal power output, Pmax) profile between men and women has attracted little attention. Most studies of sex differences have failed to apply a scaling ratio when reporting data. The present study investigated the sex effect on the F-v profile using an allometric model applied with body mass (BM), fat-free mass (FFM), fat-free mass of the lower limb (FFMLL), cross-sectional area (CSA) and leg length (LL) to mechanical parameters. Thirty students (15 men, 15 women) participated. Raw velocity-time data for three maximal 35 m sprints were measured with a radar. Mechanical parameters of the F-v relationship were calculated from the modelling of the velocity-time curve. When F0 and Pmax were allometrically scaled with BM (p = 0.538; ES = 0.23) and FFM (p = 0.176; ES = 0.51), there were no significant differences between men and women. However, when the allometric model was applied to Pmax with FFMLL (p = 0.015; ES = 0.52), F0 with CSA (p = 0.016; ES = 0.93) and v0 with LL (p ≤ 0.001; ES = 1.98) differences between men and women persisted. FFM explained 83% of the sex differences in the F-v profile (p ≤ 0.001). After applying an allometric model, sex differences in the F-v profile are explained by other factors than body dimensions (i.e., physiological qualitative differences).
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Galantine
- Impact de l'Activité Physique sur la Santé (IAPS-UR n°201723207F), Université de Toulon, Toulon, France
| | - Anthony Sudlow
- Impact de l'Activité Physique sur la Santé (IAPS-UR n°201723207F), Université de Toulon, Toulon, France
| | - Nicolas Peyrot
- Movement-Interactions-Performance, MIP, Université Le Mans, EA 4334, Le Mans, France
| | - Fabrice Vercruyssen
- Impact de l'Activité Physique sur la Santé (IAPS-UR n°201723207F), Université de Toulon, Toulon, France
| | - Chrystal Bélard
- Impact de l'Activité Physique sur la Santé (IAPS-UR n°201723207F), Université de Toulon, Toulon, France
| | - Georges Dalleau
- Laboratoire IRISSE-EA4075, Université de la Réunion, Le Tampon, La Réunion, France
| | - Pascale Duché
- Impact de l'Activité Physique sur la Santé (IAPS-UR n°201723207F), Université de Toulon, Toulon, France.
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Hostrup M, Bangsbo J. Performance Adaptations to Intensified Training in Top-Level Football. Sports Med 2023; 53:577-594. [PMID: 36380164 PMCID: PMC9667002 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-022-01791-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Because physical demands are surging in football (soccer, USA), clubs are more and more seeking players who have a high capacity to perform repeated intense exercise. High-intensity interval training (HIIT), comprising exercise performed at intensities near or exceeding the capacity of aerobic energy systems, effectively enhances the physical conditioning of players. But given that HIIT imposes high loads, it increases the risk of overload-associated match performance decline and injury. This makes some coaches inclined to conduct HIIT in the weeks leading up to the season and during the season. Therefore, the challenge is how to optimize and dose HIIT during these phases, as they can be decisive. Studies have highlighted the utility of conducting periods of intensified training to overcome the risk of overload while at the same time enhancing performance. During intensified training periods of typically a few weeks, intensity is increased by enlarging the amount of HIIT, for example, aerobic high-intensity training or speed endurance training, while volume at low-to-moderate intensity is significantly reduced. The outcome depends on training composition and prescription-most notably, intensity and duration of bouts and recovery. When work intervals are prescribed for a few minutes at intensities > 90% heart rate max (i.e., aerobic high-intensity training), then beneficial adaptations pertaining to aerobic power and capacity are apparent. But when work intervals are conducted at much higher intensities, as all-out efforts or sprinting of typically 10- to 40-s duration with longer recovery periods (i.e., speed endurance training), beneficial adaptations pertaining to anaerobic energy systems, ion handling, and fatigue resilience are commonly observed. In this review, we discuss the utility of conducting intensified training periods to enhance performance in elite football players during the late preparation phase and competitive season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Hostrup
- The August Krogh Section for Human Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, August Krogh Building 2nd Floor, Universitetsparken 13, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Jens Bangsbo
- The August Krogh Section for Human Physiology, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, August Krogh Building 2nd Floor, Universitetsparken 13, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Aiello F, Impellizzeri FM, Brown SJ, Serner A, McCall A. Injury-Inciting Activities in Male and Female Football Players: A Systematic Review. Sports Med 2023; 53:151-176. [PMID: 36315396 PMCID: PMC9807506 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-022-01753-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A comprehensive examination of the sport-specific activities performed around the time of injury is important to hypothesise injury mechanisms, develop prevention strategies, improve management, and inform future investigations. The aim of this systematic review is to summarise the current literature describing the activities performed around the time of injury in football (soccer). METHODS A systematic search was carried out in PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and OpenGrey. Studies were included if participants were football players aged > 13 years old and the activities performed at the time of injury were reported together with the total number of injuries. Risk of bias was assessed using an adapted version of checklists developed for prevalence studies. The activities reported by the studies were grouped to account for inconsistent reporting, and the proportion of each injury activity was calculated. Data were not meta-analysed due to high heterogeneity of methods and classification criteria. RESULTS We included 64 studies reporting on 56,740 injuries in total. ACL injures were analysed by 12 studies, ankle/foot and knee injuries were analysed by five studies, thigh injuries were analysed by four studies, hip/groin injuries were analysed by three studies, and hamstring injuries were analysed by two studies. Five studies analysed more than one type of injury and 38 studies did not specify the type of injuries analysed. Running and kicking were the predominant activities leading to thigh and hamstring injuries. Changing direction and kicking were the predominant activities leading to hip and groin injuries and duels were the predominant activities leading to ankle injuries. Duels and pressing seem the predominant activities leading to ACL injuries, while results for other knee and general injuries were inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS A qualitative summary of the activities performed at the time of injury has been reported. The results need to be interpreted carefully due to the risk of bias observed in the included studies. If we are to meaningfully progress our knowledge in this area, it is paramount that future research uses consistent methods to record and classify injuries and activities leading up to and performed at the time of injury. REGISTRATION The protocol of this systematic review was registered at the Open Science Framework ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/U96KV ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Aiello
- Arsenal Performance and Research Team, Arsenal Football Club, London, UK
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Franco M Impellizzeri
- Faculty of Health, Sport and Exercise Discipline Group, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Susan J Brown
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andreas Serner
- FIFA Medical, Fédération Internationale de Football Association, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alan McCall
- Arsenal Performance and Research Team, Arsenal Football Club, London, UK.
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK.
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Wang B. CORE STRENGTHENING IMPACT ON SOCCER TRAINING OF HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS. REV BRAS MED ESPORTE 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1517-8692202228062022_0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Introduction The strengthening of the CORE is one of the essential methods for physical conditioning on elite soccer players, but there are no analyses on the impact of this method on young players. Objective Analyze the strength training impact on the CORE in high school soccer players. Methods This article uses mathematical statistics to study the application of strengthening of the CORE in soccer training for athletes. Based on these results, the role and influence of CORE strengthening training on skills in collegiate soccer training are analyzed. Results After implementing CORE strengthening, both athletes’ fitness indicators and soccer skills were significantly improved. Conclusion Strengthening the CORE can improve players’ stability and balance and contribute to greater effectiveness in physical training. Evidence Level II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the result.
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Goulart KNO, Coimbra CC, Campos HO, Drummond LR, Ogando PHM, Brown G, Couto BP, Duffield R, Wanner SP. Fatigue and Recovery Time Course After Female Soccer Matches: A Systematic Review And Meta-analysis. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2022; 8:72. [PMID: 35657571 PMCID: PMC9166924 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-022-00466-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background This study aimed to analyze the extent of fatigue responses after female soccer matches and the ensuing recovery time course of performance, physiological, and perceptual responses. Methods Three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus) were searched in October 2020 and updated in November 2021. Studies were included when participants were female soccer players, regardless of their ability level. Further, the intervention was an official soccer match with performance, physiological, or perceptual parameters collected pre- and post-match (immediately, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, or 72 h-post).
Results A total of 26 studies (n = 465 players) were included for meta-analysis. Most performance parameters showed some immediate post-match reduction (effect size [ES] = − 0.72 to − 1.80), apart from countermovement jump (CMJ; ES = − 0.04). Reduced CMJ performance occurred at 12 h (ES = − 0.38) and 24 h (ES = − 0.42) and sprint at 48 h post-match (ES = − 0.75). Inflammatory and immunological parameters responded acutely with moderate-to-large increases (ES = 0.58–2.75) immediately post-match. Creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase alterations persisted at 72 h post-match (ES = 3.79 and 7.46, respectively). Small-to-moderate effects were observed for increased cortisol (ES = 0.75) and reduced testosterone/cortisol ratio (ES = -0.47) immediately post-match, while negligible to small effects existed for testosterone (ES = 0.14) and estradiol (ES = 0.34). Large effects were observed for perceptual variables, with increased fatigue (ES = 1.79) and reduced vigor (ES = − 0.97) at 12 h post-match, while muscle soreness was increased immediately post (ES = 1.63) and at 24 h post-match (ES = 1.00). Conclusions Acute fatigue exists following female soccer matches, and the performance, physiological, and perceptual parameters showed distinctive recovery timelines. Importantly, physical performance was recovered at 72 h post-match, whereas muscle damage markers were still increased at this time point. These timelines should be considered when planning training and match schedules. However, some caution should be advised given the small number of studies available on this population.
Registration The protocol for this systematic review was pre-registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, Registration Number: CRD42021237857). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40798-022-00466-3.
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Del Coso J, Rodas G, Buil MÁ, Sánchez-Sánchez J, López P, González-Ródenas J, Gasulla-Anglés P, López-Samanes Á, Hernández-Sánchez S, Iztueta A, Moreno-Pérez V. Association of the ACTN3 rs1815739 Polymorphism with Physical Performance and Injury Incidence in Professional Women Football Players. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13091635. [PMID: 36140803 PMCID: PMC9498709 DOI: 10.3390/genes13091635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The p.R577X polymorphism (rs1815739) in the ACTN3 gene causes individuals with the XX genotype to be deficient in functional α-actinin-3. Previous investigations have found that XX athletes are more prone to suffer non-contact muscle injuries, in comparison with RR and RX athletes who produce a functional α-actinin-3 in their fast-twitch fibers. This investigation aimed to determine the influence of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism on physical performance and injury incidence of players competing in the women’s Spanish first division of football (soccer). Using a cross-sectional experiment, football-specific performance and epidemiology of non-contact football-related injuries were recorded in a group of 191 professional football players. ACTN3 R577X genotype was obtained for each player using genomic DNA samples obtained through buccal swabs. A battery of physical tests, including a countermovement jump, a 20 m sprint test, the sit-and-reach test and ankle dorsiflexion, were performed during the preseason. Injury incidence and characteristics of non-contact injuries were obtained according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) statement for one season. From the study sample, 28.3% of players had the RR genotype, 52.9% had the RX genotype, and 18.8% had the XX genotype. Differences among genotypes were identified with one-way analysis of variance (numerical variables) or chi-square tests (categorical variables). Jump height (p = 0.087), sprint time (p = 0.210), sit-and-reach distance (p = 0.361), and dorsiflexion in the right (p = 0.550) and left ankle (p = 0.992) were similar in RR, RX, and XX football players. A total of 356 non-contact injuries were recorded in 144 football players while the remaining 47 did not sustain any non-contact injuries during the season. Injury incidence was 10.4 ± 8.6, 8.2 ± 5.7, and 8.9 ± 5.3 injuries per/1000 h of football exposure, without differences among genotypes (p = 0.222). Injury rates during training (from 3.6 ± 3.7 to 4.8 ± 2.1 injuries per/1000 h of training exposure, p = 0.100) and match (from 47.8 ± 9.5 to 54.1 ± 6.3 injuries per/1000 h of match exposure, p = 0.209) were also similar in RR, RX, and XX football players. The ACTN3 genotype did not affect the mode of onset, the time needed to return to play, the type of injury, or the distribution of body locations of the injuries. In summary, women football players with different genotypes of the p.R577X ACTN3 polymorphism had similar values of football-specific performance and injury incidence. From a practical perspective, the ACTN3 genotyping may not be useful to predict performance or injury incidence in professional women football players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Del Coso
- Centre for Sport Studies, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28943 Fuenlabrada, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Gil Rodas
- Medical Department & Barça Innovation Hub, Fútbol Club Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Buil
- Department of Sports Medicine, Levante Unión Deportiva, 46360 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Sports Medicine, IVRE—Institut Valencià de Recuperació Esportiva, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Pedro López
- Medical Department, Valencia Club de Fútbol, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | | | | | - Álvaro López-Samanes
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Sergio Hernández-Sánchez
- Center for Translational Research in Physiotherapy, Department of Pathology and Surgery, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Ane Iztueta
- Health and Performance Unit, Real Sociedad de Fútbol Sociedad Anónima Deportiva, 20160 Donostia, Spain
| | - Víctor Moreno-Pérez
- Center for Translational Research in Physiotherapy, Department of Pathology and Surgery, Miguel Hernandez University of Elche, 03202 Elche, Spain
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McCaskie CJ, Sim M, Newton RU, Heasman J, Rogalski B, Hart NH. Characterising lower-body musculoskeletal morphology and whole-body composition of elite female and male Australian Football players. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2022; 14:168. [PMID: 36068592 PMCID: PMC9450395 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-022-00561-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical demands and injury rates differ between elite female and male Australian Football (AF) players. To improve understanding of contributing physical factors to these differences, the purpose of this study was to investigate lower-body morphology and whole-body composition of elite footballers competing in the Australian Football League (AFL) and Australian Football League Women's (AFLW). METHODS Lower-body morphology and whole-body composition of 23 AFL players and 23 AFLW players were assessed using peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography and Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry at the beginning of pre-season. Differences between cohorts, with sub-analyses of kicking vs. support limbs, and experienced vs. inexperienced player status were assessed using two-sample independent t-tests. Magnitude of differences were assessed using Cohen's d effect sizes. RESULTS AFL players had greater absolute (p < 0.001; ES = 3.28) and relative (p < 0.001; ES = 2.29) whole body lean soft-tissue mass, with less absolute (p = 0.004; ES = 0.91) and relative (p < 0.001; ES = 2.29) fat mass than AFLW players. For AFLW players, no significant differences existed between kicking and support limbs with few differences observed between experienced and inexperienced players. CONCLUSIONS Greater emphasis on physical development in AFLW players may be required to enable increases in muscle mass and skeletal robustness, to ensure they can tolerate the loads of elite competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callum J McCaskie
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Perth, WA, 6027, Australia.
- West Coast Eagles Football Club, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - Marc Sim
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Perth, WA, 6027, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Robert U Newton
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Perth, WA, 6027, Australia
- Exercise Medicine Research Institute, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | | | - Nicolas H Hart
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Perth, WA, 6027, Australia
- Exercise Medicine Research Institute, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Science, Flinders University Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Zhang Y, Li D, Gómez-Ruano MÁ, Memmert D, Li C, Fu M. The effect of the video assistant referee (VAR) on referees' decisions at FIFA Women's World Cups. Front Psychol 2022; 13:984367. [PMID: 36033083 PMCID: PMC9413155 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.984367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Video assistant referee (VAR) has been implemented in women's football, aiming to improve referees' decision-making, but its impact has not yet been analyzed. This study intended to explore how the VAR affects refereeing decisions at Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Women's World Cup competitions. The sample includes all 52 matches played in the 2015 tournament before VAR was introduced and all 52 matches played in the 2019 competition where VAR was deployed. For each match, data on ten variables were collected: first half playing time, second half playing time, total playing time, penalties, offsides, fouls, goals, corner kicks, yellow cards, and red cards. The match variables were compared before and after VAR implementation using a Mann-Whitney U test, a Bayesian analysis, a generalized linear model, and a non-clinical magnitude-based inference. The results demonstrated that after VAR was introduced, playing time during the first half [p < 0.001, BF 10 = 547.05, Cohen's d = 1.06, 90%CI (0.71, 1.40)], the second half [p < 0.001, BF 10 = 57.09, Cohen's d = 0.91, 90%CI (0.57, 1.25)], and the entire match [p < 0.001, BF 10 = 1,120.39, Cohen's d = 1.33, 90%CI (0.97, 1.69)] increased significantly with moderate to large effect sizes, while the number of penalties, offsides, and fouls did not vary significantly neither did the number of goals, corner kicks, yellow cards, and red cards. This study has practical implications for professionals in terms of a better understanding of VAR's impact on elite women's football.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeqin Zhang
- China Football College, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Danyang Li
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Miguel-Ángel Gómez-Ruano
- Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences (INEF), Polytechnic University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Memmert
- Institute of Exercise Training and Sport Informatics, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Chunman Li
- China Football College, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Fu
- Institute of Physical Education and Training, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing, China
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12
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Predicting Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Female Soccer Players: The Basque Female Football Cohort Study. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2021; 17:90-97. [PMID: 34548420 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2020-0848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop gender-specific operational equations for prediction of cardiorespiratory fitness in female footballers. METHOD Forty-eight semiprofessional female footballers performed an intermittent progressive maximal running test for determination of fixed blood lactate concentration (FBLC) thresholds. Relationships between FBLC thresholds and the physiological responses to submaximal running were examined. Developed equations (n = 48) were compared with equations previously obtained in another investigation performed in males (n = 100). RESULTS Submaximal velocity associated with 90% maximal heart rate was related to FBLC thresholds (r = .76 to .79; P < .001). Predictive power (R2 = .82 to .94) of a single blood lactate concentration (BLC) sample measured at 10 or 11.5 km·h-1 was very high. A single BLC sample taken after a 5-minute running bout at 8.5 km·h-1 was related to FBLC thresholds (r = -.71; P < .001). No difference (P = .15) in the regression lines predicting FBLC thresholds from velocity associated with 90% maximal heart rate was observed between the female and male cohorts. However, regressions estimating FBLC thresholds by a single BLC sample were different (P = .002). CONCLUSIONS Velocity associated with 90% maximal heart rate was robustly related to FBLC thresholds and might serve for mass field testing independently of sex. BLC equations accurately predicted FBLC thresholds. However, these equations are gender-specific. This is the first study reporting operational equations to estimate the FBLC thresholds in female footballers. The use of these equations reduces the burden associated with cardiorespiratory testing. Further cross-validation studies are warranted to validate the proposed equations and establish them for mass field testing.
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13
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Pappalardo L, Rossi A, Natilli M, Cintia P. Explaining the difference between men's and women's football. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255407. [PMID: 34347829 PMCID: PMC8336886 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Women's football is gaining supporters and practitioners worldwide, raising questions about what the differences are with men's football. While the two sports are often compared based on the players' physical attributes, we analyze the spatio-temporal events during matches in the last World Cups to compare male and female teams based on their technical performance. We train an artificial intelligence model to recognize if a team is male or female based on variables that describe a match's playing intensity, accuracy, and performance quality. Our model accurately distinguishes between men's and women's football, revealing crucial technical differences, which we investigate through the extraction of explanations from the classifier's decisions. The differences between men's and women's football are rooted in play accuracy, the recovery time of ball possession, and the players' performance quality. Our methodology may help journalists and fans understand what makes women's football a distinct sport and coaches design tactics tailored to female teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Pappalardo
- Institute of Information Science and Technologies (ISTI), National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessio Rossi
- Department of Computer Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michela Natilli
- Department of Computer Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Cintia
- Department of Computer Science, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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14
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Höög S, Andersson EP. Sex and Age-Group Differences in Strength, Jump, Speed, Flexibility, and Endurance Performances of Swedish Elite Gymnasts Competing in TeamGym. Front Sports Act Living 2021; 3:653503. [PMID: 34056587 PMCID: PMC8158296 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2021.653503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To analyze sex and age group differences in strength, jump, speed, flexibility, and endurance performances of TeamGym athletes. Methods: A total of 91 Swedish elite gymnasts (junior female, n = 26, age = 15.4 y; senior female, n = 23, age = 20.0 y; junior male, n = 19, age = 15.6 y; senior male, n = 23, age = 20.6 y) participated in three testing sessions on three separate days. These were: (1) a series of flexibility tests for the lower- and upper-body; (2) strength tests for the lower- and upper-body; and (3) various types of jumps, a 20-m sprint-run, and a 3,000-m run test. Results: Males were 24% stronger in the back squat one-repetition maximum (relative to body mass) compared to females (P < 0.001, H g = 1.35). In the pull-ups and dips, 2.4 and 2.3 times more repetitions were completed by the males compared to the females (both P < 0.001, 0.70 ≤ R ≤ 0.77). However, females were similarly strong as males in the hanging sit-ups test (P = 0.724). The males jumped 29, 34, 33, and 17% higher in the squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJa), and drop jump (DJ), respectively, compared to the females (all P ≤ 0.002, 0.14 ≤η p 2 ≤ 0.60). In the 20-m sprint run, males were 4% faster than females (P < 0.001, R = 0.40). Moreover, the females had significantly better flexibility than the males in the trunk forward bending, front split, and side split tests (all P < 0.001, 0.24 ≤η p 2 ≤ 0.54). In the 3,000-m run test, males were 11% faster than females (P < 0.001,η p 2 ≤ 0.54). Compared to junior athletes, seniors performed better in the pull-ups, dips, SJ, CMJ, CMJa, and 20-m sprint-run tests (all P ≤ 0.012, 0.31 ≤ R ≤ 0.56, 0.16 ≤η p 2 ≤ 0.25), with separate within-sex age-group differences (i.e., juniors vs. seniors) that were significant for the males but not for the females in the SJ, CMJ, CMJa, and 20-m sprint-run tests (males: all P < 0.001, 0.67 ≤ R ≤ 0.69, 1.37 ≤ H g ≤ 2.01; females: all P = 0.298-732). Conclusions: Large sex and age-group differences were observed for most physical performance metrics with specific within-sex age-group differences only observed for male athletes, with male seniors performing better than juniors in the SJ, CMJ, CMJa, and 20-m sprint-run tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Höög
- Department of Health Sciences, Swedish Winter Sports Research Centre, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
| | - Erik P. Andersson
- Department of Health Sciences, Swedish Winter Sports Research Centre, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
- School of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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15
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Ruscello B, Esposito M, Fusco C, Ceccarelli C, Pomponi S, Filetti C, Pantanella L, Gabrielli P, D'ottavio S. Acute effects of two different initial heart rates on testing the repeated sprint ability in elite women soccer players. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2020; 60:527-535. [PMID: 32043343 DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.19.10311-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repeated sprint ability (RSA) in women's soccer is crucial to ensure high level of performance during the game. The aim of this study is to investigate the acute effects of two different initial heart rates intensities on fatigue when testing the RSA. METHODS Since there are many kinds of pre-match warming-ups, the heart rate reached at the end of two different warm-up protocols (~90 vs. ≈60% HRmax) as an indicator of internal load has been selected and the respective RSA performances were compared. RSA tests were performed by 19 elite women soccer players (age: 22.5±3.3 years, height 163.9±7.3 cm, body mass 54.3±6.4 kg, BMI 20.6±1.5 kg/m2) with two sets of ten shuttle-sprints (15+15 m) with a 1:3 exercise to rest ratio, in different days (randomized order) with different initial HR% (60% and 90% HRmax). In order to compare the different sprint performances a Fatigue Index (FI%) was computed; the blood lactate concentrations (BLa-) were measured before and after testing, to compare metabolic energy. RESULTS Significant differences among trials within each set (P<0.01) were found, as evidence of fatigue. Differences between sets were not found, (Factorial ANOVA 2x10; P>0.05). Although the BLa- after warm-up was higher between 90% vs. 60% HRmax (P<0.05), at the completion of RSA tests (after 3 minutes) the differences were considerably low and not significant (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study shows that, contrary to male soccer, the initial heart rates, induced by different modes of warming-up, do not affect the overall performance while testing RSA in women's soccer players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Ruscello
- Interdepartmental Center of Science and Culture of Sport, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy - .,School of Sports and Exercise Sciences, San Raffaele University, Rome, Italy - .,Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy -
| | - Mario Esposito
- Interdepartmental Center of Science and Culture of Sport, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Fusco
- Interdepartmental Center of Science and Culture of Sport, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Pomponi
- Interdepartmental Center of Science and Culture of Sport, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Laura Pantanella
- Interdepartmental Center of Science and Culture of Sport, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Gabrielli
- Interdepartmental Center of Science and Culture of Sport, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano D'ottavio
- Interdepartmental Center of Science and Culture of Sport, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy.,AS Roma Women Football Club, Rome, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
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16
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Contrasts in intermittent endurance performance and heart rate response between female and male soccer players of different playing levels. Biol Sport 2020; 36:323-331. [PMID: 31938003 PMCID: PMC6945050 DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2019.88755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study compared intermittent endurance performance and heart rate (HR) response, as well as their relationship, by sex and competitive level in soccer. A total of 68 outfield (18 elite and 16 sub-elite female, 17 elite and 17 sub-elite male) soccer players performed the Interval Shuttle Run Test (ISRT) with monitored HR. Sex and level effects were evaluated by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the relationships between parameters using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Female players presented lower performance (effect sizes [ES]: 2.12-4.71, p < 0.01) and higher submaximal HR during the ISRT (ES: 1.66-3.40, p < 0.01). Elite players showed higher performance and reduced submaximal HR compared with their sub-elite counterparts, with a large level effect only evident between the female groups (ES: 1.22-1.56, p < 0.01). The maximum and the HR recovery 1 min after the ISRT (HRR) did not differ among all groups (ES: 0.01-0.51, p ≥ 0.18). The HRR was slightly related to the test performance for all groups (r = 0.20, p = 0.12). Large to very large negative correlations were verified between HR at 6 and 9 min during the ISRT and the test performance for each group (r = -0.54 to -0.84, p ≤ 0.04). However, 16 (3 elite and 13 sub-elite) female players did not reach the 9th minute of the test. The gap between competitive levels among female soccer players is greater than that observed for male players in intermittent endurance performance and submaximal HR response. The HRR had only a minor impact on performance and was influenced neither by sex nor by level.
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17
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Höner O, Raabe J, Murr D, Leyhr D. Prognostic relevance of motor tests in elite girls’ soccer: a five-year prospective cohort study within the German talent promotion program. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2019.1609069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Höner
- Institute of Sports Science, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Johannes Raabe
- Institute of Sports Science, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Dennis Murr
- Institute of Sports Science, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Daniel Leyhr
- Institute of Sports Science, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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18
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Pedersen AV, Aksdal IM, Stalsberg R. Scaling Demands of Soccer According to Anthropometric and Physiological Sex Differences: A Fairer Comparison of Men's and Women's Soccer. Front Psychol 2019; 10:762. [PMID: 31024399 PMCID: PMC6465549 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spectators frequently harass female soccer players, and women’s soccer is frequently compared negatively to men’s soccer by writers who make the comparison without the backing of any data and without taking into account anthropometric and physiological differences between the sexes. This affects female soccer players’ self-confidence negatively and contributes to an undeservedly negative image of women’s soccer. In the present paper, we argue that most differences between men’s and women’s soccer can be explained by women having to adapt to rules and regulations that are suited for men and their physical attributes. Thus, games are much more demanding for women. Furthermore, we argue that if men had to play with a degree of adaptation similar to that which women do today, they would have to alter their style of play radically. As support for our argument, we scale game demands for male and female soccer players according to anthropometric and physiological differences in order to highlight the differences, and use these to predict what would be the most appropriate adaptations. Finally, we show that our predictions are largely supported by the scarce pool of comparable data across the sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arve Vorland Pedersen
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ingvild Merete Aksdal
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ragna Stalsberg
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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