Acute Effects of Foam Rolling vs. Vibration Foam Rolling on Blood Flow Parameters in Professional Soccer Players: A Randomized Crossover Design

ABSTRACT

Padrón-Cabo, A, Alonso-Calvete, A, Radzimiński, Ł, Rey, E, and Lorenzo-Martínez, M. Acute Effects of foam rolling vs. vibration foam rolling on blood flow parameters in professional soccer players: a randomized crossover design. J Strength Cond Res 38(11): 1885-1890, 2024-The study aimed to compare the effects of foam roller (FR) and vibration foam roller (VFR) on blood flow parameters, measured by Doppler ultrasonography in professional soccer players. A randomized crossover design was used, and 10 professional soccer players participated in 3 experimental sessions: FR, VFR, and a control condition (CC). The maximum velocity (MVel) and maximum volume (MVol) blood flow parameters were measured in the common femoral artery of the dominant leg at 5 different time points as follows: before (pre), immediately after (post 0'), 10 (post 10'), 20 (post 20'), and 30 minutes (post 30') after the intervention. Both FR and VFR involved two 45-second sets with 15-second rest between sets in the quadriceps and hamstring, while CC required sitting for 240 seconds. The FR condition showed a significant increase in MVel ( p < 0.01) at all time points after the intervention, and an increase in MVol ( p < 0.05) only at post 0' compared with pre. The VFR condition showed a significant ( p < 0.05) increase in MVel at post 0' and post 10' and an increase ( p < 0.05) in MVol at post 0' compared with pre. In comparison with CC, the FR and VFR conditions presented significantly ( p < 0.05) higher MVel values at post 0', post 10', post 20', and post 30' than CC. For both FR and VFR conditions, the MVol not only revealed a significant ( p < 0.05) increase at post 0' but also at post 10' for VFR compared with CC. In summary, the FR and VFR interventions demonstrated a similar increase in blood flow parameters, suggesting that both strategies may accelerate physiological recovery in elite soccer players.

Effect of repeated sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation on subjective and objective measures of recovery and performance in soccer players following a soccer match simulation

We investigated the effect of repeated sessions of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) on subjective and objective measures of recovery, cognitive and sport-specific performance in professional soccer players following a soccer match simulation (SMS). Sixteen soccer players participated in this randomized, crossover, and sham-controlled study. They completed baseline assessments of well-being, total quality recovery (TQR), electromyographic activity (EMG) of the thigh muscles, countermovement jump (CMJ), and cognitive and Loughborough soccer passing test (LSPT) skills. Then, the participants engaged in an SMS routine (2 × 45 min, 15-min intervals). There was no significant difference in rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during the SMS in the anodal (17.25 ± 0.85) and sham (16.93 ± 0.92) conditions (p = 0.19). Following the SMS, the participants were randomized to receive three sessions of a-tDCS (2 mA, 20 min, +F3/-F4) targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) or sham immediately after, 24 h, and 48 h after the SMS. Finally, the same outcome measures were evaluated 24 and 48 h following the SMS. A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA showed that a-tDCS stimulation improved passing skills (decreased time to perform the LSPT and number of errors; all ps < 0.01; d = 0.56-2.9) and increased the feeling of well-being (p = 0.02; d = 2.8), with no effect on TQR, cognitive performance, CMJ performance, and EMG. Therefore, the results of the present study indicate, for the first time, that repeated a-tDCS could be used as an adjunct method to accelerate soccer players' well-being and technical performance recovery, particularly after congested matches and/or training sessions. These findings may also be applicable to other team sports with characteristics similar to soccer (e.g., futsal, handball, basketball, etc.).

Effects of far-infrared radiation lamp therapy on recovery from a simulated soccer-match in elite female soccer players

We investigated the effects of far-infrared radiation (FIR) lamp therapy on changes in muscle damage and performance parameters following six sets of 15-min Loughborough intermittent shuttle test (LIST), a simulated soccer match. Twenty-four elite female soccer players (20-24 y) were assigned into FIR or sham treatment group (n = 12/group). The participants received a 60-min FIR or sham treatment (30 min per muscle) over knee extensors (KE) and flexors (KF) at 2, 25, 49, 73, and 97 h post-LIST. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) torque and muscle soreness of the KE and KF, plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity as muscle damage markers, and several performance parameters including countermovement jump (CMJ) and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YYIR1) were measured before and 1, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h post-LIST. Changes in the measures were compared between groups by a mixed-design two-way ANOVA. The running distance covered during LIST and changes in the measures at 1-h post-LIST (before the treatment) were similar (p = 0.118-0.371) between groups. Changes in muscle damage markers at 24-120 h post-LIST were smaller (p < 0.05, η2 = 0.208-0.467) for the FIR (e.g., MVC-KE torque decrease at 48-h post-LIST: -1 ± 2%, peak KE soreness: 16 ± 10 mm, peak CK: 172 ± 42 IU/L) than sham group (-11 ± 9%, 33 ± 7 mm, 466 ± 220 IU/L, respectively). Performance parameters recovered faster (p < 0.05, η2 = 0.142-0.308) to baseline for the FIR (e.g., decreases at 48-h post-LIST; CMJ: 0 ± 1%, YYIR1: 0 ± 1%) than sham group (-6 ± 2%, -9 ± 6%, respectively). These results suggest that the FIR lamp therapy was effective for enhancing recovery from a soccer match.

Identifying the ideal weekly training load for in-game performance in an elite Brazilian soccer team

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the ideal training load to be applied during periods of fixture congestion to ensure an adequate dose-response effect for performance maintenance. Methods: Match performance data and corresponding pre-match training load sessions (both N = 498 match performance cases and training-block session cases) were collected (with the catapult system, VECTOR7) from 36 male professional soccer players (23.5 ± 5.2 years; 178 ± 4 cm; 75.5 ± 6.0 kg) belonging to the Brazilian First Division team during the 2022 season. The following data were collected in match and training sessions: jump, acceleration, deceleration, and change of direction (COD); running distance producing metabolic power at different intensities (>20, >20-35, >35-45, >45-55, and >55 W kg-1), total distance (m), relative distance (m/min), running distance at different speeds (>20, >25, and >30 km/h), number of sprints (running >25 km/h), and maximum speed (km/h). Mixed linear model (MLM), decision tree regression (DTR), and cluster K means model (SPSS v.26) approach were performed to identify the most critical variables (and their respective load) in the training sessions that could explain the athlete's match performance. Results: MLM and DTR regression show that training load significantly affects game performance in a specific way. According to the present data, an interference phenomenon can occur when a high load of two different skills (running in a straight line vs COD, deceleration, and jumping) is applied in the same training block of the week. The cluster approach, followed by a chi-squared test, identified significant associations between training load and athlete match performance in a dose-dependent manner. Discussion: The high load values described here have a beneficial effect on match performance, despite the interference between stimuli discussed above. We present a positive training load from a congested season from the Brazilian First Division team. The study suggests that an interference effect occurs when high physical training loads are applied to different specific physical skills throughout the season.

Determining the capacity for effort and recovery of the elite soccer players specialized in different playing positions

Background

The capacity for effort and recovery in performance sports can be increased by means of modern methodological strategies. This capacity to recover after intense matches and training helps to determine the performance in soccer. Using the Yumeiho technique will accelerate the exercise capacity recovery of the soccer players specialized in central zone positions.

Methods

The research was conducted with the C.S. Internațional Bălești team, formed of 16 players, aged 19-37 years, divided into two groups: experimental group A, n = 8 with central area players and control group B, n = 8 with players from side zones. Measurement and assessment tests: determining lactic acid level (LAC) in blood; 60 m sprinting speed motor test (ST); anaerobic lactic exercise; Gacon Test for evaluating the aerobic power; VO2max test; Dorgo Test for determining the individual recovery capacity; Sleep Quality and Efficiency Index (PSQI) and sleep duration. Means used in the recovery strategy: easy running, static stretching, cryotherapy; Yumeiho therapy was applied only to group A to accelerate the recovery.

Results

The anaerobic lactic capacity was evaluated by 60 m sprint test at the beginning and the end of the research. The results highlight the increase of the sprinting speed by 0.08 s in group A (p < 0.001). The aerobic capacity evaluated by means of Gacon Test in both groups shows the value 23.7%, namely a well-prepared level (p < 0.001). VO2max value in the soccer players of group A shows 87.5% good aerobic power, while the players of group B have 50% good aerobic power (p < 0.001). The concentration of LAC after exercise has a higher value in group A (p > 0.05). The level of recovery after exercise is improved in both groups, with larger differences in group A (very good level, p < 0.001). The PSQI grew by 20.37% in group A and by 11% in group B. The sleep duration increased in both groups (p < 0.001). The results of the correlation analysis in the soccer players of group A highlight strong connections of 14.8% while in group B the value is 12.5%.

Conclusion

The assessment of effort capacity in soccer players specialized in different playing positions at the beginning and the end of the research highlights the increase of the anaerobic lactic effort and aerobic effort. This assessment also shows the improvement of the individual recovery capacity. A higher PSQI and the increase of sleep duration in both groups, with greater differences of group A were found, which determined their level of capacity for effort and recovery. The use of the Yumeiho technique in the program of post-exercise recovery accelerates the aerobic and anaerobic lactic effort capacity of the soccer players specialized in the central zone positions. It positively influences exercise capacity recovery in general.

The Application of Recovery Strategies in Basketball: A Worldwide Survey

The purpose of this study was to assess the perceived usefulness, actual use and barriers to the implementation of recovery strategies among basketball practitioners. 107 participants (strength and conditioning coaches, sport scientists, performance specialists) from different countries and competitive levels completed an online survey. Most participants rated recovery strategies as either extremely (46%) or very important (49%). Active recovery, massage, foam rolling, and stretching were perceived as most useful (80, 73, 72 and 59% of participants, respectively) and were most frequently adopted (68, 61, 72 and 67%, respectively). Participants mentioned lack of devices and facilities (51%), excessive cost (51%), lack of time (27%), players’ negative perception (25%) and lack of sufficient evidence (16%) as barriers to the implementation of recovery strategies. The present findings reveal that some dissociation between scientific evidence and perceived effectiveness was present among the study participants. A possible solution would be to ensure that scientific evidence-based guidelines are followed when considering the application of recovery strategies. Regarding actual use, participants favored easily implementable strategies (e.g. active recovery, stretching), rather than evidence-supported, but expensive and/or impractical strategies (e.g. whole-body cryotherapy). Possible solutions may include the use of practical tools that don’t need specific facilities, the development and validation of new low-cost recovery devices, the promotion of players education regarding recovery strategies, and conducting further research to increase the scientific knowledge in the area.

Evidence‐Based Recovery in Soccer – Low‐Effort Approaches for Practitioners

Strategies to improve recovery are widely used among soccer players at both amateur and professional levels. Sometimes, however, recovery strategies are ineffective, improperly timed or even harmful to players. This highlights the need to educate practitioners and athletes about the scientific evidence of recovery strategies as well as to provide practical approaches to address this issue. Therefore, recent surveys among soccer athletes and practitioners were reviewed to identify the recovery modalities currently in use. Each strategy was then outlined with its rationale, its physiological mechanisms and the scientific evidence followed by practical approaches to implement the modality. For each intervention, practical and particularly low-effort strategies are provided to ensure that practitioners at all levels are able to implement them. We identified numerous interventions regularly used in soccer, i.e., sleep, rehydration, nutrition, psychological recovery, active recovery, foam-rolling/massage, stretching, cold-water immersion, and compression garments. Nutrition and rehydration were classified with the best evidence, while cold-water immersion, compression garments, foam-rolling/massage and sleep were rated with moderate evidence to enhance recovery. The remaining strategies (active recovery, psychological recovery, stretching) should be applied on an individual basis due to weak evidence observed. Finally, a guide is provided, helping practitioners to decide which intervention to implement. Here, practitioners should rely on the evidence, but also on their own experience and preference of the players.

Postmatch Recovery Practices Carried Out in Professional Football: A Survey of 56 Portuguese Professional Football Teams

BACKGROUND

In football (ie, soccer), the effectiveness of recovery practices is critical to maintain high levels of performance, prevent residual fatigue, and reduce injury risk. However, the recovery methods that professional football teams put in place up to 72 hours postmatch are widely unknown.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to characterize the postmatch recovery practices in Portuguese football teams in different postmatch periods and match locations.

METHODS

Portuguese football teams (total, N = 56; male: first league [n = 17], second league [n = 16], under-23 league [n = 12]; female: first league, n = 11) participated in the study. The practitioners in charge of recovery strategies in each team filled out the online questionnaire in the middle of the 2019-20 season. The questions focused on the type of recovery methods to be used at different times after home and away matches.

RESULTS

After home matches, stretching, electrostimulation, active recovery, and massage were used with higher frequency (P < .017) in later postmatch periods (ie, 12-24, and 24-72 h) compared with immediately postmatch. After away matches, several differences were found (P < .017) for the stretching, electrostimulation, active recovery, cold-water immersion, massage, nutrition, and sleep between postmatch periods. Regarding match location, stretching (r = .19), active recovery (r = .39), cold-water immersion (r = .46), and massage (r = .29) showed a higher frequency of use immediately after home matches. Conversely, the use of compression garments (r = .27) was higher immediately after away matches.

CONCLUSIONS

It was concluded that in professional football, recovery methods are not applied uniformly along postmatch periods and differ depending on the match location.

The use of recovery strategies by Spanish first division soccer teams: a cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVES

different active and passive post-exercise recovery techniques such as massage, foam rolling, stretching or ice baths among others, are used by elite athletes to promote effective physiological, physical, and mental restoration. However, limited research is available investigating the use of recovery strategies in professional soccer. As such, we aimed to explore and describe the use of strategies by professional teams throughout the season, describing competitive and preparatory phases.

METHODS

the present study collected data from all professional Spanish soccer teams who played in 'LaLiga' (The Spanish first division), during the season 2018-2019 (n = 20) and the ones promoted for the season 2019-2020 (n = 3). A six-section online survey was responded once.

RESULTS

teams used different recovery protocols and combinations, although natural and physical strategies such as sleep/nap, food/fluid replacement, cold/ice bath/shower/immersion, and massage were always present. However, there is no agreement in the protocols and timings employed. Three physical strategies showed a higher presence in the recovery protocols after competition: cold/ice bath/shower/immersion, massage and foam rolling; always used by seventeen teams (74%), sixteen (70%) and thirteen (57%) respectively. The design and supervision of recovery are multidisciplinary tasks in 87% of the teams. Our findings also demonstrate that although there is a body of scientific evidence on recovery, a gap between theory and practice exists with 13% of the teams acknowledging that insufficient logistics and economic resources limit the use of some strategies, and two teams (9%) not periodizing or individualizing recovery.

CONCLUSION

the investigation provided insight into the current use of recovery strategies by 'LaLiga' teams, highlighting that all clubs used them to one extent or another, but also that significant variability responding to individualized perceptions exists. Moreover, this study provides relevant contextual information that may be useful for professional soccer staff concerning the use of recovery strategies.

Sprinting and dribbling differences in young soccer players: a kinematic approach

Sprinting and dribbling a ball are considered essential for success in team sports, such as soccer. The purpose of the present study was to examine straight line (SL) and changes of direction (COD) sprinting and dribbling abilities after a standing and a flying starting position. Twelve amateur U12 male soccer players participated in the study. The participants were tested in four different sprinting conditions. The first consisted of 15 m SL sprinting and dribbling test by standing position; the second consisted of 15 m SL sprinting and dribbling test by flying start. The third condition consisted of 15 m COD sprinting and dribbling test by standing position, and the fourth condition consisted of 15 m COD sprinting and dribbling test by flying start. T-tests analysis indicated significant differences between SL sprinting and dribbling sprinting tests (P < 0.05) and between standing and flying start positions (P < 0.05). Step frequency was higher for sprinting tests (P < 0.05). Moreover, the results showed that step length was longer when players had a standing position (P < 0.05). These findings emphasize the importance for trainers to add parts without ball, focused on the development of certain fitness and running components.

Post-competition recovery strategies in elite male soccer players. Effects on performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Aims

The main aim of the present review was to update the available evidence on the value interest of post-competition recovery strategies in male professional or semi-professional soccer players to determine its effect on post-game performance outcomes, physiological markers, and wellness indicators.

Methods

A structured search was carried out following the PRISMA guidelines using six online databases: Pubmed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, CINAHL and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The risk of bias was completed following the Cochrane Collaboration Guidelines. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials were conducted to determine the between and within-group effects of different recovery strategies on performance, physiological markers and wellness data. Final meta-analyses were performed using the random-effects model and pooled standardized mean differences (SMD).

Results

Five randomized controlled trials that used Compression Garments (n = 3), Cold Water Immersion (n = 1), and acute Sleep Hygiene Strategy (n = 1) were included. Greater CMJ values at 48h for the intervention group (SMD = 0.70; 95% CI 0.14 to 1.25; p = 0.001; I² = 10.4%) were found. For the 20-m sprint and MVC, the results showed no difference either at 24h or 48h. For physiological markers (CK and CRP) and wellness data (DOMS), small to large SMD were present in favor of the intervention group both at 24h (-0.12 to -1.86) and 48h (-0.21 to -0.85). No heterogeneity was present, except for MVC at 24h (I² = 90.4%; p = 0.0012) and CALF DOMS at 48h (I² = 93.7%; p = 0.013).

Conclusion

The use of recovery strategies offers significant positive effects only in jumping performance (CMJ), with no effects on the 20-m sprint or MVC. Also, the use of recovery strategies offers greater positive effects on muscle damage (physiological markers and wellness data), highlighting the importance of post-match recovery strategies in soccer.

Foam Rolling and Muscle and Joint Proprioception After Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage

CONTEXT

Foam rolling (FR) is considered an effective postexercise modality for reducing delayed-onset muscle soreness and enhancing recovery of muscle function. However, the effects of FR on muscle and joint proprioception have not been investigated.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effects of FR on muscle and joint proprioception after an intense exercise protocol.

DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

SETTING

University-based laboratory.

PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS

A total of 80 healthy, physically active male students were randomly assigned to either the FR (n = 40; age = 22.8 ± 3.3 years, height = 176.4 ± 5.3 cm, mass = 74.2 ± 6.4 kg) or passive-recovery (PR; n = 40; age = 23.0 ± 3.2 years, height = 178.1 ± 5.5 cm, mass = 74.6 ± 6.2 kg) group.

INTERVENTION(S)

Participants in both groups performed 4 sets of 25 repetitions of voluntary maximal eccentric contractions at 60°/s from 20° to 100° of knee flexion to induce exercise-induced muscle damage. The exercise was followed by either PR or 2 minutes of FR immediately (1 hour) and 24, 48, and 72 hours postexercise.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Muscle soreness, pressure-pain threshold, quadriceps-muscle strength, joint position sense, isometric force sense, and threshold to detect passive movement at baseline and immediately, 24, 48, and 72 hours postexercise after FR.

RESULTS

Foam rolling resulted in decreased muscle pain, increased pressure-pain threshold, improved joint position sense, attenuated force loss, and reduced threshold to detect passive movement compared with PR at 24 and 48 hours postexercise.

CONCLUSIONS

Foam rolling postexercise diminished delayed-onset muscle soreness and improved recovery of muscle strength and joint proprioception. These results suggested that FR enhanced recovery from exercise-induced damage.

Workload efficiency as a new tool to describe external and internal competitive match load of a professional soccer team: A descriptive study on the relationship between pre-game training loads and relative match load

The current study introduces a new index for external and internal workload, "workload efficiency", and assesses in professional soccer the influence of pre-match training load on match workload efficiency. External and internal workloads were determined for 44 training sessions and 16 competitive matches using a 10-Hz global positioning system (GPS) and a 200 Hz accelerometer/heart rate monitor. Training loads were registered from day five (D-5) to day one (D-1) prior to each competitive match. Workload efficiency was calculated for each match as the ratio between overall external and internal load. A multiple stepwise regression analysis (including z-transformed variables) was used to determine training load variables that predict workload efficiency of the following matches. Training load variables of the previous days explained 26.6% of the variance in workload efficiency during the following matches. Long sprinting distance on D-3 and D-4 and total distance on D-1 positively influenced the players' workload efficiency, whereas long training durations and high training load on D-1 showed adverse effects. The present outcomes suggest that including sprint training (high sprinting distance) four and three days prior to a match, may provide a positive stimulus for the subsequent workload efficiency in matches. The negative impact of long training duration and high training load one day before the game highlights the importance of a diligent planning of the immediate competition preparation phase. This study shows that workload efficiency is a useful metric to assess match performance and that body-worn sensor technology can be useful for tailoring training loads.

Effects of Foam Rolling as a Recovery Tool in Professional Soccer Players

Rey, E, Padrón-Cabo, A, Costa, PB, and Barcala-Furelos, R. Effects of foam rolling as a recovery tool in professional soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 33(8): 2194-2201, 2019-Foam rolling (FR) is a common strategy used after training and competition by players. However, no previous studies have assessed the effectiveness of FR as a recovery tool in sports populations. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of FR (20 minutes of FR exercises on quadriceps, hamstrings, adductors, gluteals, and gastrocnemius) and passive recovery (20 minutes sit on a bench) interventions performed immediately after a training session on Total Quality Recovery (TQR), perceived muscle soreness, jump performance, agility, sprint, and flexibility 24 hours after the training. During 2 experimental sessions, 18 professional soccer players (age 26.6 ± 3.3 years; height: 180.2 ± 4.5 cm; body mass: 75.8 ± 4.7 kg) participated in a randomized fully controlled trial design. The first session was designed to collect the pretest values of each variable. After baseline measurements, the players performed a standardized soccer training. At the end of training unit, all the players were randomly assigned to the FR recovery group and the passive recovery group. A second experimental session was conducted to obtain the posttest values. Results from the between-group analyses showed that FR had a large effect on the recovery in agility (effect sizes [ES] = 1.06), TQR (ES = 1.08), and perceived muscle soreness (ES = 1.02) in comparison with the passive recovery group at 24 hours after training. Thus, it is recommended that soccer coaches and physical trainers working with high-level players use a structured recovery session lasting from 15 to 20 minutes based on FR exercises that could be implemented at the end of a training session to enhance recovery between training loads.

Optimizing recovery to support multi-evening cycling competition performance

Road criterium and track bicycle racing occur at high speeds, demand repeated high power outputs, last 10-90 min, and offer little chance for recovery after the event. Consecutive evenings of criterium and track racing are respectively known as speed-week or six-day events and take place in evening hours over the course of a week. Given the schedule and timing of these competitions, return to homeostasis can be compromised. No recommendations exist on how to optimize recovery for cyclists participating in these types of repeated evening competitions. Criterium and track cyclists spend considerable time, near and above the individual lactate threshold and therefore mostly utilize carbohydrate as their chief energy substrate. Henceforth, pre - and post-race nutrition and hydration is examined and recommendations are brought forward for carbohydrate, protein, and fluid intake. As evening high-intensity exercise perturbs sleep, strategies to optimize sleep are discussed and recommendations for an optimal sleep environment are given. Active recovery is examined, and the benefits of a short duration low intensity exercise reviewed. Passive recovery methods such as compression garments and cold water immersion are recommended, while evidence for massage, pneumatic compression devices, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation is still lacking. Optimizing recovery strategies will facilitate a return to the resting state following strenuous night competition.