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França C, Martins F, Przednowek K, Marques A, Ihle A, Sarmento H, Gouveia ÉR. Knee and Hip Muscle Strength of Male Soccer Players from Different Competitive Levels. J Hum Kinet 2024; 93:17-27. [PMID: 39132414 PMCID: PMC11307174 DOI: 10.5114/jhk/185217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In soccer, knee and hip muscle strength assessments have been recommended for injury prevention. The aims of this study were threefold: (1) to compare knee and hip muscle strength between professional players competing at different levels; (2) to compare strength performance according to the preferred leg (PL) and the non-preferred leg (NPL); and (3) to compare knee and hip muscle strength performance at two moments of the season. This study included 33 professional soccer players: 13 were in the elite group (EG), and 20 were in the sub-elite group (SEG). Body composition, isokinetic knee strength at 60º/s, and hip adduction strength were assessed at two different moments (M1 and M2). Values of peak torque (PT), peak torque/bodyweight (PT/BW), and the hamstring-to-quadriceps strength ratio (H:Q) for knee extensors (KEs) and knee flexors (KFs) for both legs were used for analysis. The statistical analysis included the Mann-Whitney U and the Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests. At M1, the EG presented a significantly better performance in KF PT/BW and in the squeeze strength test for the PL and the NPL (p ≤ 0.01). At M2, the EG performed substantially better in KE PT/BW and KF PT/BW (p ≤ 0.01). No substantial strength differences were observed in knee and hip muscle performance between the PL and the NPL. From M1 to M2, significant increases were found in knee strength in both groups (p ≤ 0.01). Overall, the EG players outperformed significantly their lower-division peers in strength assessments. The results indicate significant knee and hip muscle strength increases during the season, probably as a response to the exposure to training and competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cíntia França
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Madeira, Funchal, Portugal
- LARSYS, Interactive Technologies Institute, Funchal, Portugal
| | - Francisco Martins
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Madeira, Funchal, Portugal
- LARSYS, Interactive Technologies Institute, Funchal, Portugal
| | - Krzysztof Przednowek
- Institute of Physical Culture Sciences, Medical College, University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Adilson Marques
- CIPER, Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- ISAMB, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Psychology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Ihle
- Department of Psychology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre of Expertise in Life Course Research LIVES, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Hugo Sarmento
- Research Unit for Sport and Physical Education (CIDAF), Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Élvio Rúbio Gouveia
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Madeira, Funchal, Portugal
- LARSYS, Interactive Technologies Institute, Funchal, Portugal
- Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Oliveira R, Brito JP, Fernandes R, Morgans R, Alves S, Santos FJ, Pinto P, Espada MC. The Effects of Pre-Season and Relationships with Physical, Physiological, Body Composition, and Load Markers: A Case Study Comparing Starters versus Non-Starters from an Elite Female Professional Soccer Team. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:2156. [PMID: 38138259 PMCID: PMC10745088 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59122156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Research on female soccer players that analyzes playing status is scarce and has previously only examined load monitoring, while other markers, such as physical (i.e., strength, power, and agility), physiological (i.e., maximal oxygen uptake), and body composition (i.e., body fat mass, fat-free mass, body water, and phase angle) markers, warrant further investigation. Thus, the study aims were to (a) compare physical, physiological, body composition, and load markers between starters and non-starters; (b) compare measurements pre- and post-training intervention (five weeks); and (c) analyze any relationships between physical, physiological, body composition, and load markers in an elite female soccer team. Materials and Methods: Fourteen first-team players participated in the study (age 23.29 ± 3.19 years, weight 59.14 ± 6.87 kg, height 1.66 ± 0.08 m). Several physical (n = 15), physiological (n = 1), body composition (n = 11), and load markers (n = 14) were collected. In addition, participants were sub-divided into starters (n = 7) and non-starters (n = 7). Results: No differences were revealed between starters and non-starters in any of the examined variables. Moreover, following the training intervention, a significantly lower value was found for total body water/fat-free mass ratio (p = 0.043; ES = 0.582). In addition, there were several correlations detected between load and physical/physiological markers (n = 28); load and body composition markers (n = 6); physical/physiological and body composition markers (n = 34); and physical and physiological markers (n = 42). Conclusions: In conclusion, only a slight tendency of higher load values for starters than non-starters was observed. In addition, no differences in physical, physiological, and body composition markers were found between starters and non-starters, possibly suggesting that five weeks were not enough to improve such variables. Finally, the present results provide novel information assessing the effects of the pre-season in elite female Portuguese soccer players and contribute to a better understanding of the associations between different types of measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Oliveira
- Sports Science School of Rio Maior–Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal; (J.P.B.); (R.F.); (S.A.)
- Life Quality Research Centre (CIEQV), Complexo Andaluz, Apartado, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal; (F.J.S.); (P.P.); (M.C.E.)
- Research Centre in Sports Sciences, Health and Human Development (CIDESD), 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.); (R.F.); (S.A.)
- Life Quality Research Centre (CIEQV), Complexo Andaluz, Apartado, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal; (F.J.S.); (P.P.); (M.C.E.)
- Research Centre in Sports Sciences, Health and Human Development (CIDESD), 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Renato Fernandes
- Sports Science School of Rio Maior–Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal; (J.P.B.); (R.F.); (S.A.)
- Life Quality Research Centre (CIEQV), Complexo Andaluz, Apartado, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal; (F.J.S.); (P.P.); (M.C.E.)
| | - Ryland Morgans
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff CF23 6XD, UK;
| | - Susana Alves
- Sports Science School of Rio Maior–Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal; (J.P.B.); (R.F.); (S.A.)
- Life Quality Research Centre (CIEQV), Complexo Andaluz, Apartado, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal; (F.J.S.); (P.P.); (M.C.E.)
| | - Fernando J. Santos
- Life Quality Research Centre (CIEQV), Complexo Andaluz, Apartado, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal; (F.J.S.); (P.P.); (M.C.E.)
- Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, Escola Superior de Educação, 2914-504 Setúbal, Portugal
- Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, 1499-002 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Paula Pinto
- Life Quality Research Centre (CIEQV), Complexo Andaluz, Apartado, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal; (F.J.S.); (P.P.); (M.C.E.)
- Escola Superior Agraria–Instituto Politécnico de Santarém, 2001-904 Santarém, Portugal
| | - Mário C. Espada
- Life Quality Research Centre (CIEQV), Complexo Andaluz, Apartado, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal; (F.J.S.); (P.P.); (M.C.E.)
- Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, Escola Superior de Educação, 2914-504 Setúbal, Portugal
- Interdisciplinary Centre for the Study of Human Performance (CIPER), Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, 1499-002 Lisbon, Portugal
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Prieto-Fresco JM, Medina-Rebollo D, Fernández-Gavira J, Muñoz-Llerena A. A Study on the Injury Rate of Spanish Competitive Athletes as a Consequence of the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:420. [PMID: 36612741 PMCID: PMC9819451 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010420] [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: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 lockdown may have had collateral effects on the conditions of athletes, with possible increases in injury risks upon the return to sports. Due to the existence of multiple factors of injury risks based on the lockdown and the return to sports, the aim of this study was to analyze the injury rates after the lockdown in competitive athletes. A non-experimental quantitative design based on a survey was carried out, and 94 athletes (42 males and 52 females; 23.57 ± 6.20 years) participated. Statistical analyses were carried out using non-parametric tests. Injury rates did not increase significantly after the lockdown, and there were no statistical differences between performance levels, types of sports, the design of a specific training program by sports professionals during the lockdown, the moment of injury, and the mechanism of injury. It is important to develop injury prevention protocols to prepare athletes after such a long period of detraining.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Manuel Prieto-Fresco
- Research Group “Social Inclusion, Physical Education and Sport, and European Policies in Research”, University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Daniel Medina-Rebollo
- Research Group “Social Inclusion, Physical Education and Sport, and European Policies in Research”, University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Physical Education and Sport Department, University School CEU San Pablo, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Jesús Fernández-Gavira
- Research Group “Social Inclusion, Physical Education and Sport, and European Policies in Research”, University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Physical Education and Sport Department, University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Antonio Muñoz-Llerena
- Research Group “Social Inclusion, Physical Education and Sport, and European Policies in Research”, University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Physical Education and Sport Department, University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
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Manning CN, Sekiguchi Y, Benjamin CL, Spaulding MR, Dierickx EE, Spaulding JM, Davenport DM, Picard-Busky JR, Chiampas GT, Nassis GP, Casa DJ. Deconstructing stereotypes: Stature, match-playing time, and performance in elite Women's World Cup soccer. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:1067190. [PMID: 36589782 PMCID: PMC9795175 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.1067190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recruiting companies recommend elite female soccer players be ≥165 cm (5'5″) in stature. This study investigated if stature limits match-playing time and performance in elite World Cup soccer among players, positions, and countries. We hypothesized stature would not affect match-playing time or performance. Descriptive data were collected on 552 players from 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. Odds ratios determined likelihood of starting for players <165 cm and ≥165 cm. ANOVAs compared playing time between stature groups, among positions, and between countries. Performance factors including assists, goals, attempts, corners, shots blocked, and defending blocks were reported. Independent t-tests compared differences between players (≥165 cm, < 165 cm). Data are reported, mean difference [95% confidence interval] [MD (95%CI)] and effect sizes (ES). On average, 32.3% of players were <165 cm. Of total players, no differences existed in total minutes (F = 0.98, p = 0.32), matches (F = 0.27 p = 0.59), or average minutes per match (F = 0.48, p = 0.49) between stature groups, regardless of position. No differences existed in playing time between players <165 cm and ≥165 cm among any positions (p > 0.05), or between countries (p > 0.05). Taller mid-fielders exhibited greater performance in goals, assists, attempts, shots blocked, and defending blocks (MD [95%CI] ES; assists, -0.44[-0.76,-0.11]0.59, p = 0.009; goals, -0.35[-0.69,-0.01]0.44, p = 0.047); attempts, 3.14[1.38, 4.90]0.80, p = 0.001; corners, 2.04[0.12, 3.95]0.48, p = 0.037; shots blocked, 0.96[0.40, 1.51]0.75, p = 0.001; defending blocks, 0.43[0.32,0.82]0.48, p = 0.035), however, actual differences were minimal. Our findings indicate stature does not inhibit playing and performing elite women's soccer, as nearly one-third of players were <165 cm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciara N. Manning
- Department of Kinesiology, Korey Stringer Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States,Correspondence: C. N. Manning
| | - Yasuki Sekiguchi
- Department of Kinesiology, Korey Stringer Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States,Sports Performance Lab, Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Courteney L. Benjamin
- Department of Kinesiology, Korey Stringer Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States,Department of Kinesiology, Samford University, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - McKenna R. Spaulding
- Department of Health and Physical Education and Recreation, Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA, United States
| | - Erin E. Dierickx
- Department of Kinesiology, Korey Stringer Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Jayson M. Spaulding
- Department of Exercise Science and Athletic Training, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Dayshia M. Davenport
- School of Kinesiology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | | | - George T. Chiampas
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States,Chief Medical Officer, United States Soccer Federation, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - George P. Nassis
- Physical Education Department, College of Education, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE,Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, SDU Sport and Health Sciences Cluster (SHSC), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Douglas J. Casa
- Department of Kinesiology, Korey Stringer Institute, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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