1
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mangini A, Macchi R, Giraud D, Pomportes L, Galantine P, Bertin D, Nicol C, Hays A. Towards a more individualised assessment of post-training fatigue in young footballers. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33626. [PMID: 39027500 PMCID: PMC11255448 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33626] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite improvements in training load and fatigue monitoring, fatigue status may adversely affect intrinsic risk factors, particularly in young footballers. This study aimed to better individualise the fatigue effects of a 75-min football training session in young elite male players. Eighteen players (15.6 ± 1.7 years) completed a test battery before and after a football training session. Assessments included capillary blood samples (HCO3 -, lactate, pH), subjective ratings of muscle soreness and fatigue. Functional tests included 30 m field sprint, laboratory drop jump (DJ) and horizontal force-velocity (H-FvP). The k-means method was applied to the first two dimensions of principal component analysis of changes in the H-FvP and DJ tests. Football training resulted in significant physiological changes and functional impairments, in particular an increase in interlimb asymmetry in the DJ test. No significant fatigue effect was found on the H-FvP test data. However, confirming the interest of combining the two tests, cluster analysis revealed two subgroups: In the H-FvP test, Cluster 1 decreased inV ‾ 0 (p < 0.001) andP ‾ max (p < 0.01), while Cluster 2 decreased inF ‾ 0 (p < 0.001). In the DJ test, Cluster 1 decreased in mean velocity (p < 0.01), relative mean and maximum power (p < 0.01) during push-off, while Cluster 2 decreased in relative mean push-off force (p < 0.01) and increased in interlimb asymmetry during braking (p < 0.01). This study highlights the contribution and complementarity of the H-FvP and DJ tests to improve individual screening for fatigue-related functional changes in footballers. Extrapolated values from the H-FvP test led to the identification of two subgroups with opposite fatigue profiles. One subgroup showed increased interlimb asymmetry in DJ, indicating an increased risk of injury with fatigue. These findings highlight the need for individualised fatigue assessment in young footballers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Mangini
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, HIPE Human-Lab (UAR 202324378), Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, ISM (UMR 7287), Marseille, France
| | - Robin Macchi
- French Institute of Sport (INSEP), Laboratory Sport, Expertise and Performance (EA 7370), Paris, France
| | - Dorian Giraud
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, HIPE Human-Lab (UAR 202324378), Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, IUSTI (UMR 7343), Marseille, France
| | - Laura Pomportes
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, HIPE Human-Lab (UAR 202324378), Marseille, France
| | | | - Denis Bertin
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, HIPE Human-Lab (UAR 202324378), Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, ISM (UMR 7287), Marseille, France
| | - Caroline Nicol
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, ISM (UMR 7287), Marseille, France
| | - Arnaud Hays
- Aix-Marseille Univ, CNRS, HIPE Human-Lab (UAR 202324378), Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Oliveira R, Brito JP. Load Monitoring and Its Relationship with Healthcare in Sports. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2330. [PMID: 37628527 PMCID: PMC10454710 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11162330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Load monitoring consists of training/match demand quantification as well as wellness and readiness to maximize the likelihood of optimal athletic performance [...].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Oliveira
- Sports Science School of Rio Maior, Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal;
- Life Quality Research Centre, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal
- Research Centre in Sport Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Brito
- Sports Science School of Rio Maior, Polytechnic Institute of Santarém, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal;
- Life Quality Research Centre, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal
- Research Centre in Sport Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|