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Abstract This study aimed to evaluate external load based on distance and accelerometry measures in six different microcycle schedules with congested (CW2, CW3, and CW4) and regular weeks (RW4, RW5, and RW6) in professional soccer players. Twelve Iranian First League players (age: 28.2 ± 3.8 years; body mass: 77.92 ± 4.72 kg, and height: 183.2 ± 0.06 cm) participated in this study. A GPSPORTS system was used to collect training/match durations, total distance, distance covered at different speeds, number of accelerations, delecelerations and body load over 29 weeks, 40 matches, and 121 training sessions. Data were analysed by weekly mean and accumulated weekly values. The results showed a tendency for higher values in CWs than RWs. Regarding mean total distance, RW4 and RW5 presented lower values with very large effect size than CW2 (all, p

Abstract This study aimed to compare the effects of horizontal (HJ) and vertical (VJ)-based plyometric jump training on male semi-professional soccer player's performance (e.g., change-of-direction speed [5-0-5 test]; 10-m, 20-m, and 30-m linear sprint speed). A parallel-study design was conducted. Participants were organized into HJ (n = 10) or VJ (n = 9) during 12 weeks. Measures of athletic performance were obtained in four phases: (i) before and (ii) end of the pre-season, (iii) during (weeks 7th), and (iv) after the intervention. The within-group analysis revealed that both HJ and VJ improved change of direction ( $${x}^{2}$$ x 2 = 27.783; p

Abstract This study aimed to examine the acute effects of moderate-intensity aerobic and high-intensity interval exercise protocols on Asprosin and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels in inactive normal weight and obese individuals. A total of 20 male individuals aged 18–65 years, ten normal weight (NW) (Body Mass Index (BMI): 18.5–24.99 kg/m2) and 10 obese (Ob) (BMI: 24.99–35.00 kg/m2) participated in this study, voluntarily. Moderate aerobic exercise (AE) (main circuit 30 min, between 40 and 59% of Heart Rate Reserve: HRR) and High-Intensity Interval exercise (HIIE) running protocols (main circuit 20 min, between 75 and 90% of the HRR for 1 min*10 times, and 1-min active rest at 30% of the HRR) was applied to the volunteer participants in the morning hours (08.00–10.00 a.m.), following the night fasting (at least 8–10 h) for at least 3 days between each other. Blood samples were collected from the participants before and immediately after each exercise protocol, and serum asprosin and BDNF hormone levels were determined by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay” method. Basal serum asprosin was found to be significantly higher in the Ob group compared to the NW group (p

Abstract This study examined the neuromuscular responses to three typical football (soccer) training sessions and the reliability of peak speed (PS) measured during a submaximal running test (SRT) for identifying neuromuscular fatigue (NMF) status. Jump height (CMJH) and peak velocity (CMJPV) were collected from a CMJ test, while peak speed (PS) was collected during an SRT before and after each training session. Large effect size (ES) decreases were observed in each variable post-training (ES; − 1.42 to − 2.32). Significant differences (> 0.001) were detected between each football session's external load variables. Coefficients of variations were small (

Abstract The purpose of this study was to use an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to analyze variations in the jump outcomes concerning weekly training days, and the dependencies between the number of jumps per minute and the jump height. An experimental research design was adopted across three weeks of the final play-off of a volleyball championship. Through an IMU, the external load of seven male elite volleyball athletes of a top rating team from Portuguese 1st Division (age: 30.5 ± 3.5 years; height: 200.2 ± 6.3 cm; body mass: 93.0 ± 8.1 kg; BMI: 23.1 ± 2.3 kg/m2) was monitored. Repeated measures ANOVA was executed to compare the outcomes between training days. It was observed a similar density of jumps during the week. However, when comparing MD-1 to MD-2, a more significant average number of jumps per minute was observed in MD-1 (1.3 ± 0.2 vs. 1.0 ± 0.2). Additionally, a positive, large and significant correlation was registered between the number of jumps and the height of the jump. Those results highlight the benefits of the specific training, leading to greater stimulation and improvement, in a game-like context, of the stretching-shortening cycle, observed in every jump action in volleyball.

Abstract The aims of the study were to (i) assess the Relative Age Effect (RAE) on elite young male basketball players, (ii) to analyze whether there is a difference between birth quarters (BQ) according to their minutes played and efficiency ratings as individual performance parameters and, (iii) to analyze the relationship between team efficiency, team success, and RAE with a new approach. The research was conducted on 678 players (Age:15.84 ± 0.42) from 53 teams in six different tournaments (from 2014 to 2019). Although, chi-square test showed that more players were born in first BQ than in all other BQs (p 0.05). However, a relationship between team RAE score, tournament ranking, and team efficiency score was found (p

Abstract The current study aimed to analyze, using accelerometer-based activity, acute workload, chronic workload, acutechronic workloads ratio, training-monotony and training-strain throughout a competitive soccer-season and to compare these variables between players from different playing positions. Twenty-one professional soccer-players were monitored during the 48 weeks of the season. Players were grouped according to their position. Four lateral-defenders and four winger-players formed LDW group, four central-defenders and four forwards formed CDF group, and six midfielder-players formed MDF group. Accelerometer-based variables were collected during training and match contexts and were used to generate indicators of weekly acute and chronic workload, training monotony, training strain and metabolic power. A one-way ANOVA compared all dependent variables between groups, and effect sizes for pairwise comparisons were calculated. Results revealed variations in the weekly load throughout the season, which demands caution from coaches to avoid injuries. There were no differences in weekly-loads for all dependent variables (P > 0.05, small-to-moderate effects). We conclude that the weekly-load is not constant during a competitive season and players from different positions have similar weekly-loads. Therefore, previously reported in the literature, possible match-related positional differences might be compensated by differences in training-related loads, leading to a similar profile when considering the whole week.

Abstract The evolution of female soccer is related to the increase in high-intensity actions and choosing the abilities that best characterize the players' performance. Determining the capabilities that best describe the players' performance becomes essential for coaches and technical staff to obtain the results more efficiently within the competitive calendar. Thus, the study aimed to analyze the correlations between performance in the 20-m sprint tests with and without the ball and the Zigzag 20-m change-of-direction (COD) test without the ball in professional female soccer players. Thirty-three high-level professional female soccer players performed the 20-m sprint tests without a ball, 20-m sprint tests with the ball, and the Zigzag 20-m COD test without the ball. The shortest time obtained in the three trials was used for each test. The fastest time in the three trials was used for each test to calculate the average test speed. The Pearson product–moment correlation test was applied to analyze the correlation between the performance in the tests. Pearson's product–moment correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between the performance in the trials, with a significance level of α

Abstract The aim of this study was two-fold: (i) analyze the variation of kinematic measures between using preferred and non-preferred legs while braking during the 5–0–5 change of direction test; and (ii) test the relationships between kinematic measures, and change-of-direction deficit (CODD). A cross-sectional study using twenty adult male soccer players (21.6 ± 2.0 years; 73.2 ± 6.1 kg; 174.8 ± 4.5 cm) was employed. Players performed three repetitions of the 5–0–5 test using each leg during the braking phase. Players have used the Polar Team Pro to obtain the kinematic measures of peak speed, peak acceleration, and peak deceleration. Additionally, the CODD was also obtained using single-beamed photocells. Comparisons revealed a significantly greater peak acceleration (+ 0.22 m/s2; p

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effects of contextual match factors (quality of opposition, match outcome, change of head coach or playing style) on internal and external load in elite Brazilian professional soccer players, considering the total and effective playing time. Twenty-two professional male outfield soccer players participated in this study (age 28.4 ± 4.9 years; height 1.78 ± 0.1 cm; body mass 72.9 ± 7.1 kg). The internal (rating of perceived exertion-based load [sRPE]) and external load (distance and accelerometry-based measures) were recorded during 38 matches, over the 2021 season of the Brazilian National 1st Division League using a global position system (10 Hz) integrated with an accelerometer (200 Hz). The main results were: (i) matches played against weak opponents presented greater values of sprinting distances compared to matches against intermediate and strong opponents; (ii) players covered greater high-intensity running distances when drawing than winning the matches; (iii) matches with assistant coaches presented higher mean speed relative to effective playing time (MSEPT) compared to coach 1 and coach 2 conditions. In addition, players covered greater MSEPT and high-acceleration in matches with coach 2 vs. coach 3; (iv) finally, small positive correlations were observed between positional attack sequences and MSTPT, total distance covered, and acceleration. Coaches and practitioners should consider these results when interpreting external load variables during elite Brazilian soccer matches.

Abstract This study aimed to examine the heart rate and blood lactate responses of female volleyball players during the match according to the player positions. A total of 24 senior female volleyball players (middle blocker (n = 6), setter (n = 6), spiker (n = 6), and libero (n = 6)) were monitored for heart rate and blood lactate before, during and after a volleyball match. The mean heart rate and blood lactate level of volleyball players were determined 117.2 ± 13.9 bpm, 2.7 ± 1.2 mmol/L during the match. Heart rate was statistically different between all playing positions except middle blockers vs. spikers (p

Abstract Neuromuscular fatigue tests have been used in previous studies to organize post-match training programs and to minimize injuries. The aim of this study is to describe the neuromuscular fatigue that occurs after a football match and to examine the relationship between internal and external load values in the match and fatigue parameters obtained at different time intervals. Twenty male U19 academy league soccer players (age: 19; height: 181.3 ± 4.3; weight: 73.4 ± 6.7) participated in the study. The countermovement jump (CMJ) test was applied to the players 24 h before, as well as 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h after a football match. During the CMJ tests, the maximum velocity of each player during the jump was recorded by using the GymAware linear position transducer. The CMJ maximum velocity values 24 h before and 24 h after the match, as well as the CMJ height values (Cohen’s d: 1.210; p

Abstract The aim of the present paper was to determine the relationship between linear sprinting and jump performance, dynamic balance and change of direction on young soccer players. Ninety-four healthy young highly trained male soccer players belonging to the same high-performance academy agreed to participate in the study [twenty-seven soccer players U16 (14.8 ± 0.4 years; height: 170.6 ± 5.6 cm; body mass 64.7 ± 8.4 kg)] and [sixty-seven soccer players U19 (16.6 ± 1.3 years; height: 173.7 ± 7.2 cm; body mass 66.7 ± 8.0 kg)]. Participants completed 3 testing sessions, 7 days apart. Data from a CMJ, Crossover Hop Test, 10-m sprint test, 505 COD tests and the 90° COD test were collected. Moderate correlations were found in some of the cases (r values were between 0.2 and 0.5 in all cases, being p

Abstract The present study aimed to examine the influence of leg dominance on the change of direction (COD) performance. In this study participated 94 healthy young highly trained male soccer players belonging from two categories (n = 27 vs. n = 67; 14.81 ± 0.40 vs. 16.64 ± 1.25 years of age; 170.61 ± 5.61 vs. 173.73 ± 7.19 cm of height; 64.74 ± 8.44 vs. 66.70 ± 7.95 kg of weight, for U16 and U18, respectively). Fitness assessments were performed two times in a period of three months, and included: (1) anthropometry measures, (2) 30–15 IFT, (3) 10-m sprint test, (4) 505-COD test, 90° COD test and cross-over hop test. A paired sample t-test was performed to evaluate the asymmetries at the intragroup level in each of the COD’s tests. A symmetry index was used to analyse the asymmetries between categories, and an independent sample t-test was used to compare the variability between the two categories in each of the three tests performed. The effect size was also evaluated. Analysis demonstrated that evidence a trend for a better performance with the preferred leg in the cross-over hop and 505-COD tests, and with the non-dominant leg in the 90° COD. However, in the intragroup analysis, only the 505-COD test registered differences, and no differences were notice din the intergroup comparison. Only in the 505-COD test the percentage of variability (CV) was statistically significant (7.03 ± 4.18% vs. 4.03 ± 2.02% from U16 and U18, respectively). In sum, bilateral differences were noticed in the intragroup comparison, although only in 505-COD test the leg dominance showed to influence performance. In the intergroup analysis any difference was noticed between age categories.

Abstract The present study aimed to determine the influence of force–power–velocity, vertical and horizontal jumps, and repeated sprint ability on the sprinting performance of adult women soccer players. Eighteen women soccer players from one team participating in the first female national Spanish soccer league were analyzed. Fitness assessments were performed twice in a period of three months. The following assessments were made to reach the aim of the study: (1) anthropometric measures, (2) CMJ (0%, 20% and 40%), (3) hop test (dominant and nondominant leg), (4) linear sprinting at 30 m and (5) RSA test. The main evidence of this study revealed the meaningful contribution of lower-limb power (vertical and horizontal jump), maximal sprint and peak power on sprinting time performance, while stride frequency was meaningfully explained by vertical jump and maximal sprinting. In fact, positive moderate and large correlations were found between Time and CMJ, CMJ 20%, CMJ 40%, Hop Test Dominant and Non-dominant, and Pmax and MS of Force–Power–Velocity (r = − 0.73, p = 0.001; r = − 0.68, p = 0.002; r = − 0.51, p = 0.03; r = − 0.64, p = 0.004; r = − 0.57, p = 0.013; r = − 0.78, p = 0.001, and r = − 0.83, p = 0.001, respectively). In sum, peak power, maximal speed, and lower-limb power (in vertical and horizontal jumps) were significant determinants of sprinting performance (time), while vertical jump was the determinant of stride frequency. In addition, our findings suggest that potentiation and explosive vertical power could be the emphasis for sustaining the stride frequency of women soccer players, while sprinting performance should be supported by strong acceleration and maximal velocity sustained by both vertical and horizontal force and concentric and eccentric strength and power.

Abstract The purposes of this study were (a) to determine the variations in internal and external measures of training monotony (TM) and strain (TS) in professional soccer players according to periods of the season and playing positions, and (b) to analyze the relationships between internal and external measures of TM and TS. Twenty male professional players (age = 29.4 ± 4.4 years) were followed for 20 weeks through session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE), total distance (TD), high-speed running distance (HSRD) and sprint distance (SpD). Regardless of measure, highest mean TM and TS scores were observed in mid-season and end-season. In general, wingers and strikers tended to have greater values in TM. Midfielders exhibited greater TS of TD and SpD. Correlation results for TM revealed that s-RPE was positively associated with SpD in early-season (r = 0.608) and negatively associated in mid-season (r = − 0.506). Regarding the TS, result demonstrated that s-RPE is negatively associated with HSRD in early-season (r = − 0.464) and positively associated in mid-season (r = 0.476). In general, there different meanings in correlations between internal and external measures across the season. On the one hand, our findings highlighted that TM and TS of professional soccer players is sensitive to period of the season and player’s position, but on other hand, correlation analyses proved that changes in one external/internal measure does not cause changes in another external/internal measure which support the constant monitoring of these values across the season.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in functional capacities and hormonal indices according to biological maturity and seasonal playing time status in young soccer players. Twenty-three male under-15 players (14.6 ± 0.2 years) were divided into two groups, based on their maturity status and seasonal playing time. They were measured for anthropometrics, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 (YYIR1), seven repeated sprint test (7RST), countermovement jump (CMJ), skeletal age, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) level. Age at peak height velocity (APHV) was determined to estimate the maturity timing. The results revealed that players who advanced in maturation were significantly heavier (p = 0.029) and had higher values in skeletal age (p

Abstract This study aimed to verify the effects of congested fixture and matches’ participation on internal and external workload indexes in professional Brazilian soccer players. Rate of perceived exertion-based training load (sRPE), distance- and accelerometry-based measures were daily monitored over 119 training sessions and 33 matches performed by 29 male outfield players. Weeks were classified as congested (n = 11, two or more matches within a 7-day period) and regular (n = 10, one match or less within a 7-day period). The players were divided based on the matches’ participation: (1) players who played ≥ 60 min (G1); (2) players who played

Abstract The purpose of this study was twofold: (i) to analyze the seasonal variations in the physical demands of Turkish Super League teams considering their status in the final rankings and (ii) to analyze the seasonal variations in the technical performance of Turkish Super League teams considering their status in the final rankings. This study followed an observational analytic retrospective design. In the last three seasons of the Turkish Super League (2015–2016, 2016–2017 and 2017–2018), 918 football matches, 54 teams, 25,029 observations were made. The Sentio Sports optical tracking system was used to quantify the physical demands and technical execution of players in all matches. No significant differences of external load were found between seasons analyzed (p > 0.05). The number of lost balls, ball touches in the central corridor, and goals from set pieces increased from season one to the others (p