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Laboratory, psychological and performance parameters as possible indicators of physical strain and overload during highly demanding competition phases were evaluated in elite male football players. In two studies with the same objective, periods of high (HE: >270 min during 3 weeks before testing) and low (LE: <270 min) match exposure were compared over the course of an entire season. In study 1 (n=88 players of the first and second German leagues; age: 25.6±4.3 years; body mass index (BMI): 23.2±1.0 kg/m2), blood count, CK, urea, uric acid, CRP and ferritin were determined. In study 2, 19 players of the third German league and the highest under-19 league (age: 19.7±2.8 years; BMI: 22.8±1.7 kg/m2) were screened for individual vertical jump height, maximal velocity and by the Recovery-Stress-Questionnaire for Athletes (REST-Q Sport). The mean differences in exposure times were 180 min (study 1: quartiles: 105, 270 min) and 247 min (study 2: 180, 347 min), respectively. Significant differences were found neither in blood parameters (study 1; P>0.36) nor in physiological testing results or in REST-Q scores (study 2; P>0.20). A 3-week period of high match exposure in elite football players does not affect laboratory, psychometric and performance parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at describing changes in stress and performance indicators throughout a competitive season in high level football. 15 players (19.5 ± 3.0 years, 181 ± 5 cm, 75.7 ± 9.0 kg) competing under professional circumstances were tested at baseline and 3 times during the season 2008/09 (in-season 1, 2, 3). Testing consisted of the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes (Total Stress and Recovery score), vertical jump tests (counter movement and drop jump (DJ)), and a maximal ramp-like running test. Average match exposure was higher during a 3-weeks period prior to in-season 3 compared to in-season 1 and 2 (1.5 vs. 1 h/week, p = 0.05). Total Stress score was elevated at in-season 1 and 2 compared to baseline (p < 0.01) with a further increase at in-season 3 (p < 0.03; generalized eta squared (η2g) = 0.37). Total Recovery score was decreased at in-season 1 and 3 compared to baseline (p < 0.05; (η2g) = 0.21). Maximal running velocity (Vmax ) and jumping heights were not significantly affected (η2g) ≤ 0.04). Changes in DJ height and Vmax between baseline and inseason 3 were correlated with the corresponding changes in Total Stress score (r = -0.55 and r = -0.61, p < 0.03). Usual match exposure during a professional football season does not induce relevant changes in performance indicators. Accumulated stress and a lack of recovery towards the end of a season might be indicated by psychometric deteriorations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]