Latest research in football - week 12 -2019

#1 Vertical Jump Performance in Hungarian Male Elite Junior Soccer Players
Reference: Res Q Exerc Sport. 2019 Mar 22:1-7. doi: 10.1080/02701367.2019.1588934. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Petridis L, Utczás K, Tróznai Z, Kalabiska I, Pálinkás G, Szabó T
Summary: Vertical jump is a common test to measure impulsive ability in soccer; however, limited normative data have been published on young soccer players from vertical jump measurements on a force platform. The purpose of this study was to provide normative values for three chronological age groups of male junior soccer players (U16, U17 and, U18 years). Vertical jump performance of 365 soccer players (16.4 ± 0.8 years) was assessed using a force platform measurement system. Net impulse, force, power, jump height (impulse-momentum), jump height (flight time) were reported for each age group for squat jump (SJ) and countermovement jump (CMJ). Mean values ± SD of jump height were 32.9 ± 4.1, 33.5 ± 4.0, and 33.9 ± 4.2 cm for the three age groups respectively in SJ and 36.3 ± 3.8, 37.5 ± 3.9, and 38.6 ± 4.4 cm in the CMJ. Mean values of all age groups for maximum force and maximum power were 1559 ± 211 N and 3261 ± 492 watt respectively for SJ and 1598 ± 241 N and 3287 ± 502 watt for CMJ. Based on descriptive data, percentiles were reported for all examined variables. Jump height and relative values were less sensitive discriminator variables between age groups in the studied age range, while maximum impulse, maximum force, and maximum power were more sensitive to changes in maturational status. Normative values can be used by the coaches in the interpretation and evaluation of their athletes' performance and for training and talent identification purposes.


#2 Effect of a 4-week detraining period followed by a 4-week strength program on isokinetic strength in elite youth soccer players
Reference: J Exerc Rehabil. 2019 Feb 25;15(1):67-73. doi: 10.12965/jer.1836538.269. eCollection 2019 Feb.
Authors: Vassilis S, Yiannis M, Athanasios M, Dimitrios M, Ioannis G, Thomas M
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6416502/pdf/jer-15-1-67.pdf
Summary: The aim of the present study was to determine if 4 weeks of training cessation (detraining) followed by a 4-week strength training program can affect the isokinetic strength of elite youth soccer players. There were 13 players who participated in the study. The players performed anthropometric measurements and lower limb isokinetic strength measurements 3 times, before the training cessation, after the training cessation and after the 4-week strength training program. No significant differences were observed in the anthropometric and strength measurements (P>0.05) after the detraining period and after the training program (P>0.05). These results indicate that 4 weeks of detraining in elite youth soccer players does not have any significant effects according to their anthropometric characteristics and isokinetic strength of their lower limbs. Furthermore, neither the 4-week training program affected the parameters above. Perhaps, youth players can maintain the benefits of training better than adults due to their neural adaptations. The duration of the strength training program could be the reason of the lack of adaptations.


#3 The relationship between ACTN3 R577X gene polymorphism and physical performance in amateur soccer players and sedentary individuals
Reference: Biol Sport. 2019 Mar;36(1):9-16. doi: 10.5114/biolsport.2018.78900. Epub 2018 Oct 5.
Authors: Koku FE, Karamızrak SO, Çiftçi AS, Taşlıdere H, Durmaz B, Çoğulu Ö
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6413569/pdf/JBS-36-78900.pdf
Summary: The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of ACTN3 R577X gene polymorphism in soccer players and sedentary individuals, and to investigate the relationship of this distribution with performance tests. A total of 100 soccer players and 101 sedentary individuals were enrolled in the study. Standing long jump and countermovement jump (with arm swing, without arm swing and repeated) scores were recorded, using a jump meter. Maximum VO2 levels were measured using a treadmill-connected cardiopulmonary exercise device, Masterscreen CPX. ACTN3 R577X polymorphism was evaluated by real-time PCR. ACTN3 R577X genotype distribution was found to be similar in soccer players and controls (p>0.05). The only statistically significant finding was a shorter countermovement jump with arm swing scores in the RR-genotyped soccer players, compared with their RX genotyped counterparts (p<0.05). In the soccer player group, RX-genotyped subjects were observed to have lower respiratory threshold values compared with RR-genotyped subjects (p<0.05). No significant correlation was detected between this distribution and performance test results. ACTN3 R577X genotype distribution was found to have no effect on sprint and endurance characteristics in amateur soccer players. The ACTN3 R577X polymorphism may not be a specific enough genetic marker to determine athletic performance in soccer.


#4 Lack of impact moderating movement adaptation when soccer players perform game specific tasks on a third-generation artificial surface without a cushioning underlay
Reference: Sports Biomech. 2019 Mar 21:1-15. doi: 10.1080/14763141.2019.1579365. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Lozano-Berges G, Clansey AC, Casajús JA, Lake MJ
Summary: The objective of this study was to investigate how the inclusion of a cushioning underlay in a third-generation artificial turf (3G) affects player biomechanics during soccer-specific tasks. Twelve soccer players (9 males/3 females; 22.6 ± 2.3 y) participated in this study. Mechanical impact testing of each 3G surface; without (3G-NCU) and with cushioning underlay (3G-CU) were conducted. Impact force characteristics, joint kinematics and joint kinetics variables were calculated on each surface condition during a sprint 90° cut (90CUT), a sprint 180° cut (180CUT), a drop jump (DROP) and a sprint with quick deceleration (STOP). For all tasks, greater peak resultant force, peak knee extensor moment and peak ankle dorsi-flexion moment were found in 3G-NCU than 3G-CU (p < 0.05). During 90CUT and STOP, loading rates were higher in 3G-NCU than 3G-CU (p < 0.05). During 180CUT, higher hip, knee and ankle ranges of motion were found in 3G-NCU (p < 0.05). These findings showed that the inclusion of cushioning underlay in 3G reduces impact loading forces and lower limb joint loading in soccer players across game-specific tasks. Overall, players were not attempting to reduce higher lower limb impact loading associated with a lack of surface cushioning underlay.


#5 Maturity status effects on torque and muscle architecture of young soccer players
Reference: J Sports Sci. 2019 Mar 21:1-10. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2019.1589908. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Cunha GDS, Vaz MA, Herzog W, Geremia JM, Leites GT, Reischak-Oliveira Á
Summary: This study investigated the effects of maturity status on knee extensor torque and vastus lateralis architecture of young soccer players. Thirty-four males aged 13-18 years were divided into two groups: pubescent (PUB, n = 15) and postpubescent (POSP, n = 19). Torque by angle interaction was established for absolute [F(2.649, 84.771) = 9.066, p < 0.05] and relative to body mass [F(2.704, 86.533) = 4.050, p < 0.05] isometric torque with the POSP group showing greater values. Muscle volume torque-angle relationship was similar between groups. Absolute, relative to body mass, and relative to muscle volume concentric and eccentric torque-velocity relationship showed a non-significant interaction but a significant group effect in favour the POSP group for absolute and concentric torque relative to body mass. Torque-angle and torque-velocity relationship normalized by body mass allometric exponents showed a non-significant interactions and group effects. Muscle thickness (3.6 ± 0.6 vs. 3.8 ± 0.6 cm), fascicle length (8.3 ± 1.4 vs. 8.9 ± 1.6 cm) and pennation angle (15.0 ± 2.3 vs. 14.3 ± 3.2 degrees) was similar between PUB and POSP groups, respectively. Maturity status did not show a significant effect on muscle architecture and on isometric and dynamic torques when allometrically normalized.


#6 Repeated Sprint Ability and Muscular Responses According to the Age Category in Elite Youth Soccer Players
Reference: Front Physiol. 2019 Mar 6;10:175. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00175. eCollection 2019.
Authors: Sánchez-Sánchez J, García-Unanue J, Hernando E, López-Fernández J, Colino E, León-Jiménez M, Gallardo L
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6414432/pdf/fphys-10-00175.pdf
Summary: The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of age category on the performance and muscle response after a Repeated Sprint Ability (RSA) test in elite youth soccer players. 62 soccer players from three different age categories (Under 14 [n = 21], Under 16 [n = 20], and Under 18 [n = 21]) were selected to participate in this study. Players completed an RSA test (7 × 30 m) with a 20-s recovery between sprints. The muscular response to an electrical stimulus before and after the test of both the biceps femoris (BF) and the rectus femoris (RF) were evaluated using tensiomyography. A two-way ANOVA was used to analyse the differences in RSA parameters in each of the four distance-intervals (0-5; 5-25; 25-30; 0-30 m) between sprint and age category. The U14 age category (5.30 ± 0.30 s) showed higher mean sprint times than U16 (4.62 ± 0.20 s) and U18 (4.46 ± 0.17 s) throughout the entire test (p < 0.01). U16 players revealed a worse best sprints time (RSABEST) than U18 players (+0.12 s, CI95%: to 0.01 to 0.24; ES: 1.09, p = 0.03). The muscular contractile properties were similar in the three age categories analyzed (p > 0.05), although the delay time (Td) of the muscle was significantly lower after the RSA test in U16 players (-1.53 ms, CI95%: -2.607 to -0.452; ES: 0.38) and U18 players (-1.11 ms, CI95%: -2.10 to -0.12; ES: 0.22). In conclusion, this study revealed an increase in physical performance and muscle response variability after a repeated sprint ability test in the U16's and over. The fatigue induced by the RSA test did not show differences depending on the age of the players, although muscle mechanical properties were altered after the RSA test in U16 and U18 soccer players. Physical performance and muscle response can be complementary variables in managing fatigue according to the age category in soccer players.


#7 Leadership and Motivational Climate: The Relationship with Objectives, Commitment, and Satisfaction in Base Soccer Players
Reference: Behav Sci (Basel). 2019 Mar 19;9(3). pii: E29. doi: 10.3390/bs9030029.
Authors: Calvo C, Topa G
Download link: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/9/3/29/pdf
Summary: The objective of the present study is to analyze non-professional soccer players' preferences regarding coach leadership style and motivational climate and to determine the relationship of these variables with players' satisfaction, sport commitment, and sport objectives. The participants were 151 players, aged between 10 and 24 years, divided into five categories: Alevín, Infantil, Cadet, Feminine, and Juvenile, all belonging to the Aragonese Soccer Federation. The participants completed questionnaires assessing their perception of their coach's leadership style, the team's motivational climate, their individual satisfaction, degree of sport commitment, and sport objectives. The results show that the leadership styles of training and instruction (M = 3.98, SD = 0.43) and positive feedback (M = 4.02, SD = 0.53) are the most valued by the players in all categories. The training and instruction leadership style had the highest correlations with task-oriented motivational climate (r = 0.40). The findings of the regression analysis show that a training and instruction leadership style and a task-oriented motivational climate significantly predict players' satisfaction (13.3%) and sport commitment (14.5%).


#8 Monitoring Training and Match Physical Load in Junior Soccer Players: Starters versus Substitutes
Reference: Sports (Basel). 2019 Mar 19;7(3). pii: E70. doi: 10.3390/sports7030070.
Authors: Dalen T, Lorås H
Download link: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/7/3/70/pdf
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate differences in the physical (locomotor activities) and physiological (Banister's training impulse) in-season training load between starters and substitutes in a well-trained junior soccer team. Physical performance variables from the Polar Team Pro system were collected and analyzed from a sample of junior soccer players (N = 18; age = 15.7 ± 0.5 years; stature, 177.9 ± 4.6 cm; body mass, 67.1 ± 5.5 kg). The study analyzed a total of 10 matches and 38 training sessions during the 2018 season with linear mixed models. The players from the starting line-ups demonstrated significantly higher average weekly physical load compared to the non-starters with respect to all variables: distance (total, running, high-speed running, and sprint) [F (1, 573) ≥ 66, p < 0.001, eta = 0.10], number of accelerations and sprints [F (1, 573) ≥ 66, p < 0.001, eta = 0.10], as well as Banister's training impulse (TRIMP) [F (1, 569) = 10, p < 0.001, eta = 0.02]. Evidence from this study indicates that a large amount of weekly accumulated high-speed running and sprint distances is related to match playing time. Therefore, weekly fitness-related adaptations in running at high speeds seem to favor the starters in a soccer team.


#9 Determinants of concussion diagnosis, symptomology, and resolution time in U.S. high school soccer players
Reference: Res Sports Med. 2019 Mar 20:1-13. doi: 10.1080/15438627.2019.1590834. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Chandran A, Elmi A, Young H, DiPietro L
Summary: Determinants of concussion diagnosis, symptomology, and other sequelae have not been examined in high school soccer players. Using a sample of soccer-related head/neck injuries from the NATION Surveillance Program, we evaluated potential determinants (sex, injury history, injury mechanism, setting) of concussion characteristics. A total of 378 head/neck injuries were recorded, and 189 (50.0%) injuries from this sample, resulted in a concussion diagnosis. Odds of concussion diagnosis were 84% higher among female players compared with their male counterparts, and over two-fold higher in game settings compared with practice settings. We also observed several significant symptom dependencies, such as higher odds of difficulty concentrating (OR = 5.84, 95% CI = [2.99, 11.42]) given concurrent light sensitivity. Furthermore, we identified injury mechanism as a determinant of concussion symptom resolution time. Our results suggest that determinants of soccer-related concussions and their sequelae are multifactorial, and extend the existing literature with the potential to inform clinical practice.


#10 Tracking and Comparing Self-Determined Motivation in Elite Youth Soccer: Influence of Developmental Activities, Age, and Skill
Reference: Front Psychol. 2019 Mar 5;10:304. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00304. eCollection 2019.
Authors: Hendry DT, Crocker PRE, Williams AM, Hodges NJ
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6411691/pdf/fpsyg-10-00304.pdf
Summary: Our aim was to determine if self-determined motivation (SDM) in elite, men's soccer changes over time and differs as a function of age, skill-grouping, and engagement in soccer play and practice. We tested predictions from the Developmental Model of Sport Participation (DMSP) regarding relations between practice and play and SDM among both elite and non-elite samples. Elite youth soccer players in the United Kingdom (n = 31; from the Under 13/U13 and U15 years age groups) completed practice history and motivation questionnaires at time 1 (T1) and ∼2 years later (T2: now U15 and U17 years). Non-elite players (n = 32; from U15 and U17 years) completed the same questionnaires at T2 only. For the elite groups, global SDM decreased over time for the current U17 group (from U15), but no change was seen for the current U15 group (from U13). Age group differences at T2 mirrored these data, with U17 players showing lower global SDM and higher controlled motivation than U15 elites. The non-elite players did not show age group differences, but elites scored higher for global SDM and autonomous motivation than non-elites. The recent hours accumulated in practice negatively correlated with global SDM in elite and non-elite groups, but play was unrelated to measures of motivation. Conclusion: Differences in SDM as a function of age and skill point toward the dynamic nature of these motivations over time, likely a result of proximity to external rewards related to professional status. Although high volumes of practice are related to lower global SDM in both skill groups, the absence of any relations between SDM and soccer play does not support a key prediction related to the DMSP.


#11 Modelling the Acceleration and Deceleration Profile of Elite-level Soccer Players
Reference: Int J Sports Med. 2019 Mar 18. doi: 10.1055/a-0853-7676. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Newans T, Bellinger P, Dodd K, Minahan C
Summary: The ability to change velocity rapidly is a key element of field-based sports. This study quantified the acceleration and deceleration profiles of soccer players during match play. Global positioning system measures were collected from 20 male soccer players competing in the Australian Hyundai A-League during 58 matches. Match data were organized into ten 9 min periods (i. e., P1: 0-9 min) and the time spent at moderate (1-2 m·s-2) and high (>2 m·s-2) acceleration and deceleration thresholds were quantified. Additionally, a novel deceleration: acceleration ratio was quantified to identify the transient nature of deceleration activity. Linear mixed models were used to model the acceleration and deceleration profiles. All acceleration and deceleration metrics displayed negative logarithmic curves within each half. There was no change in the ratio of high deceleration: acceleration; however, a significant increase in the ratio of moderate deceleration:acceleration was evident. Using negative logarithmic curves to illustrate the acceleration and deceleration decay provides a novel methodological approach to quantify the high-intensity actions during match play. A decrease in the time spent decelerating throughout a match may be attributed to a lack of opportunity. Practitioners can use the coefficients, intercepts, and deceleration: acceleration ratios to monitor a player's deceleration profile in match play.


#12 Relationship of Training Load with High-intensity Running in Professional Soccer Players
Reference: Int J Sports Med. 2019 Mar 18. doi: 10.1055/a-0855-3843. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Lee M, Mukherjee S
Summary: This study determined the training load (TL) and its relationship with high-intensity running performance across the season in professional soccer players. The TL, YoYo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2 (YYIR 2) and repeated sprint ability (RSA) were monitored in 29 players (age 26.2±3.8 years, height 173.6±5.6 cm, body mass 68.5±8.6 kg). In the mid in-season (MS), Lucia TRIMP (TRIMPL) was inversely correlated with YYIR 2 (r=-0.6, p<0.05), with total distance (TD), work-rate (WR), low-intensity distance (LID) and player load (PL) showing correlation with YYIR 2 (r=0.81, 0.77, 0.88, 0.67; p<0.05) in the late in-season (LS). In pre-season (PS), TD, WR and moderate-intensity distance (MID) were correlated with YYIR 2 (r=0.65, 0.80, 0.83, p<0.05), whereas in early in-season (ES), TD, WR, LID were correlated with YYIR 2 performance (r=0.58, 0.67, 0.55, p<0.05). There was no significant relationship (p>0.05) between TL and RSA. The findings showed the volume, intensity and types of TL accrued influences the relationship with physical performance that suggest the significance of phase-specific monitoring of TL for maximizing performance in soccer players.


#13 A Coding System to Quantify Powerful Actions in Soccer Match Play: A Pilot Study
Reference: Res Q Exerc Sport. 2019 Mar 18:1-10. doi: 10.1080/02701367.2019.1576838. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Murtagh CF, Naughton RJ, McRobert AP, O'Boyle A, Morgans R, Drust B, Erskine RM
Summary: The powerful activity profile of elite soccer match play has not been documented appropriately to inform specific maximal power assessment and development criteria. The aims of the current study were to develop a reliable  soccer-specific powerful action (SSPA) notational analysis coding system that could be used to compare frequency and durations of powerful actions during elite youth soccer match play. Sixteen elite male English Premier League (EPL) Academy players (19 ± 1 yrs) were recorded by an individual camera during 16 competitive EPL U18 and U21 games. Video footage was analyzed using performance analysis software and SSPAs were coded according to the following categories: initial acceleration, leading acceleration, sprint, unilateral jump and bilateral jump. The SSPA coding system demonstrated very good inter- and intra-rater reliability (kappa coefficients ≥ 0.827). Elite youth EPL soccer players undertook significantly more initial (31 ± 9) and leading (37 ± 12) accelerations than sprints (8 ± 3; p = .014, d = 1.7, and p < .001, d = 1.7, respectively) and jumps (6 ± 5; p = .002, d = 1.7 and p < .001, d = 1.7, respectively). Players performed a significantly greater number of initial and leading accelerations with action durations below 1.5 s compared to above 1.5 s (p = .001, d = 1.6, and p = .002, d = 1.4), respectively. Our SSPA coding system provides a reliable observational instrument for quantifying the frequency and duration of powerful actions performed during elite soccer match play. In our sample of elite youth soccer players, horizontal accelerations of short duration (< 1.5 s) from different starting speeds appear the most dominant powerful action in elite youth soccer match play.


#14 Characterizing head impact exposure in youth female soccer with a custom-instrumented mouthpiece
Reference: Res Sports Med. 2019 Mar 16:1-17. doi: 10.1080/15438627.2019.1590833. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Miller LE, Pinkerton EK, Fabian KC, Wu LC, Espeland MA, Lamond LC, Miles CM, Camarillo DB, Stitzel JD, Urban JE
Summary: While many research efforts have focused on head impact exposure in professional soccer, there have been few studies characterizing exposure at the youth level. The aim of this study is to evaluate a new instrumentation approach and collect some of the first head impact exposure data for youth female soccer players. Athletes were instrumented with custom-fit mouthpieces that measure head impacts. Detailed video analysis was conducted to identify characteristics describing impact source (e.g., kick, header, throw). A total of 763 verified head impacts were collected over 23 practices and 8 games from 7 athletes. The median peak linear accelerations, rotational velocities, and rotational accelerations of all impacts were 9.4 g, 4.1 rad/s, and 689 rad/s2, respectively. Pairwise comparisons resulted in statistically significant differences in kinematics by impact source. Headers following a kicked ball had the highest accelerations and velocity when compared to headers from thrown or another header.


#15 Partial-body cryostimulation after training improves sleep quality in professional soccer players
Reference: BMC Res Notes. 2019 Mar 15;12(1):141. doi: 10.1186/s13104-019-4172-9.
Authors: Douzi W, Dupuy O, Theurot D, Boucard G, Dugué B
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6419922/pdf/13104_2019_Article_4172.pdf
Summary: The aim of the present investigation was to determine whether using cryostimulation (partial-body cryostimulation) impacts sleep quality in professional soccer players. Different exposure durations at - 180 °C were tested randomly after standardized training sessions in nine professional soccer players (no cryostimulation, 180-s exposure, two 90-s exposures separated by a 5-min rest at room temperature, and 90-s exposure), and the effects on sleep quality using 3-dimensional accelerometers worn during sleep were assessed. The number of movements during the night after partial-body cryostimulation was significantly reduced only in the 180-s exposure condition (p < 0.05, very large effect size) compared with the control condition. Partial-body cryostimulation seems to induce a positive impact on sleep quality that may be dose-dependent. Trial registration Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), ACTRN12619000330145, date of registration: 4/03/2019. Retrospectively registered.