Latest research in football - week 16 - 2020

#1 Preliminary Validation of Mirrored Scales for Monitoring Professional Soccer Training Sessions
Reference: J Hum Kinet. 2020 Mar 31;72:265-278. doi: 10.2478/hukin-2019-0112. eCollection 2020 Mar.
Authors: Morandi RF, Pimenta EM, Andrade AGP, Serpa TKF, Penna EM, Costa CO, Júnior MNSO, Garcia ES
Summary: We aimed to create a single subjective method to assess both internal training loads and subsequent fatigue. This new training-fatigue (dose-response) scale (TFS) was composed of two similar scales with the same properties, metrics and construction criteria. These two scales were designed to rate the perceived exertion (RPETFS) and perceived fatigue (RPFTFS) in professional soccer players. Twenty-two athletes participated to establish reliability, and 15 participated to establish validity. For reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM) were used. For criterion validity, the Spearman's correlation coefficient and linear regression analyses were applied. Associations between RPETFS and RPFTFS were verified by a chi square test, and a further factorial exploratory analysis was conducted. RPETFS and RPFTFS were found to be reliable (ICC 0.74 and 0.77, SEM 0.30 and 0.30, respectively) and valid. RPETFS was best explained by the internal load of the Banister training impulse (p < 0.001), while RPFTFS was best explained by the internal load of the Stagno training impulse (p < 0.001). An association was found between the scales (RPETFS and RPFTFS) in which training duration had a more substantial impact on these subjective perceptions than did training intensity (p < 0.01). RPETFS and RPFTFS scales are reliable and valid for monitoring training sessions in Brazilian professional soccer players. The simultaneous oscillations of the RPETFS and RPFTFS scores can be used by staff members to better plan weekly training programs based on dose-response ratings. Finally, training duration must be carefully controlled because it has a greater impact than intensity on subjective perceptions.


#2 Assessing Change of Direction Ability in a Spanish Elite Soccer Academy
Reference: J Hum Kinet. 2020 Mar 31;72:229-239. doi: 10.2478/hukin-2019-0109. eCollection 2020 Mar.
Authors: Arcos AL, Aramendi JF, Emparanza JI, Castagna C, Yanci J, Lezáun A, Martínez-Santos R
Summary: The aims of the study were: a) to analyze the reproducibility of the Modified Agility Test (MAT) according to two types of displacement (i.e. constrained [MATtop] vs. free [MATfree]), b) to examine the explanatory capacity of anthropometric characteristics and neuromuscular performance on the ability to change the direction (CODA), c) to look into the practical consequences of the types of displacement from the perspective of an elite soccer academy. 118 male soccer players (age: 16 (13-25) years old) from the same elite Spanish soccer academy (U13 to senior) were tested twice on two versions of the MAT (MATtop and MATfree), with 48 hours between testing sessions. Moreover, they were tested on linear-sprint performance, over 5 m (S5m) and 15 m (S15m), and the vertical jump (VJ) (countermovement jump with [ACMJ] and without an arm swing [CMJ]). The main findings were: a) the type of displacement did not affect the reliability of the CODA test; b) weight, S15m, ACMJ and CMJ variables explained close to 60% of CODA performance; c) MATtop (i.e. constrained displacement) and MATfree (i.e. free-displacement) CODA tests could show different profiles of development along the age groups; and d) the impact of the task's constraints was relatively higher in U16 and U17 groups. CODA seems to have a variable meaning depending on the characteristics of the test and the age of the participants.


#3 Match Performance Indicators that Discriminated Between Winning, Drawing and Losing Teams in the 2017 AFCON Soccer Championship
Reference: J Hum Kinet. 2020 Mar 31;72:215-221. doi: 10.2478/hukin-2019-0108. eCollection 2020 Mar.
Authors: Kubayi A, Toriola A
Summary: The purpose of this study was to examine match performance indicators that discriminated between winning, drawing and losing teams in the 2017 Total Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) soccer championship. Data were collected from 32 matches during the AFCON soccer tournament using the InStat® system. The studied variables included the number of goals scored, the time period in which a goal was scored and the impact of the first goal on the match outcome, as well as total shots, shots on goal, total passes, accurate passes, corners, ball possession, fouls, offsides as well as yellow and red cards. The results showed that goals scored (1.80 ± 0.83), total shots (11.05 ± 4.83), shots on target (4.70 ± 2.62), fouls (18.60 ± 5.19), offsides (2.35 ± 1.76), yellow cards (1.55 ± 1.10), and red cards (0.05 ± 0.22) were discriminative performance indicators of winning teams. In contrast, losing teams yielded higher mean values in total passes (260.30 ± 49.10), accurate passes (69.28 ± 5.74), corners (5.10 ± 2.95), and ball possession (51.20 ± 5.52). In conclusion, these results have practical implications for coaches in planning and implementing team tactics for successful performance.


#4 Heart Rate Variability is Correlated with Perceived Physical Fitness in Elite Soccer Players
Reference: J Hum Kinet. 2020 Mar 31;72:141-150. doi: 10.2478/hukin-2019-0103. eCollection 2020 Mar.
Authors: Ravé G, Zouhal H, Boullosa D, Doyle-Baker PK, Saeidi A, Abderrahman AB, Fortrat JO
Summary: Heart Rate Variability (HRV) has been typically used to monitor athletes' physical fitness readiness. The supine position maximizes parasympathetic tone, which is important for monitoring in continuous aerobic sports, however, this is not the case of team sports that rely on anaerobic intermittent bouts, thus increasing sympathetic activation and vagal withdrawal. We hypothesized that HRV during sympathetic activation and vagal withdrawal would be a useful marker to evaluate perceived physical fitness in team sports. HRV was measured in both supine and standing positions during the mornings of 4 match days in 14 professional players. The supine Root Mean Square of the Successive Differences (RMSSD), as well as spectral analysis indices were recorded. Perceived physical fitness was assessed after each match by means of a visual analogue scale (VAS). Supine RMSSD was moderately correlated with perceived physical fitness (rho = 0.416), however, larger correlations were observed for supine and standing spectral indices (rho > 0.5). Correlation between RMSSD and Total Power was very large, thus questioning the usual interpretation of RMSSD (rho > 0.7). Standing Spectral HRV analyses may be a useful method for evaluating perceived physical fitness in the context of team sports. RMSSD may reflect the overall variability of HR and not only the parasympathetic influence, as observed in the current study.


#5 Corrigendum: Strength, Jumping, and Change of Direction Speed Asymmetries Are Not Associated With Athletic Performance in Elite Academy Soccer Players
Reference: Front Psychol. 2020 Mar 20;11:518. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00518. eCollection 2020.
Authors: Raya-González J, Bishop C, Gómez-Piqueras P, Veiga S, Viejo-Romero D, Navandar A
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7100853/pdf/fpsyg-11-00518.pdf


#6 Effects of plyometric jump training in female soccer player's vertical jump height: A systematic review with meta-analysis
Reference: J Sports Sci. 2020 Apr 7:1-13. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1745503. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Ramirez-Campillo R, Sanchez-Sanchez J, Romero-Moraleda B, Yanci J, García-Hermoso A, Manuel Clemente F
Summary: The purpose was to assess the effects of plyometric jump training (PJT) in female soccer player's vertical jump height, a review was conducted using the data sources PubMed, MEDLINE, Web Of Science and SCOPUS. Only peer-review articles were included. To qualify for inclusion in the meta-analysis, studies must have included (i) a PJT programme of at least 2 weeks, (ii) cohorts of healthy female soccer players with no restriction for age, (iii) a control group, (iv) a measure of countermovement jump (CMJ). The inverse variance random-effects model for meta-analyses was used. From 7,136 records initially identified through database searching, 8 were eligible for meta-analysis, comprising 9 training groups (n = 99) and 9 control groups (n = 94). The magnitude of the main effect was moderate (ES = 1.01 [95%CI = 0.36-1.66], Z = 3.04, p = 0.002). Sub-group analyses were performed (i.e., PJT frequency, duration and total number of sessions), revealing no significant subgroup differences (p = 0.34-0.96). Among the studies included in this review, none reported injury or other adverse effects. In conclusion, PJT is effective in female soccer players for the improvement of vertical jump height. In future, research must identify specific dose-response relationships following PJT, particularly in the long term.


#7 Making football safer for women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of injury prevention programmes in 11 773 female football (soccer) players
Reference: Br J Sports Med. 2020 Apr 6. pii: bjsports-2019-101587. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2019-101587. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Crossley KM, Patterson BE, Culvenor AG, Bruder AM, Mosler AB, Mentiplay BF
Summary: The purpose was to evaluate the effects of injury prevention programmes on injury incidence in any women's football code; explore relationships between training components and injury risk; and report injury incidence for women's football. Randomised controlled trials evaluating any injury prevention programme (eg, exercise, education, braces) were included. Study inclusion criteria were: ≥20 female football players in each study arm (any age, football code or participation level) and injury incidence reporting. Twelve studies, all in soccer, met inclusion criteria, with nine involving adolescent teams (aged <18 years). All studies (except one) had a high risk of bias. Eleven studies examined exercise-based programmes, with most (9/11) including multiple (≥2) training components (eg, strength, plyometric, balance exercises). Multicomponent exercise programmes reduced overall (any reported) injuries (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.73, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.91) and ACL injuries (IRR 0.55, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.92). For exercise-based strategies (single-component and multicomponent), hamstring injuries were also reduced (IRR 0.40, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.95). While exercise-based strategies resulted in less knee, ankle and hip/groin injuries, and the use of multiple training components was associated with greater reductions in overall and knee injuries, further studies would be required to increase the precision of these results. The incidence of overall injuries in women's football was 3.4 per 1000 exposure hours; with ankle injuries most common. In women's football, there is low-level evidence that multicomponent, exercise-based programmes reduce overall and ACL injuries by 27% and 45%, respectively.


#8 The Effects of Low- and High-Glycemic Index Sport Nutrition Bars on Metabolism and Performance in Recreational Soccer Players
Reference: Nutrients. 2020 Apr 2;12(4). pii: E982. doi: 10.3390/nu12040982.
Authors: Kaviani M, Chilibeck PD, Gall S, Jochim J, Zello GA
Download link: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/4/982/pdf
Summary: Consumption of low-glycemic index (GI) carbohydrates (CHO) may be superior to high-GI CHO before exercise by increasing fat oxidation and decreasing carbohydrate oxidation. We compared the effects of pre-exercise feeding of a low-GI lentil-based sports nutrition bar with a high-GI bar on metabolism and performance during a simulated soccer match. Using a randomized, double-blind, counterbalanced, crossover design, participants (n = 8) consumed 1.5 g/kg available CHO from a low-GI bar (GI = 45) or high-GI bar (GI = 101) two hours before a 90 min simulated soccer match, and 0.38 g/kg body mass during a 15 min half-time break. The test involved alternating 6 min intervals of paced jogging, running, walking, and sprinting, and 3 min intervals of soccer-specific skills (timed ball dribbling, agility running, heading, kicking accuracy). Carbohydrate oxidation rate was lower during the match after consuming the low-GI compared to high-GI bar (2.17 ± 0.6 vs. 2.72 ± 0.4 g/min; p < 0.05). Participants performed better during the low-GI versus high-GI bar condition on the agility test (5.7 ± 0.4 versus 6.1 ± 0.6 s; p < 0.01) and heading (i.e., jumping height 24.7 ± 4.3 versus 22.2 ± 4.5 cm; p < 0.01) late in the soccer match (72 min). A low-GI lentil-based sports nutrition bar provides a metabolic benefit (lower carbohydrate oxidation rate) and a modest improvement in agility running and jumping height (heading) late in the test.


#9 Do Changes in Fitness Status, Testosterone Concentration, and Anthropometric Characteristics Across a 16-Month Training Period Influence Technical Performance of Youth Soccer Players During Small-Sided Games?
Reference: J Strength Cond Res. 2020 Apr 3. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003614. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Rodrigues Lopes RA, Aoki MS, Carling C, Vaz Ronque ER, Moreira A
Summary: This study examined the influence of changes in physical capacity, testosterone concentration, and anthropometric characteristics across a 16-month training period on technical performance of youth players during small-sided games (SSG). Thirty-five elite youth players (14.3 ± 0.2 years, 170 ± 6.2 cm, and 61 ± 6 kg) were assessed on 3 occasions (T1, T2, and T3) over the period. A multivariate canonical correlation (MCC) was used to assess the multiple associations between the criterion variable (SSG technical performance) and the predictor variable (physical capacity represented by the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 [Yo-Yo IRT1], testosterone concentration, and anthropometric characteristics). Changes between T1 and T3 were retained for MCC analysis. Multivariate canonical correlation analysis revealed 2 significant functions (R = 0.42 and 0.36) indicating a significant relationship between predictor and criterion variables. Changes in Yo-Yo IRT1 performance were the main contributor to the predictor variable, whereas the frequency of tackles/interceptions contributed mostly to the criterion variable (SSG technical performance). These results showed that technical performance in SSG was influenced by changes in Yo-Yo IRT1 performance, suggesting the importance of monitoring in conjunction, intermittent exercise capacity, and technical performance in SSG in youth soccer players. In addition, the stability in technical performance during SSG observed over the experimental period suggests that practitioners could use SSG as a tool for systematic real-world monitoring of technical performance rather than isolated practice drills.


#10 Player and Parent Experiences with Child and Adolescent Power Soccer Sport Participation
Reference: Phys Occup Ther Pediatr. 2020 Apr 5:1-14. doi: 10.1080/01942638.2020.1746946. [Epub ahead of print]
Authors: Bragg E, Spencer NLI, Phelan SK, Pritchard-Wiart L
Summary: Power soccer presents opportunities for young athletes who use power wheelchairs to experience competitive team sports. As the focus of rehabilitation is to enhance participation and quality of life, insight into the subjective experience of sport participation could broaden considerations for power wheelchair prescription and inform how therapists share information about community sports and other activities with families. The purpose was to  provide insight into the experiences of power soccer players and their parents to inform rehabilitation practice. Primary data for this Interpretive Description study were individual interviews with five power soccer athletes, ranging from 11 to 17 years of age, and three parents of power soccer players. Observational field notes were also used. Five inter-related themes were developed: 1) Level playing field, 2) I am an athlete, 3) Important "life lessons" are gained through team sports, 4) The value of belonging to a community, and 5) Role of the rehabilitation community in supporting power mobility sports. Findings of this study demonstrate the benefits and challenges of power sport participation. The results encourage therapists to share information about sport opportunities with families and to consider a broad range of contexts when assessing for power mobility.


#11 Indirect Assessment of Skeletal Muscle Glycogen Content in Professional Soccer Players before and after a Match through a Non-Invasive Ultrasound Technology
Reference: Nutrients. 2020 Apr 1;12(4). pii: E971. doi: 10.3390/nu12040971.
Authors: San-Millán I, Hill JC, Calleja-González J
Download link: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/4/971/pdf
Summary: Skeletal muscle glycogen (SMG) stores in highly glycolytic activities regulate muscle contraction by controlling calcium release and uptake from sarcoplasmic reticulum, which could affect muscle contraction. Historically, the assessment of SMG was performed through invasive and non-practical muscle biopsies. In this study we have utilized a novel methodology to assess SMG through a non-invasive high-frequency ultrasound. Nine MLS professional soccer players (180.4 ± 5.9 cm; 72.4 ± 9.3 kg; 10.4% ± 0.7% body fat) participated. All followed the nutritional protocol 24 h before the official match as well as performing the same practice program the entire week leading to the match. The SMG decreased from 80 ± 8.6 to 63.9 ± 10.2; p = 0.005 on MuscleSound® score (0-100) representing a 20% ± 10.4% decrease in muscle glycogen after match. Inter-individual differences in both starting glycogen content (65-90) and in percentage decrease in glycogen after the match (between 6.2% and 44.5%). Some players may not start the match with adequate SMG while others' SMG decreased significantly throughout the game. Adequate pre-match SMG should be achieved during half-time and game-play in order to mitigate the decrease in glycogen. Further and more ample studies are needed before the application of this technology.


 #12 Analysis of the Variability of the Game Space in High Performance Football: Implementation of the Generalizability Theory
Reference: Front Psychol. 2020 Mar 25;11:534. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00534. eCollection 2020.
Authors: Maneiro R, Blanco-Villaseñor Á, Amatria M
Download link: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00534/pdf
Summary: The analysis of variability in sport has shown significant growth in recent years. Also, the study of space management in the game field has not been object of research yet. The present study pretends to describe the variability in the use of strategic space in high performance football. To do this, the spatial management of the Spanish men's soccer team when it is in possession of the ball has been analyzed, during its participation in the UEFA Euro 2012 championship. Specifically, 6861 events have been collected and analyzed. Different zoning of the field have been used, and the location of the ball has been recorded in each offensive action. Using the observational methodology as a methodological filter, two types of analysis have been carried out: first, a General Linear Model was implemented to know the variability of the strategic space. Models with two, three, four and five variables have been tested. In order to estimate the degree of accuracy and generalization of the data obtained, the Generalizability Theory was implemented. Next, and in order to estimate the degree of accuracy and generalization of the data obtained, the Generalizability Theory was implemented. The results showed that the model that produces greater variability and better explanation is the four-variable model (P = 0.019; r 2 = 0.838), with the inclusion of the variables match half, rival, move initiation zone and move conclusion zone. Next, an optimization plan was implemented to know the degree of generalization with the Rival, Start Zone (SZ) and Conclusion Zone (CZ) facets. The available results indicate that it is based on an adequate research design in terms of the number of observations. The results of the present study could have a double practical application. On the one hand, the inclusion of the game's space management in training sessions will potentially conceal the true tactical intention. On the other hand, knowing the variability of the strategic space will allow to exploit areas of the optimal playing field to attack the rival team.