COVID-19-Related Restrictions and Quarantine COVID-19: Effects on Cardiovascular and Yo-Yo Test Performance in Professional Soccer Players

The present study aimed to verify the quarantine’s effects during a serious viral outbreak on the cardiovascular and performance associated with the Yo-Yo test in a sample of professional soccer players. 20 high-level soccer players (n = 20; age: 26 ± 4 years-old; weight: 76.85 ± 6.7 kg; height: 179 ± 6 cm) participated in this study. The intermittent Yo-Yo test was performed pre- and post- COVID-19 quarantine in a random order. During each test, the soccer players’ running performance outcomes were monitored using a portable 5-Hz GPS with a 100 Hz accelerometer and a paired t-test was conducted at a p-value of ≤ 0.05. The main results demonstrated significant differences between pre- versus post-COVID-19 quarantine in the following variables: relative distance (161.7 ± 5.9 > 141.1 ± 33.8 m/min), maximal speed (18.7 ± 0.9 > 18.2 ± 0.6 km/h), acceleration (60 ± 20 frequency > 52 ± 16 frequency), deceleration (34 ± 13 frequency > 27 ± 6 frequency), sprints > 19 km/h [0.8 (0.2;3)% >0.5 (0;0.5)%], and in high intensity running distance [16.48 (2.68;41.64)m > 0.827 (0.164;3.0)m]. We concluded that COVID-19-related restrictions and quarantine COVID-19 demonstrated adverse effects on professional soccer players’ Yo-Yo tests performance.

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The Relationship between Preseason Common Screening Tests to Identify Inter-Limb Asymmetries in High-Level Senior and Professional Soccer Players

Symmetry ◽

10.3390/sym13101805 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (10) ◽

pp. 1805

Author(s):

Fernando J. Santos ◽

Aníbal J. Valido ◽

Inês S. Malcata ◽

Cátia C. Ferreira ◽

Dalton M. Pessôa Filho ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lower Limb ◽

Performance Enhancement ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Screening Tests ◽

Mean Values ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

And Performance ◽

High Level ◽

The Relationship ◽

Important Evidence

This study sought to examine inter-limb asymmetries in common screening tests performed during preseason and to analyze the relationship between the performance in the different tests. Nineteen high-level senior and professional soccer players (age: 23.2 ± 3.1 years; height: 181 ± 0.06 cm; body mass: 75.2 ± 4.8 kg) performed several common screening tests during preseason: Dorsiflexion lunge test (DLT); bent knee fall out test (BKFO); y-balance anterior test (YBT A); y-balance posterolateral test (YBT PL); Y-balance posteromedial test (YBT PM); Heel-rise test (HRT) and single leg hamstring bridge test (SLHBT). High levels of reliability (ICC > 0.88 and <0.94) were observed in all the studied variables. Inter-limb significant differences were observed in DLT and YBT PM test (p < 0.01) but YBT A, HRT and SLHBT presented trivial effect size (ES) (0.03; 0.07 and 0.13, respectively), contrary to DLT, BKFO and YBT PL, all with small ES (0.20; −0.23 and −0.22) and YBT PM, which revealed very large ES (2.91). Considering all data, high-level senior and professional soccer players present fairly good mean values of lower limb symmetry. Performance considering all tests was different, a fact associated with different biomechanical dynamics (e.g., YBT), nonetheless, the correlations between tests underline the relationship between these, which could represent important evidence to consider for injury prevention and performance enhancement programs.

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https://imsciences.edu.pk/files/journals/vol12_2/New%201%20MA.864.pdf

Business & Economic Review ◽

10.22547/ber/12.2.2 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 19-50 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Muhammad Siddique ◽

Shandana Shoaib ◽

Zahoor Jan

Keyword(s):

Organizational Performance ◽

Structural Equation ◽

High Performance ◽

Service Sector ◽

Performance Outcomes ◽

Theory And Practice ◽

Relational Coordination ◽

Multiple Sources ◽

And Performance ◽

High Level

A key aspect of work processes in service sector firms is the interconnection between tasks and performance. Relational coordination can play an important role in addressing the issues of coordinating organizational activities due to high level of interdependence complexity in service sector firms. Research has primarily supported the aspect that well devised high performance work systems (HPWS) can intensify organizational performance. There is a growing debate, however, with regard to understanding the “mechanism” linking HPWS and performance outcomes. Using relational coordination theory, this study examines a model that examine the effects of subsets of HPWS, such as motivation, skills and opportunity enhancing HR practices on relational coordination among employees working in reciprocal interdependent job settings. Data were gathered from multiple sources including managers and employees at individual, functional and unit levels to know their understanding in relation to HPWS and relational coordination (RC) in 218 bank branches in Pakistan. Data analysis via structural equation modelling, results suggest that HPWS predicted RC among officers at the unit level. The findings of the study have contributions to both, theory and practice.

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Genética y fútbol: asociación de los polimorfismos genéticos ACTN3 y ACE-I/D en jugadores de fútbol: Revisión literaria (Genetic and soccer: association of ACTN3 and ACE-I/D genetic polymorphisms in soccer players: Literary review)

Retos ◽

10.47197/retos.v0i39.79347 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Wilson Arroyo Moya

Keyword(s):

Genetic Polymorphisms ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Muscle Injuries ◽

Physiological Level ◽

Youth Soccer ◽

Genotypic Combination ◽

Genetic Components ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

Hereditary Factors ◽

And Performance

Se ha comprobado y establecido que alrededor del 66% de los componentes del rendimiento y estado del atleta se explican por los factores hereditarios. Dos de los polimorfismos genéticos mas estudiados con relación al rendimiento deportivo en la ultima década, son el ACTN3 R577X y el ACE I/D. El objetivo de este estudio fue resumir las posibles asociaciones de ambos polimorfismos y el rendimiento en jugadores de fútbol, determinando la combinación alélica y genotípica que más destaca en esta población y, además, observar las relaciones de estos a nivel físico y fisiológico. Para la realización de este estudio se llevaron a cabo dos fases, una primera de revisión bibliográfica y una segunda fase de clasificación y análisis de la información. Los estudios evidencian una mayor influencia de los alelos ACE-D y ACTN-R, y de los genotipos ACE-ID y ACTN-RR. Se observó que los sujetos con estas combinaciones tenían mejores rendimientos es pruebas de velocidad y fuerza. Por otro lado, el polimorfismo ACTN3 está directamente relacionado con las lesiones musculares. En conclusión, se pudo observar una relación entre los polimorfismos genéticos y el rendimiento en jugadores de fútbol. Los componentes genéticos se pueden integrar como un nuevo componente dentro de la caracterización del deporte y como una herramienta dentro de un modelo de identificacción y detección de talentos en el fútbol juvenil. Además, los biomarcadores genéticos podrían ser responsables en un futuro, del estudio del riesgo de lesiones para que se optimice mucho más el rendimiento en el fútbol profesional. Abstract. It has been verified and established that around 66% of the components of the athlete's performance and state are explained by hereditary factors. Two of the most studied genetic polymorphisms in relation to sports performance in the last decade are ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D. The aim of this study was to summarize the possible associations of both polymorphisms and the performance in soccer players, determining the allelic and genotypic combination that stands out the most in this population and, also, to observe their relationships at the physical and physiological level. In order to complete this study, two phases were carried out, the first one of literature review and, the second one which covered the information classification and analysis. The studies show a greater influence of the ACE-D and ACTN-R alleles, and higher presence of the ACE-ID and ACTN-RR genotypes. Subjects with these combinations were found to perform better on speed and strength tests. On the other hand, the ACTN3 polymorphism is directly related to muscle injuries. In conclusion, a relationship between genetic polymorphisms and performance in soccer players could be observed. Genetic components can be integrated as a new component within the characterization of sport and as a tool within a model of identification and detection of talents in youth soccer. In addition, genetic biomarkers could be responsible, in the future, for the study of the risk of injury so that performance in professional soccer is much more optimized.

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Effect of 2-wk intensified training and inactivity on muscle Na+-K+ pump expression, phospholemman (FXYD1) phosphorylation, and performance in soccer players

Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1152/japplphysiol.01015.2009 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 108 (4) ◽

pp. 898-905 ◽

Cited By ~ 64

Author(s):

Martin Thomassen ◽

Peter M. Christensen ◽

Thomas P. Gunnarsson ◽

Lars Nybo ◽

Jens Bangsbo

Keyword(s):

Test Performance ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Intervention Period ◽

Short Term ◽

High Intensity Training ◽

Muscle Adaptations ◽

Isoform Expression ◽

And Performance ◽

Level 2 ◽

Intensity Training

The present study examined muscle adaptations and alterations in performance of highly trained soccer players with intensified training or training cessation. Eighteen elite soccer players were, for a 2-wk period, assigned to either a group that performed high-intensity training with a reduction in the amount of training (HI, n = 7), or an inactivity group without training (IN, n = 11). HI improved ( P < 0.05) performance of the 4th, 6th, and 10th sprint in a repeated 20-m sprint test, and IN reduced ( P < 0.05) performance in the 5th to the 10th sprints after the 2-wk intervention period. In addition, the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 2 test performance of IN was lowered from 845 ± 48 to 654 ± 30 m. In HI, the protein expression of the Na+-K+ pump α2-isoform was 15% higher ( P < 0.05) after the intervention period, whereas no changes were observed in α1- and β1-isoform expression. In IN, Na+-K+ pump expression was not changed. In HI, the FXYD1ser68-to-FXYD1 ratio was 27% higher ( P < 0.01) after the intervention period, and, in IN, the AB_FXYD1ser68 signal was 18% lower ( P < 0.05) after inactivity. The change in FXYD1ser68-to-FXYD1 ratio was correlated ( r2 = 0.35; P < 0.05) with change in performance in repeated sprint test. The present data suggest that short-term intensified training, even for trained soccer players, can increase muscle Na+-K+ pump α2-isoform expression, and that cessation of training for 2 wk does not affect the expression of Na+-K+ pump isoforms. Resting phosphorylation status of the Na+-K+ pump is changed by training and inactivity and may play a role in performance during repeated, intense exercise.

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The examination of Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test performance of young soccer players at different playing positions

Physical Education of Students ◽

10.15561/20755279.2020.0406 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 24 (4) ◽

pp. 235-241

Author(s):

Serdar Bayrakdaroğlu ◽

Erdal Arı ◽

Hüseyin Özkamçı ◽

İbrahim Can

Keyword(s):

Test Performance ◽

Position Effect ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Recovery Test ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

Maximal Aerobic Speed ◽

Soccer Teams ◽

Level 1 ◽

The One ◽

One Way Anova

Background and Study Aim. The aerobic fitness in soccer is an important performance component. The aerobic endurance level of players may positively effect performance of critical match activities. The examination of Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (YYIRT) performance of young soccer players at different playing positions was aimed in this study. Material and Methods. The research group was consisted of 75 young soccer players playing at U-21 category of professional soccer teams at different leagues. The soccer players at 5 different playing positions participated in study voluntarily (centerback: n=15, fullback: midfielder: n=15, winger: n=15, forward: n=15). The YYIRT (level 1) was performed for determination aerobic endurance parameters (covered distance during test, maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and maximal aerobic speed (MAS) of players. The one-way ANOVA analysis was used for comparison between playing positions of YYIRT parameters. Results. It was determined that difference between YYIRT parameters of players at different playing positions was non-significant (p>0.05). However, the midfielders covered more distance (2425,33±440,42 m) than forward (2146,67±339,64 m), winger (2137,33±615,18 m), fullback (2056,00±512,43 m) and centerback (1960,00±313,51 m) players. The positional requirements of midfielders may be decisive on covered distance during YYIRT. Conclusions. Consequently, it may be said that the young soccer players at different playing positions had similar YYIRT performance and the playing position effect on YYIRT performance could vary depending on league level and individual features of players.

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Soccer Post-Match Recovery – a Review of the Evidence on Static Stretching

10.20944/preprints201807.0173.v1 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Ryan Sciacchitano

Keyword(s):

Muscle Soreness ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Technical Skills ◽

The Body ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Static Stretching ◽

Delayed Onset ◽

Recovery Strategies ◽

And Performance ◽

High Level

Soccer is the most played sport worldwide, with over 265 million participants. It is an incredibly demanding sport, with many different technical skills and physical loads placed on the body. This makes post-match recovery strategies amongst high level soccer players of great importance. The aim of this review is to summarize the existing literature on stretching for post-match recovery, examining its relation to injury prevention, Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), and performance. Scientific evidence of the highest quality and relevance was extracted and reviewed. Despite its common practice, evidence does not support static stretching as a modality to improve recovery post-match amongst soccer players. Larger trials with important outcome measures are needed to determine if a post-match stretching regimen to facilitate recovery exists.

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Straight-Line and Change-of-Direction Intermittent Running in Professional Soccer Players

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2016-0318 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 562-567 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Mohamed S. Fessi ◽

Fayçal Farhat ◽

Alexandre Dellal ◽

James J. Malone ◽

Wassim Moalla

Keyword(s):

Heart Rate ◽

Test Performance ◽

T Test ◽

Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Peak Heart Rate ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

Straight Line ◽

The Difference

Purpose: To investigate the difference between straight-line (STL) and change-of-direction (COD) intermittent-running exercises in soccer players. Methods: Seventeen male professional soccer players performed the agility T test and 6 intermittent-running exercises: 10 s at 130% of maximal aerobic speed (MAS) alternated with 10 s of rest (10-10), 15 s at 120% of MAS alternated with 15 s of rest (15-15), and 30 s at 110% of MAS alternated with 30 s of rest (30-30) both in STL and with COD. All exercises were monitored using a global positioning system. Heart rate was measured during exercises, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was collected postexercise. The difference (Δ) between covered distance in STL and COD exercises at a similar load was calculated, and relationships between T test and Δ distance were analyzed. Results: COD intermittent exercises showed a significantly decreased distance covered and an increase in the number of accelerations, peak heart rate, and RPE compared with STL intermittent exercises at a similar load. High relationships were observed between T-test performance and Δ distance in 10-10 (r = .72, P < .01) and 15-15 (r = .77, P < .01), whereas no significant relationships were observed between T-test performance and Δ distance in 30-30 (r = −.37, P = .2). Conclusion: Intermittent COD exercises were associated with higher acceleration, peak heart rate, and RPE than STL during 10-10 and 15-15 exercises. The ability to rapidly change direction is crucial to perform intense sport-specific running in professional soccer players.

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Excess of Mixed-Footedness among Professional Soccer Players

Perceptual and Motor Skills ◽

10.2466/pms.2002.94.2.695 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 94 (2) ◽

pp. 695-699 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

George Grouios ◽

Nikos Kollias ◽

Irini Koidou ◽

Anastasia Poderi

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Genetic Predisposition ◽

Motor Skill ◽

Lower Extremities ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

And Performance ◽

High Skill

This study concerns the distribution of footedness among professional soccer players ( n = 415) and nonsporting university students ( n = 430). Chisquared showed that there were statistically significant differences between the proportion of mixed-footedness in the two groups ( p <.0001). It appears that mixed-footedness or the ability to use both feet with an almost equal consistency is an important factor in the potential of individuals to reach high skill in soccer play. The mixed-footedness of these professional soccer players can be understood best in terms of both the nature of the game and genetic predisposition. This result is of direct interest in the context of those activities in which structural and functional biases in the lower extremities are important variables in acquisition and performance of motor skill.

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