Playing Non-Professional Football in COVID-19 Time: A Narrative Review of Recommendations, Considerations, and Best Practices

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020 resulted in widespread interruption of team sports training and competitions. Our aim was to review the recommendations and best practices in return to play in non-professional football after activity lockdown. The authors searched two electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science) to extract studies published before September 15 2020. Twenty studies explained recommendations, considerations, or best practices in return to play in football, and all of them were clustered into three groups: (1) training load management (n = 10), (2) medical recommendations (n = 9), and (3) recovery related issues (n = 5). The way to establish a progression in training process should be based on training load management and managing the number of stimuli per time. Following the studies, this training process should be divided into three phases: phase 1—physical distancing should be maintained; phases 2 and 3—group training should start. Medical considerations were clustered into different groups: general, pre- and post- training, during training, education, planning to return to competition, and suggestions for post confinement weeks. In particular, social issues, strict hygiene questions, and continuous PCR testing should be considered in return to play over football season. Finally, since a correlation has been found between high-intensive training loads and immunoglobulin A, nutritional and lifestyle recovery strategies should be performed. Moreover, since immunosuppression has been related to congested schedules (<72 h between matches), football federations should avoid this situation.

Download Full-text

Relationship between Training Load Management and Immunoglobulin A to Avoid Immunosuppression after Soccer Training and Competition: A Theoretical Framework Based on COVID-19 for Athletes’ Healthcare

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9070856 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 856

Author(s):

Markel Rico-González ◽

José Pino-Ortega ◽

Filipe Manuel Clemente ◽

Naia Bustamante-Hernández

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Immunoglobulin A ◽

Training Load ◽

Return To Play ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Load Management ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Qualitative Synthesis ◽

Salivary Iga ◽

Repeated Sprint

Immunoglobulin A (IgA), which is the main effector against upper respiratory tract viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been related to training load management. The aim of this systematic review was to establish the relationship between training load and salivary IgA based on current evidence in order to avoid immunosuppression after exercise and players´ vulnerability to virus contagion. A systematic review of relevant articles was carried out using two electronic databases (PubMed and Web of Science) until 19 May 2021. From a total of 127 studies initially found, 23 were included in the qualitative synthesis. These studies were clustered depending on stress level. The salivary IgA was analysed considering soccer-specific treadmill exercise and repeated sprint drills (n = 5), matches (n = 7), and during certain periods during the season or pre-season (n = 11). Repeated sprint ability tests and treadmill exercises are suitable exercises for the first steps on return to play periods yet still maintain social distance. A rest or moderate training sessions (technical/tactical) are suggested after official matches to ensure 16–18 h to recover IgA levels, while periods with multiple matches per week with limited recovery time should be avoided. Weekly training load should assume a small increment (<10%) to ensure IgA immune responses, especially, during the post coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) season.

Download Full-text

Part I: Relationship among Training Load Management, Salivary Immunoglobulin A, and Upper Respiratory Tract Infection in Team Sport: A Systematic Review

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9040366 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 366

Author(s):

Markel Rico-González ◽

Filipe Manuel Clemente ◽

Rafael Oliveira ◽

Naia Bustamante-Hernández ◽

José Pino-Ortega

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Tract Infection ◽

Respiratory Tract ◽

High Intensity ◽

Immunoglobulin A ◽

Team Sports ◽

Training Load ◽

Load Management ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Upper Respiratory

Immunoglobulin A (IgA), which is the first line of defense against upper respiratory tract viruses, has been related with training load management. This article aimed to systematically identify and summarize (1) the studies that have found a relationship between training load and salivary IgA in team sports, and (2) the studies that have highlighted a relationship between IgA and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in team sports. A systematic review of relevant articles was carried out using two electronic databases (PubMed and WoK) until 3 October 2020. From a total of 174 studies initially found, 24 were included in the qualitative synthesis. This systematic review confirmed that lower values of IgA occurred after greater training load (intensity/volume) and congested periods. In this scenario, a low level of IgA was correlated with higher URTI, which makes training load management mandatory to healthcare avoiding immunosuppression. Therefore, physical fitness and conditioning coaches should carefully manage training load progression, avoiding high-intensity sessions in two consecutive days. In addition, they should not program high-intensity training sessions during at least the two days following competition

Download Full-text

Within-Subject Correlation Between Salivary IgA and Measures of Training Load in Elite Football Players

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2018-0455 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (6) ◽

pp. 847-849 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Pedro Figueiredo ◽

George P. Nassis ◽

João Brito

Keyword(s):

High Speed ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Immunoglobulin A ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Training Load ◽

Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽

Football Players ◽

Positioning Systems ◽

External Training ◽

Salivary Secretory Immunoglobulin A

Purpose: To quantify the association between salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and training load in elite football players. Methods: Data were obtained on 4 consecutive days during the preparation camp for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Saliva samples of 18 elite male football players were collected prior to breakfast. The session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE) and external training-load metrics from global positioning systems (GPS) were recorded. Within-subject correlation coefficients between training load and sIgA concentration, and magnitude of relationships, were calculated. Results: sIgA presented moderate to large negative correlations with s-RPE (r = −.39), total distance covered (r = −.55), accelerations (r = −.52), and decelerations (r = −.48). Trivial to small associations were detected between sIgA and distance covered per minute (r = .01), high-speed distance (r = −.23), and number of sprints (r = −.18). sIgA displayed a likely moderate decrease from day 1 to day 2 (d = −0.7) but increased on day 3 (d = 0.6). The training-load variables had moderate to very large rises from day 1 to day 2 (d = 0.7 to 3.2) but lowered from day 2 to day 3 (d = −5.0 to −0.4), except for distance per minute (d = 0.8) and sprints (unclear). On day 3, all training-load variables had small to large increments compared with day 1 (d = 0.4 to 1.5), except for accelerations (d = −0.8) and decelerations (unclear). Conclusions: In elite football, sIgA might be more responsive to training volume than to intensity. External load such as GPS-derived variables presented stronger association with sIgA than with s-RPE. sIgA can be used as an additional objective tool in monitoring football players.

Download Full-text

Delivering Quality Motivational Interviewing Training: A Survey of MI Trainers

Motivational Interviewing Training Research Implementation Practice ◽

10.5195/mitrip.2012.8 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 16-24 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Michael B. Madson ◽

Claire Lane ◽

Jeremy J. Noble

Keyword(s):

Adult Learning ◽

Best Practices ◽

Motivational Interviewing ◽

Mixed Method ◽

Training Process ◽

Stages Of Learning ◽

Future Focus

The MI community places an emphasis on attempting to understand the training process. Yet little is known about what MI trainers perceive as the important variables in training MI. A mixed method survey of 92 members of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers was used to elicit important variables to consider in providing quality MI training. Based on results, it appears that MI trainers are familiar with Miller and Moyers’ (2006) eight stages of learning MI and used them to develop trainings. However, the respondents reported that they do not use these stages to evaluate trainings. Moreover, the respondents emphasized the importance of trainee and trainer variables in organizing trainings. They also provided varied opinions regarding the important ingredients in developing MI competency. The authors discuss the need for further empirical exploration of the important training ingredients and the eight stages model. Finally, the need for exploration of how these ingredients help trainees develop competency and future focus on the integration of best practices in adult learning is discussed.

Download Full-text

External Training Load Monitoring and the Impact on Training Load Management in Collegiate Male Soccer Players

The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research ◽

10.1519/jsc.0000000000004080 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol Publish Ahead of Print ◽

Author(s):

Jacob R. Gdovin ◽

Riley Galloway ◽

Lorenzo S. Tomasiello ◽

Michael Seabolt ◽

Robert Booker

Keyword(s):

Training Load ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Load Management ◽

Load Monitoring ◽

External Training ◽

The Impact

Download Full-text

The Influence of Exercise Modality on Training Load Management

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2021-0022 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-4

Author(s):

Øyvind Sandbakk ◽

Thomas Haugen ◽

Gertjan Ettema

Keyword(s):

Endurance Training ◽

Endurance Exercise ◽

Weight Bearing ◽

Training Load ◽

Moderate Intensity ◽

Load Management ◽

Endurance Sports ◽

Exercise Modality ◽

Speed Skating ◽

Volume Tolerance

Purpose: To provide novel insight regarding the influence of exercise modality on training load management by (1) providing a theoretical framework for the impact of physiological and biomechanical mechanisms associated with different exercise modalities on training load management in endurance exercise and (2) comparing effort-matched low-intensity training sessions performed by top-level athletes in endurance sports with similar energy demands. Practical Applications and Conclusions: The ability to perform endurance training with manageable muscular loads and low injury risks in different exercise modalities is influenced both by mechanical factors and by muscular state and coordination, which interrelate in optimizing power production while reducing friction and/or drag. Consequently, the choice of exercise modality in endurance training influences effort beyond commonly used external and internal load measurements and should be considered alongside duration, frequency, and intensity when managing training load. By comparing effort-matched low- to moderate-intensity sessions performed by top-level athletes in endurance sports, this study exemplifies how endurance exercise with varying modalities leads to different tolerable volumes. For example, the weight-bearing exercise and high-impact forces in long-distance running put high loads on muscles and tendons, leading to relatively low training volume tolerance. In speed skating, the flexed knee and hip position required for effective speed skating leads to occlusion of thighs and low volume tolerance. In contrast, the non-weight-bearing, low-contraction exercises in cycling or swimming allow for large volumes in the specific exercise modalities. Overall, these differences have major implications on training load management in sports.

Download Full-text

New Wearable Heart Rate Monitor for Contact Sports and Its Potential to Change Training Load Management

2019 41st Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC) ◽

10.1109/embc.2019.8857595 ◽

2019 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yuichi Higuchi ◽

Naoki Saijo ◽

Takako Ishihara ◽

Tomohiro Usui ◽

Takahiro Murakami ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Rate ◽

Training Load ◽

Load Management ◽

Heart Rate Monitor ◽

Contact Sports

Download Full-text

MRI characteristics of adductor longus lesions in professional football players and prognostic factors for return to play

European Journal of Radiology ◽

10.1016/j.ejrad.2018.09.018 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 108 ◽

pp. 52-58 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

G. Pezzotta ◽

A. Pecorelli ◽

G. Querques ◽

S. Biancardi ◽

C. Morzenti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prognostic Factors ◽

Return To Play ◽

Football Players ◽

Professional Football ◽

Mri Characteristics ◽

Adductor Longus

Download Full-text

Percutaneous needle electrolysis and exercise reduce the time for return to competition after an injury to the hamstrings: Two cases in professional football players

Revista Fisioterapia Invasiva ◽

10.1055/s-0039-3402501 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 02 (02) ◽

pp. 121-122 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jiménez Rubio S. ◽

Valera Garrido F. ◽

Minaya Muñoz F. ◽

Navandar A.

Keyword(s):

Combined Treatment ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Neuromuscular Control ◽

Lower Limbs ◽

Return To Play ◽

Football Players ◽

Professional Football ◽

Intervention Protocol ◽

Functional Exercise ◽

Return To Competition

Abstract Background and Aims Percutaneous needle electrolysis has shown to be effective for the treatment of chronic tendinopathies, however, the scientific evidence available regarding acute muscle lesions is scarce. Lesions to the hamstrings caused by indirect mechanisms represent the most common muscle lesion in football (its incidence increases each year) with a high rate of recurrence. The aim was to evaluate whether the application of percutaneous needle electrolysis and a program of functional exercise decreases the times for return to competition after an injury to the hamstrings in athletes, and to compare performance data of subjects during competition before and after the injury. Methods A case series. Two professional football players, belonging to a first league team in Spain with a grade 2 lesion in the semitendinosus muscle on the proximal level. The affected muscle structure was assessed using ultrasound (Logiq GE E9, probe ML6–12) and functionality was evaluated based on data of the Global Positioning System (GPS), comparing the data obtained during the process of re-adaptation with data prior to the lesion. Percutaneous needle electrolysis was performed under ultrasound guidance at 48 hours after the injury following the protocol defined by Valera & Minaya (2:3:5). The indoor recovery of players began 24 hours after the percutaneous needle electrolysis. Initially, the exercise program included activities of mobility and controlled loading. Thereafter, the players completed their readaptation program in the training field with exercises of progressive complexity and intensity (biomechanical patterns and neuromuscular control of the central zone and the lower limbs, sprint). Results Player A returned to competition in 16 days, player B returned in 14 days. No adverse effects were identified during or after the percutaneous needle electrolysis technique. The players only missed one competition game and the process of readaptation allowed them to return to play registering parameters which were similar to the values prior to the lesion, and maintaining the performance during the four matches following the intervention protocol. The players were followed up to eight months after the injury and neither player suffered a relapse during this period, which indicates the complete recovery of the injured muscle both on a structural and functional level. Conclusions The combined treatment using percutaneous needle electrolysis and a functional exercise program reduces the time for return to competition after a grade 2 muscle lesion in the hamstrings, with a level of performance that is similar to prior to the lesion, without relapses, in an 8 month follow up period. The criteria we use to determine when a player can return to train with the team and compete after an acute muscle injury are: the time that has passed since the lesion, structural changes and the ability to perform tasks.

Download Full-text