scholarly journals Mandatory lockdown impairs performance in professional soccer players.

2022 ◽  
Vol 18 (67) ◽  
pp. 28-42
Author(s):  
Iván Peña-González ◽  
Alejandro Javaloyes ◽  
Fidel Agulló ◽  
Manuel Sempere ◽  
Aitor Soler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Training Programs ◽  
High Variability ◽  
Physical Workload ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Professional Football ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Sport Competition ◽  
Individual Self ◽  
The Impact

COVID-19 caused a total halt in sport competition during 2020. The purpose of this study was to analyze the changes between pre- and post-lockdown competitive periods in the players’ workload variables in competition. Seventeen professional football players were monitored using a WIMU PRO® inertial device throughout the 2019-20 season. Anthropometric and physical fitness were assessed with the aim to relate possible associations between these characteristics and the workload changes in the pre- and post-lockdown periods. During the lockdown, players carried out an 8-week guided self-training. There was a general decrement in the players’ physical workload demands in competition, and the parameters related to high-intensity actions as accelerations and decelerations (-8.96% [ES: 0.64] and -11.04% [ES: 0.77] respectively; p < .05), Ind HSR (-35.57% [ES: 0.92]; p = .002), HMLD (-8.58% [ES: 0.66]; p = .016), PLOAD (-7.03% [ES: 0.54]; p = .047) and Vmax (-3.80% [ES: 0.65]; p = .016) can be highlighted. The results showed high negative correlations between match workload variables prior to the lockdown and the percentage of change in these variables after the lockdown period. Individual percentages of change showed high variability in players’ changes. Individual self-training programs should be reviewed to minimize the impact of a “detraining” period in players’ physical performance during possible new lockdown periods.

scholarly journals Does Resisted Sled Towing Improve the Physical Qualities of Elite Youth Soccer Players of Differing Maturity Status?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rhys Morris ◽  
Tony Myers ◽  
Stacey Emmonds ◽  
Dave Singleton ◽  
Kevin Till
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Bayesian Regression ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Height Velocity ◽  
Regression To The Mean ◽  
Peak Height Velocity ◽  
Maturity Group ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Purpose Sled towing has been shown to be an effective method to enhance the physical qualities in youth athletes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a 6-week sled towing intervention on muscular strength, speed and power in elite youth soccer players of differing maturity status. Method Seventy-three male elite youth soccer players aged 12–18 years (Pre-Peak Height Velocity [PHV] n = 25; Circa-PHV n = 24; Post-PHV n = 24) from one professional soccer academy participated in this study. Sprint assessments (10 m and 30 m), countermovement jump and isometric mid-thigh pull were undertaken before (T1) and after (T2) a 6-week intervention. The training intervention consisted of 6 weeks (2 × per week, 10 sprints over 20 m distance) of resisted sled towing (linear progression 10%–30% of body mass) during the competitive season. Bayesian regression models analysed differences between T1 and T2 within each maturity group. Results There were minimal changes in strength, speed and power (P = 0.35–0.80) for each maturity group across the 6-week intervention. Where there were changes with greater certainty, they are unlikely to represent real effect due to higher regression to the mean (RTM). Conclusion It appears that a 6-week sled towing training programme with loadings of 10%–30% body mass only maintains physical qualities in elite youth soccer players pre-, circa-, and post-PHV. Further research is required to determine the effectiveness of this training method in long-term athletic development programmes.

scholarly journals The Impact of Circadian Misalignment on Athletic Performance in Professional Football Players

SLEEP ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 36 (12) ◽  
pp. 1999-2001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger S. Smith ◽  
Bradley Efron ◽  
Cheri D. Mah ◽  
Atul Malhotra
Keyword(s):  
Athletic Performance ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Professional Football ◽  
Circadian Misalignment ◽  
The Impact

Postural stability in one leg standing on dominant and non-dominant leg in professional soccer players

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (77) ◽  
pp. 53-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Przemysław Dębski ◽  
Jacek Mielańczyk ◽  
Rafał Gnat
Keyword(s):  
Postural Stability ◽  
Football Player ◽  
The Body ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Balance System ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Sport Competition ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Stability

Stability plays a key role in the sport competition in football. Synchronized operation stabilization of the lower limb and trunk of the support with the dynamic movement of the contralateral limbs allow you to perform tasks specific to the discipline, eg. variety kicking of the ball. Purpose. The aim of the study was to evaluate differences in the capabilities to maintain postural stability in standing on one leg dominant and non-dominant leg with professional players including grouping variables: age, height, weight, volume of training aimed at improving the stability and general internship of football player career. Although commonly assumed that the non-dominant leg is predisposed to act more effective support for the body, the work to date have failed to identify indicated differentiation. It should be noted, however, that they were carried out on small trials in people less active, or among amateur athletes. Basic procedures. The study involved 31 professional soccer players from 1 to 5 level of division. In order to assess postural stability, each of the test performed three times a standard stability test consisting of three 20-second attempt to maintain balance on one leg becoming dominant and non-dominant leg on stabilometric platform BIODEX Balance System. For each of the lower limbs test was repeated three times. Assessment were average angular range deflections platform in the two reference planes, and the volatility of these deflections. These parameters were treated as a measure of postural stability of the respondents. Main findings. In the whole group of patients, no statistically significant differences in the possibilities to maintain postural stability in standing on one leg dominant and non-dominant leg. No significant differences were also detected when considering grouping variables. Conclusions. The results do not indicate a significant difference in the ability to maintain postural stability in standing on one leg dominant and non-dominant leg in professional soccer players.

Characteristics of Potential Concussive Events in Three Elite Soccer Tournaments

Neurology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 95 (20 Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. S10.2-S10
Author(s):  
Nicholas Charles Armstrong
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injuries ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Common Mechanism ◽  
Temporal Region ◽  
Mechanism Of Injury ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Chronic Effects ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Acute And Chronic Effects

ObjectiveTo determine the characteristics of potential concussive events (PCEs) in professional soccer.BackgroundSoccer players are at risk of sustaining sport-related concussions. The acute and chronic effects of concussive and sub-concussive impacts to the head are potentially detrimental to both players and healthcare systems worldwide. Identifying patterns in the nature and characteristics of these injuries may help sporting organizations understand how to reduce the burden of sport-related brain injuries.Design/MethodsThe present study analyzed the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups (WC), and the 2016 Euro Cup (EC). Between the three tournaments, a total of 179 professional international matches were played. The researchers collected data pertaining to PCEs including mechanism of injury, location on the head, and number of concussion symptoms.ResultsA total of 237 PCEs were identified over 179 matches (1.32 per match, 40.12 per 1,000 hours of exposure). The most common mechanism of injury was elbow-to-head (n = 68, 28.7%), followed by head-to-head (n = 55, 23.2%) and hand/fist-to-head (n = 36, 15.2%). The impact locations most frequently affected were the frontal region (n = 54, 22.8%), followed by the parietal and occipital regions (n = 47, 19.8%), temporal region (n = 46, 19.4%), anterior surface of the mandible (n = 43, 18.1%), and nasal/maxilla region (n = 39, 16.5%). Most players (n = 210, 88.6%) showed two or more signs of concussion.ConclusionsOur study intended to investigate the prevalence, identification and nature of PCEs in professional soccer tournaments. Our findings indicate that different contexts and mechanisms of head contact and contact to different regions of the head can be associated with varying signs of concussion. Ultimately, promoting and enforcing enhanced concussion prevention initiatives in elite soccer can have an impact at all levels of the game. These findings may assist physicians, athletes, soccer organizations and other stakeholders worldwide with the care of injured players and the implementation of new rules and regulations to better protect their players.

scholarly journals The Effect of Short-Time Pre-Season Intensive, Neuromuscular Training on Postural Stability on Elite Football Players

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (11_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967114S0020
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Kowalczyk ◽  
Natalia Łoboda ◽  
Robert Śmigielski ◽  
Marcin Popieluch
Keyword(s):  
Postural Balance ◽  
Postural Stability ◽  
Center Of Pressure ◽  
Sport Performance ◽  
Neuromuscular Training ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Professional Football ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Somatosensory Information ◽  
Short Time

Objectives: Adequate neuromuscular training is proven to be of enormous importance in the prevention of injuries. It enhances the ability to use somatosensory information, which improves postural capabilities, reduces injury ratios and improves player’s sport performance. We hypothesized that a short-time (3 week) intensive neuromuscular training would significantly improve postural balance of professional football players. We also hypothesized that the non-dominant leg of football players would show a better level of stability than the dominant leg (kicking leg). Methods: Sixteen professional soccer players participated in the study. They were tested before and after the 3-week training period. The controlled grup consisted of 20 players that were tested twice in 3-week period. The study was performed with a use of stabliographic platform, which is based on the measurement and analysis of center of pressure movement (COP). Players were tested during one leg stance with eyes opened and closed. Results: After a period of neuromuscular training football players show statistically better postural control (p <0.05) for both the dominant and non-dominant leg for the test with eyes open and also comparing to the controlled group. The non-dominant leg did not show a better level of stability than the dominant leg. Conclusion: The postural stability of professional football players was better after the 3-week intensive neuromuscular training. A combination of balance, coordination, agility, core and trunk control appears to be a successful training schedule to improve postural balance and reduce injury in football.

scholarly journals Left Atrial Mechanical Functions in Professional Soccer Players: A Pilot Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (11) ◽  
pp. 141
Author(s):  
Alper Kartal ◽  
Hasan Güngör ◽  
Reşat Kartal ◽  
Esin Ergin
Keyword(s):  
Left Atrium ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Professional Football ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Atrial Contraction

Long-term regular exercise is associated with physiologic and morphologic alterations in the heart chambers. The aim of this study to evaluate left atrium (LA) phasic functions in professional football players and compare with control subjects. Left atrial volume was calculated at end-systole (Vmax), end-diastole and pre-atrial contraction by echocardiography in 20 professional male football players (mean age, 20.15+2.11 years) and 20 male control subjects (mean age, 22.3+1.49 years). Echocardiographic assessments were per­formed were performed using the criteria of the American Society of Echocardiography. The following LAVs were measured: maximal volume (Vmax), minimal volume (Vmin) and LAV before atrial contraction (VpreA) at the onset of the P wave of the simultaneously recorded ECG. Left atrial ejection fraction (LAEF), expansion index (LAEI), active emptying volume index (LAAEVI) and fraction(LAAEFr), passive emptying volume index (LAPEVI) and fraction (LAPEFr) were calculated. Baseline characteristics, demographics, two dimensional and tissue Doppler echocardiographic parameters were not statistically significant between the groups (Table 1). Both groups were similar in terms of Vmax index but Vmin index and VpreA index were significantly higher in football players. LAEF, LAEI, LAAEVI and LAAEFr were lesser in football player but they were not statistically significant. Also LAPEVI and LAPEFr were similar in both groups (Table 2). Professional football playing can be associated with morphologic alteration in left atrium mechanical functions. Further prospective, randomized, controlled trials with long term follow-up are necessary to make more robust interpretations of this issue.

scholarly journals Air Pollutants Reduce The Physical Activity Of Professional Soccer Players.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michał Zacharko ◽  
Robert Cichowicz ◽  
Marcin Andrzejewski ◽  
Paweł Chmura ◽  
Edward Kowalczuk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Air Pollutants ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Considerable Problem ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Sporting Performance

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the impact of air quality – analyzed on the basis of the model of integrating three types of air pollutants (ozone – O3, particulate matter - PM, nitrogen dioxide – NO2) – on the physical activity of soccer players. Study material consisted of 8927 individual match observations of 461 players competing in the German Bundesliga during the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 domestic seasons. The measured indices included players’ physical activities: total distance (TD) and high intensity effort (HIE). Statistical analysis showed that with increasing levels of air pollution, both TD (F = 13.900(3); p = 0.001) and HIE (F = 8.060(3); p = 0.001) decrease significantly. The worsening of just one parameter of air pollution results in a significant reduction in performance. This is important information as air pollution is currently a considerable problem for many countries. Improving air quality during training sessions and sports competitions will result in better well-being and sporting performance of athletes, and will also help protect athletes from negative health effects caused by air pollution.

scholarly journals Performance of Professional Soccer Players before and after COVID-19 Infection; Observational Study with an Emphasis on Graduated Return to Play

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11688
Author(s):  
Anamarija Jurcev Savicevic ◽  
Jasna Nincevic ◽  
Sime Versic ◽  
Sarah Cuschieri ◽  
Ante Bandalovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Intensity ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Moderate Effect Size ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Pcr Test

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in sport has been the subject of numerous studies over the past two years. However, knowledge about the direct impact of COVID-19 infection on the performance of athletes is limited, and the importance of studies on this topic is crucial during the current pandemic era. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the match running performance (MRP) of professional soccer players that occurred as a result of COVID-19 infection after fulfilling all of the prerequisites for a safe return to play (RTP). The participants were 47 professional soccer players from a team which competed in first Croatian division (21.6 years old on average) during the 2020/21 season. The total sample was divided into two subgroups based on the results of a PCR test for COVID-19, where 31 players tested positive (infected) and 16 tested negative. We observed the PCR test results (positive vs. negative PCR), the number of days needed to return to the team, number of days needed to RTP after quarantine and isolation, and MRP (10 variables measured by a global positioning system). The number of days where the infected players were not included in the team ranged from 7 to 51 (Median: 12). Significant pre- to post-COVID differences in MRP for infected players were only found for high-intensity accelerations and high-intensity decelerations (t-test = 2.11 and 2.13, respectively; p < 0.05, moderate effect size differences), with poorer performance in the post-COVID period. Since a decrease of the MRP as a result of COVID-19 infection was only noted in two variables, we can highlight appropriateness of the applied RTP. However, further adaptations and improvements of the RTP are needed with regard to high-intensity activities.

scholarly journals Effects of Unloaded vs. Ankle-Loaded Plyometric Training on the Physical Fitness of U-17 Male Soccer Players

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (21) ◽  
pp. 7877
Author(s):  
Mehrez Hammami ◽  
Nawel Gaamouri ◽  
Katsuhiko Suzuki ◽  
Ridha Aouadi ◽  
Roy J. Shephard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Plyometric Training ◽  
Recovery Test ◽  
Change Of Direction ◽  
Performance Group ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

The aim of this study was to compare the impact of two differing plyometric training programs (loaded plyometrics (with 2.5% of body mass placed above the ankle joint) vs. unloaded plyometrics), performed biweekly for 10 weeks, on the physical fitness of elite junior male soccer players. Participants aged 16.0 ± 0.5 years were randomly assigned between unloaded plyometrics (UP; n = 12), loaded plyometrics (LP; n = 14) and control (C; n = 12) groups. Two-way analyses of performance (group x time) were assessed by 40-m sprint times; 9–3–6–3–9 m sprints with 180° turns (S180°); 9–3–6–3–9 m sprints with backward and forward running (SBF); and 4 × 5 m sprints (S4 × 5 m); four jump tests; measures of static and dynamic balance; repeated change of direction tests and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test. Both LP and UP enhanced sprinting performance relative to C (p < 0.05) but performance increased more in LP relative to UP (p < 0.05) in all sprints except 40 m. Change of direction times were also significantly shortened by LP relative to UP (p < 0.05) and C (p < 0.01) in all tests, with no significant differences between UP and C. Jumps heights increased similarly in both LP and UP relative to C (p < 0.05), with no significance between LP and UP. LP and UP also enhanced repeated change of direction scores relative to C (p < 0.01) with greater changes in LP than in UP (p < 0.01). Finally, LP enhanced some balance scores relative to UP (p < 0.05) and C (p < 0.05). We conclude that the introduction of 10 weeks of in-season loaded plyometrics into the regimen of U17 male soccer players yields gains in several physical performance scores relative to either unloaded plyometrics or the control training regimen.

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