Analyses Between Field-test Outcome And Match-related Physical Performance In Elite Youth Soccer Players

Abstract

BACKGROUND: How field-test results are associated with match-related physical performance is understudied, especially in elite youth soccer players. PURPOSE: To investigate relationship between field-test outcome and physical performance during official soccer matches in elite youth soccer players. METHODS: During pre-season, elite youth soccer players (n = 27; age = 17.1±0.9 years; height = 177.9±7.4 cm; weight = 71.0±5.5 kg) performed field tests including running acceleration on 5 m (AC5) and 10 m (AC10), maximal speed running (MSR), Agility 505 with turning on dominant (A505D) and non-dominant leg (A505N), and Yo-Yo test level 1 (Yo-Yo). Following the field-test, the same players wore GPS devices (GPSports Canberra, Australia) in 12 official soccer matches. The GPS can measure total distance covered (TDC), distance covered in different speed zones (Z1-Z6), high-metabolic load distance (HMLD), maximum speed (MS), acceleration (ACC) and deceleration (DCC) in different effort zones (EZ1-EZ3)Pearson correlation analysis and canonical correlation were used to find an association, and paired sampled test was employed to compare 1st and 2nd half differences. RESULTS: Results revealed significant, moderate correlation between AC5 and ACCEZ3 in 2nd half (r=.450, p=.02), AC10 vs ACCEZ1in 1st,2nd half and full match (r=.453, r=.390, r=.444), S10 vs ACCEZ2 in 1st half (r=.382, p=.049), AC10 vs ACCEZ3 in 2nd half (r=.543, p=.003). Yo-Yo test outcome was strongly correlated with TDC in match (r=.871, p=.000) and TDC in both halves (1st: r=.871, p=.000, 2nd: r=.723, p=.000). Significant correlation was found between Yo-Yo and HMLD (r=.758, p=.000) and HMLD for both halves (1st: r=.695, p=.000, 2nd: r=.707, p=.000). Canonical correlation (Rc) between field test variables and match performing was .940 (Rc2=.884). The highest canonical loading were: TDC (-.971), HMLD (-.818), YoYo (-.972). The highest cross loadings variables were: TDC (-.913), HMLD (-.769), and YoYo (-.914). CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified several pre-season field tests that were associated with match-related physical performance. An intermittent exercise capacity was the strongest predictor for physical match performance in youth elite soccer players. Supported by GACR19-12150S, UNCE HUM32