Comparison of Running Distance Variables and Body Load in Competitions Based on Their Results: A Full-Season Study of Professional Soccer Players.

Hadi Nobari,Jorge Pérez-Gómez,Rafael Oliveira,Luca Paolo Ardigò,Filipe Manuel Clemente,João Paulo Brito

doi:10.3390/ijerph18042077

Abstract

The aims of this study were to compare the external workload in win, draw and defeat matches and to compare first and second halves in the Iranian Premier League. Observations on individual match performance measures were undertaken on thirteen outfield players (age, 28.6 ± 2.7 years; height, 182.1 ± 8.6 cm; body mass, 75.3 ± 8.2 kg; BMI, 22.6 ± 0.7 kg/m2) competing in the Iranian Premier League. High-speed activities selected for analysis included total duration of matches, total distance, average speed, high-speed running distance, sprint distance, maximal speed and GPS-derived body load data. In general, there were higher workloads in win matches when compared with draw or defeat for all variables; higher workloads in the first halves of win and draw matches; higher total distance, high-speed running distance and body load in the second half in defeat matches. Specifically, lower average speed was found in matches with a win than with draw or defeat (p < 0.05). Sprint distance was higher in the first half of win than defeat matches and high-speed running distance was lower in draw than defeat matches (all, p < 0.05). In addition, first half presented higher values for all variables, regardless of the match result. Specifically, high-speed running distance was higher in the first half of matches with a win (p = 0.08) and total distance was higher in the first half of matches with a draw (p = 0.012). In conclusion, match result influences the external workload demands and must be considered in subsequent training sessions and matches.

Highlights

The study found higher workloads in win matches when compared with draw or defeat for all variables
It was found higher workloads in the first halves of win and draw matches, but in defeat matches, higher total distance, high-speed running distance (HSRD) and body load (BL) was found in the second halves
The present results must be considered in subsequent training sessions and matches and will help to better periodization training load through the full-season

Summary

Introduction

Quantification of training/match load represents an important procedure for adjusting training stimuli provided to players for the demands of the match [1,2]. The load quantification provide the researcher with clearer statistics, and help coaches and sports scientists to gather more comprehensive performance data. Interest has grown in this area of study over the last decades as it enables sports scientists to identify the current demands placed on players in competition and apply data to training and testing protocols [3].

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion