Recovery Kinetics After Speed-Endurance Training in Male Soccer Players.

Abstract

To determine the recovery kinetics of performance, muscle damage, and neuromuscular fatigue following 2 speed-endurance production training (SEPT) protocols in soccer. Ten well-trained, male soccer athletes randomly completed 3 trials: work-to-rest ratio (SEPT) 1:5, SEPT/1:8, and a control trial. Training load during SEPT was monitored using global positioning system and heart-rate monitors. Performance (isokinetic strength of knee extensors and flexors, speed, and countermovement jump) and muscle damage (delayed-onset muscle soreness [DOMS] and creatine kinase) were evaluated at baseline and at 0, 24, 48 and 72h posttraining. Maximal voluntary contraction (fatigue index) of knee extensors and flexors was additionally assessed at 1, 2, and 3h posttraining. Fatigue increased (P < .05) in SEPT/1:5 (∼4-30%) for 3h and in SEPT/1:8 (∼8-17%) for 2h. Strength performance declined (P < .05) in both SEPT trials (∼5-20%) for 48h. Speed decreased (∼4-18%; P < .05) for 72h in SEPT/1:5 and for 48h in SEPT/1:8. Countermovement-jump performance decreased (∼7-12%; P < .05) in both SEPT trials for 24h. DOMS increased (P < .05) in SEPT/1:5 (∼2-fold) for 72 and in SEPT/1:8 (∼1- to 2-fold) for 48h. Creatine kinase increased (∼1- to 2-fold, P < .05) in both SEPT trials for 72h. SEPT induces short-term neuromuscular fatigue; provokes a prolonged deterioration of strength (48h), speed (72h), and jump performance (24h); and is associated with a prolonged (72-h) rise of DOMS and creatine kinase. Time for recovery is reduced when longer work-to-rest ratios are applied. Fitness status may affect quality of SEPT and recovery kinetics.