Brazilian Championship Research Articles

ANÁLISE DO PERFIL DE ATLETAS DE CANOAGEM PARALÍMPICA COM A RESILIÊNCIA E PERCEPÇÃO DE RENDIMENTO ESPORTIVO: UMA PERSPECTIVA LINEAR E DE REDES BAYESIANAS

The objective of this study was to analyze the profile of Paralympic canoeing athletes with resilience and perception of performance, as well as to compare the variables depending on gender and medal-winning and non-medal-winning athletes. This is a descriptive and quantitative study with a cross-sectional design, in which 40 athletes of both sexes with physical-motor disabilities and active in the 2023 Brazilian Paralympic canoeing championship participated. The instruments used were: anamnesis; Resilience Scale in Sport and the Sport Performance Perception Questionnaire. Descriptive analyzes were carried out to characterize the sample, as well as Shapiro-Wilk and Mann-Whitney linear inferential tests and non-linear Bayesian network analysis for comparisons. The majority of the sample was made up of: male athletes; athletes with paraplegia; and competitors from both disciplines (KL and VL). Of the 40 athletes, 22 were medalists in the 2023 Brazilian championship. The results indicated that women are more sensitive to the variables of resilience and perception of performance, but men showed higher levels of perception. When athletes win a medal, they tend to perceive themselves better and be more resilient. It is concluded that the way they perceive their performance and resilience directly influences their performance, and it is important that targeted psychological interventions are carried out. Therefore, profiling the athletes is advantageous in terms of gathering more information and understanding the entire environment and factors that can influence the final result of the competition, where any detail can make the difference between victory and defeat. Received: 2024/09/24 Reformulated: 2024/12/12 Accepted: 2024/12/12

Characteristics of physical performance in professional female soccer athletes during a national competition

Objectives: Identify the descriptive characteristics of physical performance in different positions, compare physical performance between the first and second half of the match, and determine the association between physical performance variables in professional female soccer athletes during a national competition. Method: Fourteen professional women's soccer players participated in the study. Data from fifteen matches of the A1 division of the 2023 Brazilian Championship were collected using GPS devices. Athletes who participated in at least one complete match during the championship's classificatory phase were included. Results: The forwards and midfielders have covered greater distances at high and low intensity and maintained a higher average speed than the other positions. However, all positions have reached similar maximum speed values (25.9 ± 1.9 km/h). Significant differences were found between the first and second halves favourable to the first half for total distance (Δ = -9.7%; p = .002), distance per minute (Δ = -7.8%; p = .010), and sprint distance (Δ = -11.4%; p = .000), but not for maximum speed (Δ = -0.4%; p = .728). Pearson's correlation coefficient indicated associations between physical performance variables ranging from 0.567 to 0.850. Conclusions: Based on a descriptive analysis, it is suggested that different positions of professional female soccer athletes presented different physical demands during the competition. Lower performance was observed in the second half compared to the first for total distance, distance per minute, and sprint distance, but not for maximum speed. Moderate to high associations were also observed between physical performance variables.

Influence of ACTN3 R577X Polymorphism on Blood Creatine Kinase Levels Relative to Number of Sprints in Brazilian Professional Soccer Players.

This study sought to assess how post-game creatine kinase (CK) levels correlate with the number of sprints and the impact of the ACTN3 polymorphism on this response. This research constituted a descriptive/observational, retrospective cross-sectional study. DNA was extracted from blood samples for ACTN3 polymorphism genotyping. CK was measured 48 h after official matches, and the number of sprints (>19 km/h) was tracked using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. The main cohort included 23 professional soccer players from the top tier of the Brazilian Championship. We analyzed 115 GPS + CK data sets. The replication cohort comprised 18 professional soccer players from the First Division of the Championship, had the same methodology applied, and featured a total of 90 GPS (sprints > 25.2 km/h) + CK data sets. For the main cohort, a significant positive correlation was seen between the number of sprints and the CK levels (p = 0.009). Athletes with the ACTN3 RR genotype had higher CK levels as more sprints were performed during the match (p = 0.017). However, the relationship was not found for X allele carriers (p > 0.05). For the replication cohort, there was a near-significant correlation between CK levels and the number of sprints (p = 0.05), and RR individuals showed a significant association (p = 0.01), whereas X allele carriers did not (p = 0.06). A greater number of sprints during matches is linked to higher CK levels, primarily among players with the ACTN3 RR genotype, which is potentially due to an increased presence of type II muscle fibers. These findings were replicated for both cohorts of elite Brazilian soccer players, emphasizing the importance of genetic factors in injury prevention.

Goldfit Soccer: A Multidimensional Model for Talent Identification of Young Soccer Players

ABSTRACT Studies have provided empirical evidence on the prognostic relevance of test batteries and the “coach’s eye” for talent identification. The aims were 1) to compare objective and subjective assessments as well as a combined soccer-specific potential index between future selected and non-selected players and 2) to evaluate the prognostic validity of a multidimensional model as a tool for talent identification in soccer. The sample was composed by 132 male players (14,5 ± 1,4 years; regional competitive level) from U13 to U17 age groups of a Brazilian soccer talent development program. Athletes completed a multidimensional test battery and were subjectively rated by their coaches for sporting potential. Players’ success was evaluated five years later and was operationalized by achieving under-20 category of the Brazilian Championship or adult professional level (success rate, 15.9%). Confirming univariate prognostic validity, future selected outperformed non-selected players regarding 20-m sprint (p = .009), agility (p = .04), countermovement jump (p = .04), sit-and-reach (p = .001), Yo-Yo IR1 (p = .001), dribbling (p < .001), perceived competence (p = .007), peaking under pressure (p = .01), confidence/motivation (p = .03), coping skills (p = .03), intangibles (p < .001) and player potential (p < .001). A combined index (objective tests, athlete’s assessments and coach’s eye) named Gold Score Soccer (GSS) showed high prognostic validity (p < .001). A binary logistic regression estimated the probability of success (yes/not) with GSS, ambidextrous and predicted age at peak height velocity as predictors. This multidimensional model named GoldFit Soccer showed high prognostic validity (sensitivity = 85.7%; specificity = 83.8%; accuracy = 84.1%; area under the ROC curve = .93 [.87–.98]). Thus, GoldFit Soccer is a valid multidimensional scientific model for talent identification in soccer.

Ankle Sprains in Brazilian Professional Soccer: Epidemiological Analysis of 126,357 Match Hours.

Objective This study aimed to perform an epidemiological analysis of ankle sprains in professional soccer players in Brazil. Methods This prospective epidemiological study analyzed ankle sprains in professional male soccer athletes during the Brazilian Championship and the Paulista Football Championship from 2016 to 2019. All on-pitch medical care provided in official matches was recorded. The variables evaluated included the age and position of the player, injury diagnosis, pitch site where the injury occurred, playing time, imaging tests performed, surgical treatment, time away from competitions, and injury recurrence. We assessed the incidence of injuries according to the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) incidence formula. Results Ankle sprains represented 10.17% of total injuries, with a FIFA index equal to 2,002. Lateral ligament injuries represented 53.75% of all sprains. The forwards were the most injured athletes, with 86 lesions. The midfield had the highest number of sprains (75.50%). Almost half (47.04%) of sprains occurred in the final 15 minutes of each half-time. Injuries recurred in 31.22% of cases, and 7.11% of injuries underwent surgical treatment. The average time away from competitions was 13.95 days. Conclusions Ankle sprains are common injuries in soccer. Although the average time to return to sport is brief, these injuries have a high recurrence rate and are potentially surgical, leading to a longer time off competitions.

DOPING CONTROL IN MALE SOCCER PLAYERS IN BRAZIL: 10 YEARS OF FOLLOW-UP.

To understand the Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) that have occurred in Brazilian soccer in a recent 10-year period, comparing them to international data, to know the Brazilian profile. A review of the AAR in the Doping Control Commission database of the Brazilian Football Association from 2008 to 2017. The AAR in professional male soccer players between 2008 and 2017 were considered. The sample selected in this research was composed of 40,092 doping tests, with 113 AAR, identified in 18 different competitions (0.28%) in the professional category, in Brazilian national and state competitions between 2008 and 2017, flagged in doping control exams through urine samples. Stimulants were detected most frequently (31.0%), followed by glucocorticoids (21.2%), diuretics, and masking agents (19.5%). The Brazilian Championship series did not show a relationship with any of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) groups of substances. Series A showed 0.07% of AAR, Series B 0.21%, Series C 0.75% and Series D 1.49. The rate of AAR in Brazilian soccer was 0.28%, lower than the average for all soccer worldwide, and shows similar percentages among field positions. Stimulants were the most prevalent drugs. The national elite soccer competitions showed significantly fewer cases than the lower divisions. Level of Evidence II; Retrospective Study.

Characterization of football injuries: A retrospective study with athletes from a Brazilian championship

Characterization of football injuries: A retrospective study with athletes from a Brazilian championship

Comparison among U-17, U-20, and Professional Female Soccer in the GPS Profiles during Brazilian Championships

The purpose of this study was to compare and characterize the physical demand of official matches among under-17 (U-17), under-20 (U-20), and professional (Pro) female soccer players. All matches were from the U-17, U-20, and Pro National Brazilian Championships. Fourteen Pro matches, nine U-20 matches, and four U-17 matches were analyzed. The external load was measured by the global positioning system (GPS) and the internal workload was assessed by the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) multiplied by the duration of the match. The activity profiles measured were total distance covered (km), total sprint distance (m) (speed > 18 km·h-1), number of accelerations and decelerations (between 1 and 2 m·s-2 and >3 m·s-2), and top speed (km·h-1). For the analysis, we standardized all the metrics (except the top speed) by the time (in minutes) played. The Pro group presented higher sprint distances, number of accelerations and decelerations, and top speeds, compared to U-20 and U-17. There was no difference in the total distance among groups, and there was no difference in any GPS metrics between U-20 and U-17. The RPE was higher in Pro and U-17, compared to U-20; however, the workload-RPE was higher in Pro, compared to both U-17 and U-20 groups. These findings provide important information for the evolution of physical performance according to age categories in elite female soccer players.

A Pilot Study on the Prediction of Non-Contact Muscle Injuries Based on ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D Polymorphisms in Professional Soccer Athletes.

Muscle injuries are among the main reasons for medical leavings of soccer athletes, being a major concern within professional teams and their prevention associated with sport success. Several factors are associated with a greater predisposition to injury, and genetic background is increasingly being investigated. The aim of this study was to analyze whether ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D polymorphisms are predictors of the incidence and severity of muscle injury in professional soccer athletes from Brazil, individually and in association. Eighty-three professional athletes from the first and second divisions of the Brazilian Championship were evaluated regarding the polymorphisms through blood samples. Nighty-nine muscle injuries were identified during the seasons of 2018, 2019 and 2020 and categorized according to severity. ACTN3 XX individuals had a higher frequency of severe injuries compared to the RX and RR genotypes (p = 0.001), and in the dominant model (compared to RX+RR), with p < 0.001. The trend p-value test showed an increased number of injuries/season following the order XX > RX > RR (p = 0.045). Those with the ACE II genotype had almost 2 fold the number of injuries per season compared to those with the ID+DD genotypes (p = 0.03). Logistic regression showed that the polymorphisms are predictors of the development of severe injury (ACTN3 R577X model with p = 0.004, R2: 0.259; ACE I/D model with p = 0.045, R2: 0.163), where ACTN3 XX individuals were more likely to suffer from severe injury (OR: 5.141, 95% CI: 1.472-17.961, p = 0.010). The combination of the ACTN3 577X allele and the ACE II genotype showed an increased number of injuries per season, enhanced by 100% (1.682 injuries/season versus 0.868 injuries/season, p = 0.016). Our findings suggest that both polymorphisms ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D (and their interaction) are associated with the susceptibility and severity of non-contact muscle injury in soccer players.

Memórias e modalidades boleiras do torcer

“Brasil na Arquibancada” is a Project conceived in 2011 by Ludens (Interdisciplinary Research Center on Football and Playful Modalities), linked to the Department of History at University of São Paulo. From May to December 2012, a group of investigators focused on the 40 clubs that, at the time, competed in the Brazilian Championships of Series B and C, in order to capture how cheering modalities in Brazil on the eve of the World Cup from the 2014 FIFA World. This text, in addition to initially commenting on some aspects of the project, offers three memorialists reports in chronicle format, seeking to present to the readership some temporalities and spatiality of the 3rd national football, in cities of the States of Minas Gerais and São Paulo.

Does the Number of Substitutions Used during the Matches Affect the Recovery Status and the Physical and Technical Performance of Elite Women's Soccer?

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a new rule for substitutions (four and five) with the rule before the COVID-19 pandemic (up to three) on recovery status, physical and technical performance, internal workload, and recovery process in elite women soccer players. Thirty-eight matches from 2019 to 2020 from the Brazilian Championships were analyzed. All data for the two conditions (≤3 and 4–5 substitutions) were compared using an independent t-test. The physical demands measured by a global positioning system (GPS) and the technical (obtained from Instat) and internal workload (rating of perceived exertion [RPE]) were assessed. The recovery process was measured by the total quality recovery (TQR) 24 h after each match. No differences were observed in any physical and technical parameters between 4–5 and ≤3 substitutions (p > 0.05). Moreover, 4–5 substitutions demonstrated lower RPE (p < 0.001) and workload-RPE (p < 0.001), higher TQR (p = 0.008), and lower time played by the player (p < 0.001), compared to ≤3. Thus, the new provisory rule for substitutions improved the balance between stress and recovery.

Training, anthropometric, and physical performance profiles of players in the U19 men's volleyball at different in-game role

The evolution of its rules has made the demands of different court in-game role more specific in terms of skills. However, it is unclear whether players in the U19 men's volleyball already have specifics according to their in-game role. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the training profiles, anthropometric profiles, and physical performance profiles of male volleyball players aged under 19 at different in-game role. The 353 volleyball players (16.89 ± 0.76 years) were evaluated prior to the Brazilian U19 men's state team championship games. The training profiles were evaluated using a questionnaire; the anthropometric profile was obtained by analyzing the body mass, body height, and arm span; and the physical performance profile was measured by changes in direction, sprint, block jump reach, and spike jump reach tests. One-way ANOVA test was used to compare players' in-game role, with a significance of α&lt;0.05. Opposite hitters and middle blockers had less experience with volleyball (p &lt; 0.001), but higher values for the anthropometric profile measurements (p &lt; 0.001). In addition, the block jump reach and spike jump reach from these in-game role were higher than the setters and liberos (p &lt; 0.001). Thus, male players in the U19 category of volleyball already have some specificities, and profile assessments can be performed to assist in choosing their in-game role.

The effect of crowd support: home advantage in football is reduced during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic

Abstract As support from other people can influence human behaviour, one may ask how the absence of crowd attendance influences the performance of football (i.e., soccer) players. I address this question by contrasting matches of the Brazilian Championship (1st and 2nd Divisions) in 2019 and 2020, years in which crowd attendance was prohibited in order to fight the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. In the 1st Division, home advantage decreased from 2019 to 2020, as teams that used to play for larger crowds had lower performance at home in 2020. However, no decrease in home advantage occurred in the 2nd Division in the same period. One explanation for this difference is that the beneficial effects of crowd support are more effective in the 1st Division, where players are used to receiving support from larger crowds. Therefore, while fan support can influence the behaviour/performance of players, this may not always happen.

Application of motor learning and neuroscience knowledge in basketball training: case report of an under-13 winner team of the Brazilian and Sulamerican championships

This case report shows how scientific knowledge produced in Motor Learning and Neuroscience areas were applied in the training of an under-13 basketball team. The performance of five athletes was analyzed in two competitions in which the team won, the Sulamerican and Brazilian championships of the 2017 season. In the present study, less repetitive practice, control over activity length and reduced extrinsic feedback were incorporated into the daily training of the basketball athletes in order to promote better motor learning, as described by studies in the Motor Learning field. The results suggested that the training geared towards factors that contribute to processes related to slow learning during a period of eleven months was enough to bring about positive changes in collective and individual performances. In addition to improved performance, a change in tactical behavior was observed through the decentralization of moves inside the key, an aspect that reflects the better use of the offense zone. The adaptation of the theoretical knowledge to the training seems to impacts positively in the performance of the athletes in all variables evaluated.

Analysis of tactical behavior in full- and small-sided games: Comparing professional and youth academy athletes to enhance player development in soccer

The present study aims to compare the tactical behavior of youth academy and professional players, in order to ascertain the contribution of full- and small-sided games for the development process. One hundred and eighty individuals were selected from three age groups (U-8, U-10 and U-12). A competition was held in which all teams faced each other once in each format (Full- and Small-Sided Games). In addition, 9 matches of the 2018 Brazilian Championship were analyzed. The paired t tests, Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests was performed to the comparison between the tactical behavior of youth academy players in each game format with the professional players (p &lt; 0.05). Youth academy matches generated more and shorter offensive sequences, interactions were less frequent and less variable, and players cooperated less with one another. In the small-sided game, specifically, there was a demand for ball circulation in terms of velocity and amplitude similar to that of professional matches. Elements were found that support the need to use small-sided games in training, as it provides similar stimuli to what players will find in the professional category in the future. The speed and width of ball circulation, a large number of shots on goal, and the constant exchanges of ball possession - which helps in the development of cooperative and oppositional relationships between the phases and moments of the game - are enough elements to sustain that the game settings discussed here are beneficial for player development.

Does the type of set and final score change time indicators in beach volleyball? A study during Brazilian school championship

This study aimed to compare temporal indicators according to the type of set and final score difference. Twenty-five teams of male beach volleyball players (15 – 17 years old) competed in Brazilian School Championship, national stage. 21 matches, 42 sets, and 1374 rallies were observed. The variables analyzed were rally duration, rest time between rallies, total work time, total rest time, duration of the set, rest time : work time ratio, and the number of rallies. Time indicators were compared between the type of set (1st set Vs. 2nd set) and balance categories according to the difference in the final score (unbalanced, moderate balance, and balanced), using t-test and one-way ANOVA, respectively. No significant difference was found between the 1st and 2nd set, although a moderate effect was observed in total work time between sets. Moreover, the final score difference influences the duration of set, total work time, and total work-rest show a linear tendency between balanced levels. The temporal indicators do not seem to change concerning the type of set. However, there is a tendency for an increase in working time from the 1st to the 2nd set. Finally, the score influences the duration of the set, total work time, and total rest time, without modifying the effort : rest ratio.

Market value of Brazilian soccer players that played 2020 series A and B of the Brazilian championship: an analysis based on quarters of birth and playing position

Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of RAE in soccer players from different positions in Series A and B in 2020 Brazilian soccer, as well as the impact of RAE on the estimated market value of these players. Methods: Data from 1080 male elite soccer athletes were analyzed. Athletes were grouped according to birth quarters: Q1 (January-March), Q2 (April-June), Q3 (July-September), and Q4 (October-December) and the competitive level (Series A or B). Chi-square tests (χ2) were performed to compare the birthdates’ distribution of athletes according to a competitive level and playing positions. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the market values of players born in each of the quarters of the year across competitive levels and playing positions. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: The overall analyses showed the prevalence of RAE in Series A and B, with an overrepresentation of athletes born in the first two quarters of the year. The RAE analysis based on playing positions showed different from expected distributions for forwards, midfielders, and defenders in Series A. In Series B, only midfielders showed a difference from the expected distribution. As for the market values analyses, no differences were found based on the athletes’ birth quarters, regardless of competitive level or playing position. Conclusion: Our results indicate that, although RAE is prevalent in Series A and B of elite Brazilian soccer, it does not seem to influence players’ estimated market values.

MULTIPLE CHOICE METHOD WITH GENETIC ALGORITHM FOR THE FORMATION OF SOCCER TEAMS

For soccer managers, player selection lineups are a key process for better performance, both on financial and sports matters. However, to determine a quality solution to this problem it becomes more complex, as the number of alternatives and criteria increases and the number of viable solutions grows ex ponentially. This paper proposes a multicriteria method with genetic algorithm for the evaluation of soccer teams based on Brazilian Championship data. A team complementation percentage was calculated con sidering a total of 322 athletes and 18 criteria. The results presented a 3-6-1 format as the ideal for this case study, obtaining a team complementation value of 43.04%. The method adaptability for the decision-maker is highlighted, showing it was possible to determinate the most complementary team according to the desired tactical formation and importance attributed for each criterion.

An Analysis Safe Protocols Employed in Professional Male Soccer and the Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the 2020 Brazilian Championship

The COVID-19 pandemic directly reached and impacted upon elite sports and caused the postponement of sporting events globally. In order to enable the return of activities, protocols were created with recommendations to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. The objective of this work is to analyze and compare the safe return protocols of major football leagues and associations to those of the Brazilian Championship, as well as to survey the numbers of COVID-19 outbreaks in clubs that competed in the 2020 Brazilian Championship Series A. The documentary research was carried out through the analysis of articles published on open-source football league and federation websites. National and international return protocols were verified, as well as the documenting of isolated cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 in the Brazilian Championship. In the Brazilian Championship, the return to play occurred at a time when COVID-19 case numbers were rising, a fact that, together with the decentralization of the match cities, was likely linked to the number of positive cases. A total of 302 positive cases of COVID-19 were identified in 14 outbreaks during the competition. Therefore, this work identifies good practice and underscores the need to reassess and refine the protocols to minimize the impacts of COVID-19 going forward.

Is it Profitable to Compete for the Elite of the Brazilian Championships?

This study aims to verify if it is profitable to play in the first division and if all clubs in the second division should aspire to move up. The population of this research refers to the 20 clubs from the B series of the Brazilian Football Championship during the exercises of 2017, 2018 and 2019. The research adopted quantile regression as a technique. As a result, there is the influence of the independent variable access on the variation of the dependent variable gross revenue of clubs – in a positive way. The theoretical implication is to investigate the reality of clubs in the second division. In the practical field, one can see the importance of increasing the revenues of clubs in the second division so that clubs are more financially balanced, the construction of competitiveness between clubs and, consequently, a more attractive first division. Clubs will not feel compelled to aspire to the first division at any cost, which can lessen risky financial behavior.